Fresh off a triumphant summer festival run, The Halo Effect have surprised fans with the release of a brand-new cover: a powerful reimagining of Kent’s beloved 1997 hit If You Were Here (originally released in Swedish as Om du var här).
The track, chosen by bassist Peter Iwers, pays tribute to one of Sweden’s most influential alternative pop-rock bands. Infused with Mikael Stanne’s soaring clean vocals, driving bass, and the band’s unmistakable melodic metal sound, the cover honors Kent’s emotive original while carrying The Halo Effect’s signature intensity.
Reflecting on the release, Iwers shares:
“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 stream the song on all major platforms here and watch the official visualizer here.
With this unexpected release, the question lingers, is there more to come?