Review Summary: New Wave of Proto Heavy Metal
Who the hell opens their album with a 21-minute song in 2026? Naturally, the fearless Hallas! The Swedes seem to have arrived in a time machine from the past and manage the impossible: even though they sound like they’ve come from another era, they fit perfectly in our times, masterfully balancing between the technicality of progressive rock and the energy of hard rock/metal. In simpler terms, they don’t sound like anyone else today, especially on their new album “Panorama”!
“Above the Continuum,” the longest song in their entire discography, is a masterpiece from the very first to the very last second. The surprises start early, with a totally retro disco intro that shocks with its dancefloor boldness straight out of… Eurovision! It’s our ticket into the fascinating world of Hallas, where anything can happen, abrupt yet utterly captivating. Very soon, intoxicating prog rock melodies are uprooted from the ‘70s and brought into 2026, coloring an unforgettable adventure that never feels boring or forced. It’s incredible how countless new layers reveal themselves with every additional listen, without overwhelming or tiring the composition. How many can truly claim that, especially on their first attempt at such an extended piece? Very few. Yes, Eloy, Genesis, and Rush can all puff their chests with pride, because not only is their legacy in excellent hands, but it’s also wrapped in a package perfectly suited for modern audiences.
As if the album’s stunning opening weren’t enough, the irresistibly catchy “Face of an Angel” comes right after, a short film in song form that reveals yet another crucial element about Hallas. The Swedes seem fully aware of their musical identity, and as a result, they deliver their vision without overwhelming the listener. On the contrary, they manage to pull you even deeper into the irresistible rabbit hole they create, especially during the five addictive minutes of “Face of an Angel,” whose chorus takes permanent residence in your brain. Without pause, “The Emissary” raises the intensity, tilting the balance delightfully toward the hard rock side and it’s exactly what we needed! Epic and adventurous enough to transport the listener to faraway lands, yet focused and concise, never dragging on.
With “Panorama,” Hallas seem on a mission to prove that complex compositions can disguise themselves in more accessible packaging. That’s exactly what they do on the atmospheric “Bestiaus,” where they pull the handbrake once again, allowing us to catch our breath. The piano builds the dark ballad’s backbone, and a ticking clock measures our breaths just before the sound of footsteps on wooden floors leads us to the album’s closing track. Behind that door waits “At the Summit,” carrying an aura that echoes the unbridled imagination of Uriah Heep! Ladies and gentlemen, this is how great epic films end: with a crescendo of lyricism and melody, perfectly suited for future Hallas live shows.
“Panorama” radiates the unmistakable vision of Hallas. It reveals the point where all their influences merge outward in balance with their own personal touch. At the same time, it finds the golden mean between musical exploration and accessibility. A rare album, truly beautiful!
