Rising Swedish “adventure rock” stars, Hällas, return with an evocative, feel-good blend of nostalgic 70’s hard rock, prog, proto-metal, folk and psychedelic influences on their third studio album, Isle Of Wisdom, out today via Napalm Records.
Isle Of Wisdom starts with synthy “Birth Into Darkness”, with an incredibly clever topline from the one of a kind vocals of singer and bassist Tommy Alexandersson. The musical journey continues with the mystical single “Earl’s Theme” embellished by choral voices, and proceeds with exceptional “Elusion’s Gate” - a piece that, by making room for the guitar lines of Alexander Moraitis and Marcus Petersson, highlights the overall epic and mysterious atmosphere of the album. Isle Of Wisdom was produced in collaboration with Linn Fijal and Vilma Colling at Riksmixningsverket studio, which has hosted the diverse likes of Arch Enemy, ABBA and Celine Dion. Comprised of eight bold opuses, Isle Of Wisdom is a deft new step in the noteworthy sonic trajectory of Hällas, cementing them as a band to watch.
This collection of fresh tracks allows the listener to emerge in a brand new realm soaked in mystery and retro atmosphere - key features of Hällas’ fantasy and sci-fi driven auditory aesthetic.
Hällas on Isle Of Wisdom: "An escape from unwanted happenings doesn't always lead you towards the better as danger can be found in any universe or time. Welcome to the Isle of Wisdom."
Isle Of Wisdom is available in the following formats:
- Die Hard Edition - 1LP Gatefold Marbled Violet/Black + poster and slipmat (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive - limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 1LP Gatefold Purple (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive - limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- 1LP Gatefold Black
- CD Digipak
- Digital Album
Order here, and watch a new visualizer for the song "The Inner Chamber" below.
Tracklisting:
"Birth/Into Darkness"
"Advent Of Dawn"
"Earl's Theme"
"The Inner Chamber"
"Elusion's Gate"
"Gallivants (Of Space)"
"Stygian Depths"
"The Wind Carries The Word"
"The Inner Chamber" visualizer:
“Elusion’s Gate” video:
"Earl's Theme" visualizer:
"Stygian Depths":
Formed in 2011 and named after the main character featured in the stories of their lyrics - a knight in a parallel medieval universe destined to take part in a religious war caused by a tyrannical queen - Hällas are the originators of the "Adventure Rock" genre, devoting themselves to the aforementioned sonic fusion and eccentric imagery inspired by rock greats of yore with a fantastical twist.
Hällas are:
Tommy Alexandersson - vocals / bass
Marcus Petersson - guitar
Kasper Eriksson - drums / percussion
Nicklas Malmquist - organ / synthesizer
Alexander Moraitis - guitar
(Photo - Marcus Carlsson)
