As the summer festival season winds down after a string of unforgettable performances, The Halo Effect surprise fans with a brand-new release — a cover of the beloved 1997 hit “If You Were Here” by Swedish alternative pop-rock icons Kent (originally released in Swedish as “Om du var här”).
Handpicked by bassist Peter Iwers, the track is a heartfelt tribute to a band that helped shape Sweden’s musical landscape. The Halo Effect’s rendition blends Mikael Stanne’s rich, emotive clean vocals with a hypnotic, pounding bass line and soaring melodic guitars, honoring the song’s essence while infusing it with the band’s signature sound.
Peter Iwers reflects: “Kent was a band that left a mark on many, weaving together pop rock and synth in a way that deeply moved me. This song remains one of my personal favorites. Out of respect for their artistry, we aimed to create our own version without straying too far from the soul of the original.”
Is there more in store…..?
The Halo Effect live:
29/08 – RO, Campulung Muscel – Posada Rock Festival
30/08 – GER, Schramberg-Tennenbrom – Metalacker Festival
21/11 – BU, Sofia – Joy Station
22/11 – TUR, Istanbul – If Besiktas
25/11 – JP, Osaka – Bigcat
26/11 – JP, Tokio – Toyosu Pit
29/11 – FI, Joensuu – Unholy Winterfest
