The Halo Effect Unleashes a Ferocious Cover of W.A.S.P.’s Classic
Swedish metal powerhouse The Halo Effect have taken the music scene by storm with their latest single, a fierce reinterpretation of W.A.S.P.‘s iconic 1984 anthem “I Wanna Be Somebody.” This blistering track, carefully selected by guitarist Jesper Strömblad, represents the band’s third cover and showcases their ongoing exploration of the legendary sounds that have deeply influenced their musical journey.
Announcing the New EP: We Are Shadows
In conjunction with the release of their latest single, The Halo Effect has revealed their upcoming EP, We Are Shadows, set to drop digitally and as a limited vinyl release on November 21. This five-track collection brings together the band’s recent reimaginings of metal classics, blending a deep respect for their influences with a distinct modern edge that is unmistakably their own.
Tracklist of We Are Shadows
- “How The Gods Kill”
- “If You Were Here”
- “I Wanna Be Somebody”
- “Dance With The Devil”
- “Shoreline”
Jesper Strömblad on the Choice of Cover
Reflecting on the decision to cover “I Wanna Be Somebody,” Jesper Strömblad shared his thoughts: “W.A.S.P.‘s aggressive sound and eccentric stage presence have always been a joy to experience. The shock value of tracks like ‘I Fuck Like a Beast’ alongside fun anthems like ‘I Wanna Be Somebody’ and ‘L.O.V.E. Machine’ is both powerful and heavy. The extreme, dramatic, and occasionally controversial nature of W.A.S.P.‘s music was my first encounter with the band, and it has left a lasting impact on me.”
Upcoming European Tour
To celebrate the release of We Are Shadows, The Halo Effect will embark on a massive European tour in early 2026, joining forces with notable acts such as Heaven Shall Burn, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Frozen Soul. Metal fans can look forward to an exhilarating lineup spanning various cities across Europe.
Tour Dates
The tour schedule includes performances at the following venues:
- 2/27 – Hamburg, DE, Inselpark Arena
- 2/28 – Köln, DE, Palladium
- 3/1 – Tilburg, NL, Poppodium 013
- 3/3 – Villeurbanne, FR, Le Transbordeur
- 3/4 – Paris, FR, Élysée Montmartre
- 3/5 – Brussels, BE, Ancienne Belgique
- 3/6 – Stuttgart, DE, Porsche-Arena
- 3/7 – Wiesbaden, DE, Schlachthof
- 3/8 – Zürich, CH, Halle 622
- 3/10 – Trezzo sull’Adda, IT, Live Club
- 3/11 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU, Rockhal Main Hall
- 3/13 – Berlin, DE, Columbiahalle
- 3/14 – Jena, DE, Sparkassen-Arena
- 3/15 – Brno, CZ, Sono Centrum
- 3/17 – Budapest, HU, Barba Negra Csepel
- 3/18 – Kraków, PL, Klub Studio
- 3/19 – Vienna, AT, Gasometer Raiffeisen Halle
- 3/20 – Dresden, DE, Messe Halle 1
- 3/21 – München, DE, Zenith
Conclusion
With their powerful cover of “I Wanna Be Somebody” and the upcoming EP We Are Shadows, The Halo Effect continues to carve out their niche in the metal landscape, paying homage to their influences while forging a path of their own. Fans can anticipate an electrifying experience on their upcoming European tour, promising to be a highlight for metal enthusiasts in 2026.
FAQs
What is the release date for The Halo Effect’s new EP?
The new EP, We Are Shadows, is set to be released on November 21.
What tracks are included in the We Are Shadows EP?
The EP features five tracks: “How The Gods Kill,” “If You Were Here,” “I Wanna Be Somebody,” “Dance With The Devil,” and “Shoreline.”
When is The Halo Effect’s European tour scheduled?
The European tour is set to kick off on February 27, 2026, in Hamburg, DE, and will continue through various cities until March 21, 2026.
