An old teaching of Buddha holds a great wisdom: "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment" and this is a lesson for many Metal bands. It doesn't matter if you believe in Buddhism of not, because the future you create with your actions in the present, and you must never stay dreaming and desiring to be in the past. The past is over, so you must live in the future. The Swedish quintet HÄLLAS lives in the past, and their album "Excerpts From a Future Past" is a proof of that.

It's a mix of keyboards' parts that sound like the 70s, some guitar duets that are inspired by NWOBHM, but the melodies they create lives in the second half of the 70s and the first years of the 80s. To be honest, this is not a good way to work, because their work sounds alike to many bands, especially URIAH HEEP. They sound pretty melodic and tender, with catchy parts, but it gives that old feeling that "I have heard this before anywhere" that is a bad thing for a band. The vocals need some improvement as well, because they aren't fitting in the band's work.The sound quality tries to align elements from the past with a modern outfit. In the case of this album, the moldy feeling of the 70s and the rawness of the 80s are presented, but not the clear tunes of modern times or a clean sound quality. It is not a loss, but could be done in a better way.

Although it sounds moldy and too retro music, it's not a total loss. The good melodies and 80s energy presented on "Repentance", the good rhythmic changes presented on the short instrumental "Nebulon's Tower" and on "The Golden City of Semyra", and the catchy and tender grasp of "Shadow of the Templar" are their best moments. Improving the vocals parts and getting a modern outfit for their musical work can be a fine way for them.