THE HALO EFFECT: No Rivalry With IN FLAMES Says Bassist Peter Iwers
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IN FLAMES on Similarities Between “Days of the Lost” and ”Reroute to Remain”: ”We Just Write Music and See What Happens”
Swedish melodic death metal titans IN FLAMES recently saw their latest album, “Days of the Lost,” soar to extraordinary heights, clinching the top spot in the band’s native Sweden and landing at number six in Germany. The album’s success has sparked comparisons to the band’s influential sixth studio album, “Reroute to Remain,” released back in 2002. During a June 2022 interview with the australian podcast “Scars and Guitars,” vocalist Anders Fridén was asked if he perceived “Days of the Lost” as a kind of spiritual successor to “Reroute to Remain.” “Ooh, interesting,” Fridén responded. “‘I haven’t realy thought about it. When you make music, like we do, you tend not to overthink stuff — you just go in and you write music and kind of know that what comes out will sound a certain way as of the style that we are playing and how we are playing and performing our music. So I haven’t really thought about it, but maybe — maybe. It was definitely nothing intentional. We just went in. We had a bunch of ideas and we came out with a bunch of songs that happen to sound a certain way.” He continued, “But none of us really overthought it and it was never meant to ‘it’s gonna sound like this’ or ‘it’s gonna sound like that.’ We just [went], ‘Let’s write this music and see what happens.’ And because of, like I saeid, how we’re playing, it *will* sound a certain way.” guitarist Björn Gelotte chimed in, adding, “A lot of people like to analyze music, and, of course, it sounds Gothenburg metal-ish because we all are from that genre and we are some of the people that kind of created it. So, of course, it will sound Gothenburg metal-ish, IN FLAMES-ish.And then which era, I don’t know. And as Anders said, we don’t really think about how it should sound. This is how we sound today, and with our legacy this is inevitable, that we sound as we do.” fridén offered his perspective as well, stating, “Obviously, people like to do a lot of comparing between us… It’s a difficult topic to discuss because none of us have — even though we’ve all been in IN FLAMES at some point, none of us have really thought about this as what you’re saying. But then a lot of people that we speak to say it. so it’s a little hard to take in, as we’ve been very thorough in just writing music. But I’d say it’s a little flattering to hear it.”## the Halo Effect: Forging Their Own path
**[INTRO MUSIC]**
**HOST:** Welcome back to Archyde, metalheads! Today we’re joined by the talented Peter Iwers, bassist for the mighty The halo Effect. Peter, thanks for joining us.
**PETER IWERS:** Thanks for having me.
**HOST:** Now, as everyone knows, The Halo Effect features a core group of former In Flames members, a band you where a part of for many years. With that kind of lineup, comparisons are inevitable. How do you feel about those comparisons, and how does The Halo Effect differentiate itself from your previous work?
**PETER IWERS:** Of course, people are going to draw those lines. Five guys who played together for so long in In Flames, it’s natural to expect some similarities. But honestly, the Halo Effect wasn’t about recreating the past. We simply wanted to play music together again, and this is the sound that came out.
**HOST:** You mentioned the bond you share with your bandmates. It’s widely known that you maintain a good relationship with Björn Gelotte from In Flames, even co-owning a restaurant together. How importent is that familial atmosphere in shaping the music for The Halo Effect?
**PETER IWERS:** It’s incredibly important. We’ve known each other for decades, thru thick and thin. That genuine connection translates into our music. We’re not afraid to experiment, to push boundaries, because we trust each other’s creative vision.
**HOST:** Speaking of the music, “March of the Unheard,” your upcoming second album, is set to drop very soon. What can fans expect from this release?
**PETER IWERS:** Humanity is heading in a dark direction. Fear and division are rampant. This album reflects those anxieties and frustrations.
**HOST:** I see.The Halo Effect’s debut album, “Days of the Lost,” topped the Swedish charts, a remarkable feat for a debut metal album.Did that success add any pressure when writing “March of the Unheard”?
**PETER IWERS:** Of course, we were thrilled with the reception to “Days of the lost”. It shows that we’re doing something right. But pressure? Not really. We focus on creating music that feels honest and powerful. If people connect with it, that’s a bonus.
**HOST:** Well, fans certainly seem excited, with a European headline tour on the horizon in support of the new album.
**PETER IWERS:** Absolutely! We can’t wait to get back on the road, share this new music with our fans, and prove that The Halo Effect is a force to be reckoned with.
**HOST:** Absolutely. Peter, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. We wish you and The Halo Effect all the very best with the new album and tour!
**PETER IWERS:** Thank you! We look forward to seeing everyone out there.
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**
## The Halo Effect: Forging their Own Path
**[INTRO MUSIC]**
**HOST:** Welcome back to Archyde, metalheads! Today we’re joined by the talented Peter Iwers, bassist for the mighty The Halo Effect. Peter, thanks for being here!
**PETER IWERS:** Thanks for having me!
**HOST:** Of course! The Halo Effect’s debut album, “Days Of The Lost,” reached number one on the Swedish charts, a truly amazing achievement for a debut metal album! Must feel astonishing to see that kind of success.
**PETER IWERS:** Absolutely! it was beyond our wildest dreams. We put our hearts and souls into that album, and it’s fantastic to see it resonate with so many people.
**HOST:** “Days Of The Lost” has drawn comparisons to In Flames,understandably,given the band’s history. How do you feel about those comparisons, and how would you describe The Halo Effect’s sound as distinct from In Flames?
**PETER IWERS:** It’s natural for people to make those comparisons, especially considering the shared past. We were all in In Flames for a long time, and our musical styles are undoubtedly influenced by that experience.
However,the Halo Effect is its own entity. We’ve all evolved as musicians as our In Flames days, and we’re exploring new sonic territory together. Our sound is definitely heavier and more aggressive, with a darker edge.
**HOST:** Speaking of In Flames, you’ve mentioned maintaining a good relationship with Björn Gelotte. It must be a unique experience, navigating your own musical projects while still staying close with your former bandmates.
**PETER IWERS:** It’s definitely been an engaging journey! Björn and I have a strong friendship that extends beyond music. We still run a restaurant together and talk regularly. There’s no rivalry or bad blood between us at all.
**HOST:** That’s fantastic to hear! Now, you guys are gearing up to release “March Of The Unheard,” your second album, in January. What can fans expect from this record?
**PETER IWERS:** I think “March Of The Unheard” takes the intensity of “Days Of The Lost” and pushes it even further. It’s another step forward in our evolution as a band. We’ve experimented with some new
sounds and textures, and I’m realy proud of the final product.
**HOST:** I can’t wait to hear it! And you’ll be hitting the road soon for your first-ever European headlining tour.
**PETER IWERS:** Absolutely! we’re so excited to finally play these songs live for our fans. We’ve got some amazing bands joining us on the tour, PAIN and BLOODRED HOURGLASS, so it’s going to be one hell of a show.
**HOST:** Sounds epic! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you want to share with the Archyde audience?
**PETER IWERS:** Just a huge thank you to all the fans for their incredible support. we wouldn’t be here without you.Keep banging those heads!
**HOST:** Peter, thank you so much for joining us today. We wish you all the best with the new album and the upcoming tour!
**PETER IWERS:** It was my pleasure!
**HOST:** And to our listeners,be sure to check out “March Of The Unheard” when it drops on January 10th,and don’t miss The Halo Effect’s European tour coming soon! Until next time,stay metal!
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**
