THE HALO EFFECT Make KENT's 1997 Hit "If You Were Here" More Metal

As the summer festival season winds down following a string of powerful performances, The Halo Effect have surprised fans with a brand-new release — a cover of Kent's beloved 1997 hit "If You Were Here" (originally released in Swedish as "Om du var här"). The choice was a deeply personal one for bassist Peter Iwers, who handpicked the song as a tribute to a band that helped shape Sweden's musical landscape.

The Halo Effect's rendition captures the emotional core of the original while weaving in the band's own melodic death metal sensibilities. Mikael Stanne's rich, heartfelt clean vocals soar over a hypnotic bass line and atmospheric guitar layers, creating a version that feels both reverent and unmistakably their own.

Reflecting on the cover, Iwers shared: "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."

Fans can now stream "If You Were Here" across all platforms and watch the official visualizer, offering a striking new interpretation of one of Sweden's most enduring songs, filtered through the emotional weight and sonic power that define The Halo Effect.

Interestingly, the press release ends by saying "Is there more in store…?" So maybe we're in for a full covers album from The Halo Effect? I'm down.