Crannk Presents: Peter Iwers of The Halo Effect on March of the Unheard, Brotherhood, and the Power of Music -

Jai That Aussie Metal Guy here with Crannk.com, and what an absolute thrill it was to catch up with Peter Iwers, bassist and driving force behind one of melodic death metal’s most exciting acts, The Halo Effect. For fans of classic In Flames and modern melodic aggression, Peter’s fingerprints on the band’s sound are unmistakable, and with their second album, March of the Unheard, dropping January 10th, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records, the buzz around the band couldn’t be louder.

The follow-up to their 2022 debut, Days of the Lost, March of the Unheard arrives with two singles already making waves: the explosive “Detonate” and the title track itself. For a band made up of five friends who just love playing together, the album manages to balance unrelenting heaviness with soaring melodic hooks, resonating with both old fans and newcomers alike.

I asked Peter how the last couple of years had been for him, and his answer set the tone for just how grounded and passionate he is.

“Oh, it’s been overwhelming,” he admitted. “Getting to be out, being able to come back and play music again has been fantastic. When I left In Flames, I wasn’t really thinking about doing much more… but Nicholas came with this idea: ‘Shouldn’t we start a new band?’ I was like, okay, maybe it would be fun. So we did that — releasing, recording, writing music, and touring with amazing bands like Machine Head… it’s been fantastic. I couldn’t be happier.”

After years of touring and focusing on family life and his brewery business, Peter described how stepping back into music was both a challenge and a joy. “I have small children, so it’s always a juggle,” he explained, “but they get to come with me on this journey as well. I enjoy the downtime, but I also enjoy this a lot. Halo is a band that will tour, but we make it count when we do — it’s about quality, not quantity.”

The Message Behind March of the Unheard

The album’s title is no accident. Peter shared its deeply humanistic themes:

“It’s for the unheard — for people who don’t have a voice. Whether you’re being bullied in school, living under oppressive leadership, or just in a situation where you can’t speak out, this album is for you. We all deserve to be heard, no matter who we are or where we come from.”

Mental health and personal struggle are clearly close to the band’s heart. Peter spoke candidly about coping mechanisms and resilience:

“I went through a divorce a couple of years ago, really hard… and music helped me. Training, running, weightlifting — everyone finds their own way to cope, but music is universal. It’s always there. Everyone’s never alone — there’s always someone who can relate.”

It’s this emotional depth that makes tracks like March of the Unheard feel both urgent and relatable, blending aggression and melody in a way that reaches beyond the genre’s typical boundaries.

Crafting the Sound: Collaboration and Brotherhood

When it comes to songwriting, Peter highlighted the generosity and collaborative spirit at the core of The Halo Effect:

“Nicholas is our key riff master — the spider in the web, so to speak. He writes incredible songs on his own, but he’s always open to everyone’s ideas. Whether it’s changing a riff, rearranging a part, or adding your own flair, we all contribute. It’s a band project, not a solo endeavor, and that makes it so much more fun.”

This spirit of friendship and shared creativity extends to the recording process as well:

“I try to be as prepared and as little prepared as possible at the same time. I go in knowing the songs but leave room to improvise, play what feels right, and respond to what the other guys are doing. That’s what makes Halo so special — you can feel it in the music.”

Even in their music videos, that camaraderie shines through. Peter described the filming of “Detonate” as an exercise in pure fun and authenticity:

“We just went in and played — old school rock and roll style. There’s a moment in the middle where the three guitars are just locked in, and the director said, ‘Are you sure?’ And we were like, ‘Yes, this is the moment.’ The song just needed to be played.”

A Band for the Fans, and for Each Other

Peter is just as conscious of how albums are experienced as a whole. He described the careful sequencing of March of the Unheard and the thought behind transitions between tracks:

“The order of the songs is chosen very thoroughly, meant to be listened to from beginning to end. But at the same time, we know people shuffle albums — so you can skip intros if you want energy upfront. It’s all about balancing experience with emotion.”

Through it all, one thing is clear: The Halo Effect is about more than music. It’s about connection, expression, and creating a shared journey with fans and friends alike.

“I want to thank everybody who’s listened to the music I’ve been part of,” Peter said. “Thank you for supporting Halo Effect and opening your arms to us. I really hope you enjoy March of the Unheard, and we can’t wait to get back to your side of the pond as soon as possible.”

March of the Unheard drops January 10th, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. Crank it loud, dive into the melodies and aggression, and experience the music of five friends who just love doing what they do best.

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