Formed in 2004 by ex-Opeth drummer Martín López, Soen has steadily carved out a unique identity in the progressive metal landscape. Known for their emotionally charged lyrics, haunting melodies, and unique style, Soen balances heavy riffs with deeply introspective themes. Over the years, the band has evolved from being seen as a progressive supergroup into a fully realized artistic force, earning respect for their authenticity, consistency, and intensity.
Origins and Formation
Soen was founded by Martín López after his departure from Opeth, where he contributed to some of the band’s most iconic records such as Blackwater Park and Deliverance. Initially conceptualized as a project to explore more melodic and progressive elements, Soen’s early line-up also included bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Testament), vocalist Joel Ekelöf (Willowtree), and guitarist Joakim Platbarzdis.
While it took nearly a decade from their inception to release their first album, Soen’s vision was always clear—to combine technical precision with emotional depth. López sought a way to express personal struggles and inner reflection through complex yet accessible compositions, and Ekelöf’s soulful, haunting voice proved a perfect match for the band’s aspirations.
Cognitive (2012)
Soen’s debut album Cognitive was released in 2012 to considerable intrigue and critical acclaim. The album showcased a clear influence from Tool—especially in its polyrhythmic structures, dark atmosphere, and philosophical lyricism. Tracks like “Fraccions” and “Delenda” introduced listeners to Soen’s signature style: brooding lyrics, powerful riffs, and emotionally driven vocals.
Though comparisons to Tool were common, Cognitive also hinted at Soen’s potential to alter their influences. The production was crisp, and the songwriting reflected a maturity that was rare for a debut. The album laid the foundation for Soen’s identity—one grounded in emotional honesty, rhythmic complexity, and sonic depth.
Tellurian (2014)
With their sophomore album Tellurian, Soen began to move further away from the shadows of their inspirations. The album introduced a broader palette of sounds, blending progressive elements with more dynamic and melodic layers. Guitarist Marcus Jidell (ex-Evergrey) joined the band for this record, bringing a more expressive and expansive approach to the guitar work.
Songs like “Tabula Rasa” and “Pluton” demonstrated a bold confidence in the band’s evolving style. Ekelöf’s vocals grew more nuanced, and López’s drumming continued to anchor the band’s shifting time signatures and emotional transitions. Tellurian was both heavier and more experimental than its predecessor, signaling Soen’s willingness to innovate within the progressive metal framework.
Lykaia (2017)
Lykaia, released in 2017, marked another turning point for Soen. The album embraced a more organic and analog sound, intentionally dialing back the polished production for a warmer, more intimate feel. Inspired by ancient Greek mythology, the record explored themes of mortality, nature, and human suffering.
The addition of Canadian guitarist Cody Ford around this time further expanded Soen’s sonic landscape. Ford’s blues-influenced solos added a new emotional resonance to the band’s sound, particularly on tracks like “Lucidity” and “Jinn.” Lykaia felt like a spiritual journey—less aggressive than earlier work, but more introspective and cohesive.
A deluxe edition, Lykaia Revisited, was later released in 2018, featuring live tracks and updated mixes, reflecting the band’s satisfaction with the era and their growing fanbase.
Lotus (2019)
Lotus is widely regarded as Soen’s breakthrough album, both critically and commercially. Released in 2019, the album showcased a fully matured sound—emotive, majestic, and powerful. It struck a perfect balance between heaviness and melody, precision and vulnerability. Lyrically, Lotus addressed personal trauma, social injustice, and the search for inner peace.
Songs like “Lascivious,” “Martyrs,” and the title track “Lotus” exemplify the band’s strengths: Ekelöf’s deeply emotional vocals, Ford’s soaring guitar solos, and López’s masterful drumming. The song “Rival” stands out for its dynamic build and cathartic release, a hallmark of Soen’s compositional style.
The themes of Lotus resonated deeply with listeners around the world. It was seen as a message of resilience and healing—a sonic lotus blooming from the mud of human suffering.
Imperial (2021)
Following the success of Lotus, Soen released Imperial in 2021, a record that sharpened their sound and messaging. The album was more direct, concise, and aggressive in tone. While still rooted in progressive structures, Imperial leaned toward hard rock in some aspects, with an emphasis on powerful choruses and punchy riffs.
Tracks like “Monarch,” “Illusion,” and “Antagonist” addressed topics like political manipulation, individual agency, and existential despair. The production was crisp and clean, with a focus on immediacy and impact. López described Imperial as an album written for turbulent times—a mirror to the social and emotional upheaval of the modern world.
Despite its shorter runtime, Imperial felt urgent and unflinching, proving that Soen could evolve without sacrificing their core identity.
Atlantis (2022)
In 2022, Soen released Atlantis, a live-in-studio performance recorded with a full orchestra. The album featured reimagined versions of past songs, as well as a stunning cover of Slipknot’s “Snuff.” This orchestral experiment revealed a more cinematic side of Soen, demonstrating their versatility and willingness to reinterpret their catalog.
Atlantis was not just a greatest hits album—it was a transformative experience. The lush arrangements brought new emotional depth to familiar songs, and Ekelöf’s vocals reached new expressive heights. The project further solidified Soen’s reputation as boundary-pushers within the progressive scene.
Memorial (2023)
Soen’s latest studio album, Memorial, was released in 2023 and is arguably their darkest and heaviest to date. It deals with themes of war, memory, loss, and trauma, reflecting the global unrest of recent years. Musically, Memorial combines crushing riffs with cinematic flourishes, dense atmospheres, and introspective lyrics.
Standout tracks include “Unbreakable,” a defiant anthem of resilience; “Violence,” which pairs haunting melodies with furious instrumentation; and “Memorial,” the emotionally charged title track. The album sees the band at the peak of their powers—confident, urgent, and profound.
The future is bright
Soen has built a remarkable discography rooted in emotional honesty, sonic richness, and intellectual depth. Their evolution from a Tool-influenced project to a distinctive voice in progressive metal is a testament to their artistic integrity. Each album builds upon the last, exploring new territories while staying true to their emotional core.
With a steadily growing global fanbase and a reputation for powerful live performances, Soen stands as one of the most compelling acts in modern metal. Their music isn’t just heard—it’s felt. And as they continue to evolve, it’s clear that Soen’s journey is far from over.
Soen will play in the Rockstadt Extreme Fest 11 in Rasnov, Romania on August, 2nd. You can buy your tickets following the link below:
