People can be sniffy about covers. It annoys me when they’re just facsimiles — because the originals are usually better. But do them with love, make them your own, and they absolutely have a place. That’s exactly what The Halo Effect do on “We Are Shadows”.
It’s an interesting concept too: each member has chosen a song that meant something to them personally, and you can hear that connection running through all five tracks.
It kicks off with “I Wanna Be Somebody”, originally by W.A.S.P., picked by rhythm guitarist Jesper Strömblad.
It sounds exactly like what it is — a melodic death metal cover of “I Wanna Be Somebody” — and it works. It always would. Crucially, it doesn’t lose the spirit of the original… and at least they aren’t miming (if you know, you know).
A lot of what follows is less familiar, which only adds to the appeal.
“Dance With The Devil”, chosen by Niclas Engelin, is more interesting again, with a distinct folky edge that takes it somewhere totally different to the original.
“If You Were Here” brings a subtle gothic touch — Pete Iwers’ pick — and it’s not something you’d necessarily expect, but it suits the band perfectly.
That sense of melody carries into the superb “Shoreline”, selected by drummer Daniel Svensson. It’s all about atmosphere and flow, and at times it genuinely sounds like Children of Bodom — and that’s meant as a compliment. It’s a beauty.
The EP closes with a quite superb take on “How The Gods Kill”, chosen by singer Michael Stanne. The Danzig original is untouchable in its own way, but this version proves there’s nothing this band can’t do, and that even a classic can reveal something new when handled properly.
That’s “We Are Shadows”. Covers done right: respectful, personal, and unmistakably their own.
