Hällas Live: Adventures in Switzerland
Dynamo - Zurich - March 17, 2026
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Dynamo - Zurich - March 17, 2026 〰️
Heyyyy look who’s back after being sidelined with a cause of the hiatusitis? It’s Chort and Chern! And we’re in the most expensive city in the world, being whisked away by Hällas! A band that he’s been near and dear to the Citadel, ever since we discovered them during a drunken Covid bench-loitering session. We’ve been banging on about this band and their unique ‘adventure rock’ ever since. Nevertheless are beyond pumped to tell YOU all about why it is very important to see this band live.
The Sound of the Quest
They kicked things off with the absolute epic "Above the Continuum," and the immediate standout was the mix. It’s been a looooong time since I heard a band sound this good. So credit to the sound guy or whoever, because damn. Our brain has been rotted so many raw black metal recordings that this was like a drink of cool tasty water (it’s an ingredient in beer). Tommy Alexandersson’s vocals can be a bit polarising to some but man are they perfect for these songs and he really sounds better than ever on stage. He isn't a powerhouse belter; he’s a storyteller… but when he does let loose it is mesmerising. During "The Emissary" and “Bestiaus,” his vocals had that perfect touch of 'weary traveler' grit that makes the fantasy lyrics feel earned rather than cheesy. His bass tone with that clacking, aggressive Rickenbacker growl is the true engine of the band. Looking over at Chort, I tried to claim I could pull off a cape, but we all know I’d just get it caught in a car door.
Guitars were tight and the duo don’t overplay. They weave these intricate, Maiden-esque harmonies that feel more like a medieval tapestry than a metal solo. It’s folk-inflected, sure, but it’s got enough bite to keep the denim-and-leather contingent happy. Plus, the synth is a perfect backdrop that adds a layer to make the songs sound huge and full, with not a sonic moment wasted.
By the time the main set ended with “Carry On” the atmosphere was all pumped. Chort was begrudgingly admitting that 'for a band with zero corpse paint, they actually don't suck.' High praise from the Citadel’s resident cloud-yelling unc. And besides us, the Hällas crowd was a weird, chill, beautiful, mix too - you had the grizzled veterans nodding along next to zoomers who looked like they’d just discovered their dad’s hidden Styx collection.
Of course everyone was happy with the inevitable hit: "Star Rider." It is, quite simply, one of the greatest songs written in the last decade. Hearing the Dynamo crowd sing the infectious chorus back to the band was a reminder of why we congregate in dark hazy rooms on Tuesdays, besides re-enacting the Deer Hunter. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated escapism.
On the setlist…Gutted that “Fading Hero” was not part of it but overall it was a solid selection, expectedly heavy on Panorama. Only other thing I’d want from a band like Hällas is some sort of jam session thing, maybe like an instrumental solo. Seems fitting for this band of adventurers. But what do I know!
Atmospheric Vibes and Financial Ruin
Let’s be real: most "retro-rock" bands are just playing dress-up with a Big Muff pedal and a mediocre Sabbath riff. Then there’s Hällas. I mean there’s still a bit of dress-up but it’s totally rad. The stage and their outfits (And eye shadow) were impeccable. At one point the shadow of a wizard was narrating a story and the several stalagmites (Stalactites??!?) on stage together with the fog gave that questing feel, like being in a Deathstalker movie. Too good. Between the heavy fog and the pulsing oscillators, there’s a distinct "anti-digital" middle finger waving throughout the entire performance.
As the final heraldic chords of the self-titled "Hällas" rang out, we were left standing there like two idiots who’d just stepped out of a wardrobe into Narnia. I nabbed myself a Star Rider mousepad (yes a mousepad!) to play my DOS games and Chort added another patch to his collection. Then we went out to get an extremely overpriced raclette. If you see Hällas in your town, GO! And get ready for some pure musical escapism.
TOTAL SUPPORT! Go to the bandcamp now!
Setlist:
Above the Continuum
Tear of a Traitor
Repentance
The Emissary
Advent Of Dawn
Bestiaus
Stygian Depths
Face Of An Angel
Carry On
• Encore: The Astral Seer, Star Rider, Hällas
