The Halo Effect, a Swedish melodic death metal ensemble, emerged in 2021. It united former members of In Flames—Jesper Strömblad, Niclas Engelin, Peter Iwers, and Daniel Svensson—with Dark Tranquillity’s vocalist, Mikael Stanne. Their debut album, Days of the Lost (2022), paid homage to the classic Gothenburg sound, blending nostalgia with modern metal elements.

Their sophomore release, March of the Unheard (2025), builds upon this foundation, offering a refined and cohesive collection of tracks. The album opens with Conspire to Deceive, evoking the early ’90s Gothenburg scene through melodic yet robust guitar work and Stanne’s commanding growls. This track sets the tone for an album that balances aggression with melody.

Detonate follows, delivering a straightforward, energetic Melodeath experience with a memorable chorus that showcases Stanne’s dynamic vocal range. Our Channel to the Darkness leans towards Dark Tranquillity’s signature style, featuring thrashy riffs and a regal atmosphere that could seamlessly fit into their earlier discography.

The album’s midpoint introduces This Curse of Silence, an interlude that serves as a prelude to the title track. While some may question the necessity of separating these tracks, the interlude effectively sets the stage for March of the Unheard, a composition that blends atmospheric elements with the band’s melodic death metal roots.

Cruel Perception and What We Become continues the album’s exploration of the Gothenburg sound, offering listeners a blend of nostalgia and contemporary metal influences. Forever Astray stands out by incorporating clean vocals, adding depth and variety to the album’s vocal landscape.

Between Directions delves deeper into atmospheric territory, with string arrangements complementing the emotive chorus, resulting in a track that resonates with both old-school and modern metal enthusiasts.

The album concludes with an instrumental piece that, while showcasing the band’s musicianship, may feel like an unnecessary addition to some listeners. At approximately 48 minutes, the album’s length is manageable, though trimming certain instrumental sections could have enhanced its overall impact.

Production-wise, March of the Unheard strikes a balance between polished sound and raw energy, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing Stanne’s vocal performance. The guitar work of Strömblad and Engelin is particularly noteworthy, blending melodic leads with substantial riffs that pay tribute to their musical heritage while incorporating subtle nods to traditional metal influences.

In conclusion, March of the Unheard is a testament to The Halo Effect’s ability to honor the legacy of the Gothenburg sound while infusing it with fresh ideas. The album offers a cohesive listening experience that will appeal to long-time fans of the genre and newcomers alike. By balancing nostalgia with innovation, The Halo Effect has crafted a work that stands as a worthy successor to their debut, solidifying their place in the contemporary metal scene.

Releasedate: 10-01-2024 | Label: Nuclear Blast | Instagram

Tracklist:
01. Conspire To Deceive
02. Detonate
03. Our Channel To The Darkness
04. Cruel Perception
05. What We Become
06. This Curse Of Silence
07. March Of The Unheard
08. Forever Astray
09. Between Directions
10. A Death That Becomes Us
11. The Burning Point
12. Coda