| Written by Alex Stojanovic TRACK LISTING Shadowminds Days Of The Lost The Needless End Conditional In Broken Trust Gateways A Truth Worth Lying For Feel What I Believe Last Of Our Kind (feat. Matt Heafy) The Most Alone Release Date: August 12, 2022 Label: Nuclear Blast Records Website: www.thehaloeffect.band www.facebook.com/thehaloeffectse www.instagram.com/thehaloeffectse |  |
THE HALO EFFECT IS:
Mikael Stanne - Vocals / Jesper Stromblad - Guitars / Niclas Engelin - Guitars
Peter Iwers - Bass / Daniel Svensson - Drums
Mikael Stanne - Vocals / Jesper Stromblad - Guitars / Niclas Engelin - Guitars
Peter Iwers - Bass / Daniel Svensson - Drums
The concept of former members of a famous band from a certain scene joining forces in a totally new band isn't something that's new, but it's something you don't hear about too often. However, it is a cool concept. Only last year, a new band was formed featuring all members synonymous with the Swedish/Gothenburg melodic death metal scene, but all members are former members of In Flames. Mikael Stanne, Niclas Engelin, Jesper Stromblad, Peter Iwers and Daniel Svensson all joined forces in the new band The Halo Effect, and to no surprise, fans were quick to assume that the new band's formation was a response to the current In Flames for the musical direction they've been going in for the last decade. That speculation was quickly shot down by The Halo Effect. This would be something like former members of Megadeth, Annihilator, Iced Earth and Accept forming bands.
With their debut album Days Of The Lost, the first thing people may think of is that it sounds like the music of old In Flames with the vocals of Dark Tranquillity. The guitar work between Jesper Stromblad and Niclas Engelin takes center stage with gut-punching riffs, masterful melodies, and heroic harmonies. Tracks like "Shadowminds", "Days Of The Lost", "Gateways" and "Last Of Our Kind", which features guest vocals from Matt Heafy of Trivium, all bring the best ingredients that the Swedish/Gothenburg sound has had to offer for 3 decades. The only issue is that I think Mikael Stanne could've incorporated his clean voice a bit more. It's one of the elements why tracks like "In Broken Trust" and "A Truth Worth Lying For" stand out in particular. That's not to say the others don't stand out because it's all gutterals, I just feel that he has a very appealing tone to his cleans, that I think they should be showcased some more. There also isn't anything groundbreaking to be found.
It's no surprise that The Halo Effect has picked up momentum rather quickly, having already done their first tour around Europe supporting Machine Head and Amon Amarth. With a very solid debut album and a bunch of shows under their belt already, it's clear that this isn't a one-time project, but a true band that's going to stay around a while. Their schedule obviously depends on when Mikael has down-time from Dark Tranquillity's hectic recording and touring schedule. Look for more from The Halo Effect.
With their debut album Days Of The Lost, the first thing people may think of is that it sounds like the music of old In Flames with the vocals of Dark Tranquillity. The guitar work between Jesper Stromblad and Niclas Engelin takes center stage with gut-punching riffs, masterful melodies, and heroic harmonies. Tracks like "Shadowminds", "Days Of The Lost", "Gateways" and "Last Of Our Kind", which features guest vocals from Matt Heafy of Trivium, all bring the best ingredients that the Swedish/Gothenburg sound has had to offer for 3 decades. The only issue is that I think Mikael Stanne could've incorporated his clean voice a bit more. It's one of the elements why tracks like "In Broken Trust" and "A Truth Worth Lying For" stand out in particular. That's not to say the others don't stand out because it's all gutterals, I just feel that he has a very appealing tone to his cleans, that I think they should be showcased some more. There also isn't anything groundbreaking to be found.
It's no surprise that The Halo Effect has picked up momentum rather quickly, having already done their first tour around Europe supporting Machine Head and Amon Amarth. With a very solid debut album and a bunch of shows under their belt already, it's clear that this isn't a one-time project, but a true band that's going to stay around a while. Their schedule obviously depends on when Mikael has down-time from Dark Tranquillity's hectic recording and touring schedule. Look for more from The Halo Effect.
FINAL RATING
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