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P r o g r e s s i v e R o c k W o r l d
The complex and deeply human Progressive Metal of the SOEN
SOEN is a Swedish progressive metal supergroup founded in 2010 by former Opeth drummer Martin Lopez, with a lineup that includes, in addition to Martin Lopez, bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Testament), vocalist Joel Ekelöf (Willowtree), and guitarist Joakim Platbarzdis.
In 2012, they released their debut album, Cognitive, showcasing a highly technical yet accessible progressive metal.
With their subsequent albums, they began to explore a more personal sound, thanks in part to lineup changes, moving toward sounds that combine rhythmic complexity with melody.
Tellurian (2014) marked the beginning of greater rhythmic and melodic experimentation.
Lykaia (2017) was their breakthrough album, where the band found a perfect balance between metal hardness and prog sensibility, recorded with analog equipment for a warm and intense sound.
With Lotus (2019) and Imperial (2021), they firmly entered the elite of modern metal, so much so that in 2023, the album Memorial was awarded "Album of the Year" by Metal Hammer Germany.
The addition of permanent members Lars Enok Åhlund and Cody Lee Ford has given the band a significant boost.
Their seventh studio album, Reliance, was released on January 16, 2026, and represents the latest chapter in a career dedicated to the pursuit of a metal that many rightly define as complex yet profoundly human.
The Lineup:
The members of SOEN come from several prominent bands in the metal and progressive scene.
Current Lineup:
Martin Lopez (Drums): He is the founder and comes from Opeth, with whom he played for about 10 years, and Amon Amarth.
Joel Ekelöf (Vocals): Before SOEN, he was the singer of the Swedish band Willowtree.
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar): Canadian guitarist who joined the band in 2018.
Lars Enok Åhlund (Keyboards/Guitar): Multi-instrumentalist previously active in various projects in the Swedish scene.
Stefan Stenberg (Bass): He was part of the band for several years between 2014 and 2020 and is back from Reliance album (2026)
Former Members:
Steve Di Giorgio (Bass): A member of the original lineup, he is a metal legend having played with Death, Testament, Sadus, and Iced Earth.
Marcus Jidell (Guitar): He played in Evergrey, Avatarium, and Royal Hunt.
Oleksii "Zlatoyar" Kobel (Bass): Ukrainian musician who played in various Eastern European metal bands before joining the band.
Their style:
SOEN's sound is characterized by dark atmospheres, profound lyrics, and meticulous production, guided by Martin Lopez's artistic vision, with a perfect balance between technical complexity and emotional strength.
At the core are Martin Lopez's drums, with complex percussive patterns and "ghost notes" that give his metal a tribal flavor. His style is characterized by speed, polyrhythms, and complexity, with influences from tribal rhythms and jazz.
Joel Ekelöf's voice is clean, warm, and passionate. He rarely growls and has a warm timbre that conveys melancholy with great interpretive ability.
Lars Enok Åhlund's keyboards are beautiful, ethereal and atmospheric, and the powerful bass lines are impressive.
The band's heavy explosions alternate with powerful riffs and atmospheric, acoustic moments.
The most obvious influence, especially on their debut album, Cognitive, is Tool. Opeth's influences are also evident, with which they inevitably share a rhythmic approach, but also a penchant for dark atmospheres. Their attention to production and arrangements is exceptional.
The lyrics are inspired by real-world themes, from sociology, internal struggle, institutional criticism, and the analysis of pain.
SOEN's sound is modern and mature, deeply reflective, and features a beautiful contrast between power and melody.
The Discography and the Reviews
Cognitive - 2012
Tellurian - 2014
Lykaia - 2017
Lotus - 2019
Imperial - 2021
Memorial - 2023
Reliance - 2026