Progressive rock and metal have gone hand in hand with this scribe. Iron Maiden started the journey, looking into their influences to discover the discography of Wishbone Ash, Nektar, Genesis, Kansas and so forth. Even today when checking into Swedish unit Hällas, it’s apparent that these gentlemen have a love for proto-metal, progressive rock, and artists from the 70’s-period on this third album Isle of Wisdom. Listeners can expect a host of keyboards, eclectic chord progressions, airy vocals, and this outer dimension nature to the songs that transports people far away from the doldrums of everyday life.
Equal parts fantasy and medieval in imagery, you can feel that same sense of interplay and adventure on the musical composition side – right away for “Birth into Darkness” the Mark Shelton-esque versatility vocally from bassist Tommy Alexandersson shines through, against the array of organ/keyboard tones and sharp position from Nicklas Malmqvist. The comforting clean twin axe lines allow “Advent of Dawn” to move things in a bombastic vein – specific riffs and measures recalling classic Iron Maiden meets Wishbone Ash, although the calmer midsection gives drummer Kasper Eriksson a chance to flex his creative fill nuances. The record is full of versatility and dynamic surprise – if you want a marching, mid-tempo fight song, “Earl’s Theme” fits the bill, while those who like heavier guitar/organ strains should delight in “Gallivants (Of Space)”. Heightened sense of musicianship development along with catchy, circular melodic runs makes “The Wind Carries the World” a roller coaster closer – the genuine affinity for the four-piece to stretch off a progressive base into Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, and early Genesis/ Yes horizons will keep followers coming back for more.
Diversity is key to understanding the nature of what Hällas gets across – progressive rock and throwback for sure, but aiming to create compositions that have staying power. Isle of Wisdom creates those undeniable earworms in specific vocals and musical parts that engage the listeners – just as the greats of the 70’s and early 80’s did before them.