Hällas - Panorama (2026)
I get what Panorama is aiming for, and I don’t dislike it — I just don’t feel pulled all the way in. The ambition is obvious, especially in the long-form writing and the commitment to classic prog language, but a lot of it lands as familiar rather than gripping. It’s solid, carefully made, and clearly written by people who love this tradition. At the same time, I rarely feel surprised or emotionally cornered by it. I listen, I nod along, and when it’s over I don’t immediately feel the need to go back.
Pros
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Clear prog ambition – Long tracks, thematic continuity, and a willingness to think in album-scale terms.
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Warm, vintage palette – Organs, guitars, and harmonies are well chosen and consistently pleasant.
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Competent execution – Tight performances, no glaring missteps, everything works as intended.
Cons
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Too comfortable in its influences – Leans heavily on ’70s prog codes without really reframing them.
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Limited dramatic payoff – Long passages build atmosphere but don’t always earn a strong arrival.
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Moderate replay pull – Enjoyable while it’s on, but doesn’t linger or demand repeated listens.
Genre: Progressive Rock
Country: Sweden
Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 27th / 83
Highlight: Above the Continuum
Made me think of:
Big Big Train
Camel
Uriah Heep
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