March of the Unheard sees The Halo Effect cement their position as modern torchbearers of melodic death metal while expanding their sound to embrace both the old and the new. Following the massive success of Days of the Lost, this sophomore album not only lives up to expectations but transcends them, offering a masterclass in both nostalgic nods and forward-thinking artistry.
The opening track, “Conspire to Deceive”, kicks things off with an intricate, melodic guitar lead that quickly plunges into a storm of riffs. Mikael Stanne’s ferocious growls weave seamlessly with the impeccable rhythm work of Peter Iwers and Daniel Svensson, while Jesper Strömblad and Niclas Engelin’s dual-guitar interplay is pure melodic gold. The structure of the song recalls the triumphant, galloping energy of classic Iron Maiden while retaining the grit and heaviness that defines Swedish death metal.
The intensity ramps up with “Detonate”, a blistering, riff-driven assault that showcases The Halo Effect at their heaviest. The intricate melodies never feel overindulgent, adding layers of richness to the song’s relentless tempo. “Our Channel to the Darkness”, on the other hand, offers a dynamic shift. Its acoustic intro sets a hauntingly serene tone before erupting into a crushing onslaught of riffs, highlighting the band’s ability to balance tranquility and chaos.
Tracks like “Cruel Perception” and “What We Become” emphasize the band’s melodic sensibilities, with twin guitar harmonies soaring above Svensson’s thunderous drumming. The addition of clean vocals, particularly on “Forever Astray” and “Between Directions”, showcases Stanne’s impressive range, adding emotional depth to the album’s ferocity.
Interludes like “This Curse of Silence” and the closing “Coda” offer breathing room amidst the chaos, serving as moments of reflection and atmosphere. “A Death That Becomes Us” stands out as a nostalgic nod to In Flames’ early years, with a riff that feels both familiar and fresh, while “The Burning Point” delivers relentless energy with its galloping groove and precision drumming.
What truly elevates March of the Unheard is the band’s ability to blend technical prowess with raw emotion. Each track feels purposeful, whether it’s the fiery riffing, the melancholic melodies, or the introspective lyrics. The musicianship is impeccable, but it never overshadows the album’s heart.
In short, March of the Unheard is an essential listen for fans of melodic death metal. It’s a testament to The Halo Effect’s ability to honor their roots while pushing the genre into new territories. This is not just an album—it’s a statement that melodic death metal is alive, thriving, and evolving.
Tracklist:
- Conspire To Decieve
- Detonate
- Our Channel To The Darkness
- Cruel Perception
- What We Become
- This Curse Of Silence
- March Of The Unheard
- Forever Astray
- Between Directions
- A Death That Becomes Us
- The Burning Point
- 12. Coda
