ALBUM REVIEW: Halo Effect – Kris Barras Band
British hard rock outfit KRIS BARRAS BAND are ready to put out their latest album Halo Effect. Led by, and named after, former MMA fight Kris Barras, this latest album comes with promises to amplify the heavier rock sound heard on their last album Death Valley Paradise, to offer a stark contrast to their blues-rock beginnings.
While the heavier side of rock is present, it does feel a little stereotypical at times and you may feel like you’ve heard this all before, particularly in one section where three tracks seem to blend into one. That’s not to say that this record doesn’t have moments where it stands out though. In fact, the first half of the album sounds incredible as it goes in different directions and even towards metalcore at points.
Opening track Hourglass, for example, kicks things off immediately with nu-metal guitar riffs that are infused with modern industrial rock elements. What makes this song stand out more are the dramatic vocals that feel reminiscent of industrial rock icon Gary Numan. Tied together nicely with some 80s glam rock guitar breakdowns and here the album has a solid opening.
The next three tracks also stand out in different ways; Unbreakable takes elements from modern metalcore and industrial rock, with the likes of ICE NINE KILLS and MOTIONLESS IN WHITE coming to mind; With You infuses fast rock ‘n’ roll and anthemic vocals with sound effects that create a somewhat ethereal, haunting atmosphere; and Savages perfectly combines anthemic harmonies with instrumentals that induce a serious mood.
However, after this is when things fall a bit flat, as the next three songs – Fall To Fly, Waste Away With Me and Reflections – all sound decent on first listen, but ultimately seem to blend into one long track where it just feels like you’ve heard it all done before, if not slightly better and more interesting. Although things do pick up after this moment, with the songs moving into the style of the fun and dramatic, with some pop melodies, again it all feels done before and done slightly better.
That said, Halo Effect is still entertaining to listen to. Concluding track Apocalypse does manage to save the album a bit with its rock style sounding like a combination between ROYAL BLOOD and the rock intro heard on Reading & Leeds Festival clips found on iPlayer (if you know, you know). While still a little stereotypical, it manages to stand out with its fun metal riffs.
Ultimately, Halo Effect is a mixed bag, but can be summed up as an entertaining, if stereotypical album. While KRIS BARRAS BAND have nailed the loud side of things, they could now move into creating something a little more unique.
Rating: 6/10
Halo Effect is set for release on April 12th via Earache Records.
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