The Halo Effect - March of the Unheard

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Melo Death

I actually care about both releases from this Gothenburg project! However, the newest here I care for even more than their debut, 'Days of the Lost' (2022). The reasons are that the guitars explore even more diversity in the riffing & connectedness at the same time! It's not an oxymoron of a statement, it's actually exploring more creativity here, though both releases I've been really happy with. It's as of no surprise to me though, especially because Jesper when he was in In Flames & Niclas was in Gardenian that their riffs were always powerful & blatantly melodic! This LP is a blend of the melodic death found in more modern recordings by Dark Tranquillity, especially Mikael's switch constantly from screaming to clean, reminiscent of DT's 'Projector' (1999) release.

I got the 15 song digipack with 54+ minutes of music! I'm a little biased here though, as I've favored the Gothenburg scene since its origin, but I AM careful at the same time! I care about the music scene there. However, I favor the music & not so much of these metal band's lyrics. There's only a few modern metal bands where I actually like the lyrics on top of the music!

I would venture to say that these members have been rather busy since their project debut was released in 2022, this being quite an anticipated follow-up! I saw that there are many that are entirely disappointed listeners, just not on my part! I've found them to be entertaining & hugely emotional, I also enjoyed the keyboards augmenting the overall sound!

I hope that these guys continue on for a while longer & to my attention, they are also really good live! Not certain as to why fans are turning away and many referring to them as "has been" musicians. I don't think that at all & I feel the huge emotional vibe in the music/vocals & recording that made this impeccable to me! There really isn't anything I'd change here!

Melodic death refuses to die! Make this album one of your own because it's a testament to that statement! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2025)
Score: 86

https://thehaloeffectse.bandcamp.com/album/march-of-the-unheard

The Halo Effect - Days of the Lost

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Death

I immensely liked this especially since the members and ex-members of my favorite bands are in this. The likes of Dark Tranquillity, Gardenian and In Flames shined on here. They really kicked ass in this melodic death metal onslaught but mild, not brutal. I wouldn't call these members here as "has beens" they are top notch musicians. With those bands and the variety in the music (distorted/clean) guitars it's not for really extreme metal it's more of mild as previously stated. They really put together some great melodies with utmost emotion to the likes of that at least. I liked all the songs I thought that they were well thought out songs.

I was waiting for this to come out and I wasn't disappointed at all. It's pure emotion in the vocals and guitars that are wholly experimental. The band did really good on here it's melodic death but not at all brutal. It's soft-listening. Kind of like the latest Dark Tranquillity 'Moment'. At least that's how they are on a lot of that release. They seemed to feel that the softer the better. I can understand that it doesn't resonate with every melodic death fan but it sure did with me. Jesper is still making music which is good because without him, In Flames took a turn for the absolute worst. It's good he's here.

These guys have produced good music with the guitars, vocals and keys/effects. It may get more negative press because of the tranquil songs wholly emotional but heart-felt. They didn't want something brutal in any aspect and that's apparent. They wanted something filled with diehard melodies and licks. Not a lot of lead guitars on here just harmonies and songs that kind of resemble In Flames-esque especially apparent on the In Flames 'Clayman' LP. That would be where Jesper steps in. But they all sound a mix of all three bands: Dark Tranquillity, Gardenian and In Flames. They just weaved melodic death into it and soared.

I realize that a lot of what I've said is that this release is a positive mark in the melodic death community but just remember it's really not heavy or wholly intense. These guys are making music still, yes but there's absolutely no brutality here. They just wanted something that's mild and diverse. So don't be disappointed that it's not heavier than it is the way it's come out. It's just soft and melodic but diverse and peaceful. I liked it immensely. I wasn't disappointed at all. It's something I needed to hear and it's not all about hard stuff all the time. This release will remind you of that. Check it out! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2022)
Score: 82

https://thehaloeffectse.bandcamp.com/album/days-of-the-lost