Reliance by SOEN, a 2026 album.
I've written extensively about SOEN in the band profile, which I invite you to read in the "profiles" section or via the direct link to learn more about their history and previous work.
The album was released on January 16, 2026, the seventh in their discography, marking a thematic and sonic evolution for the Swedish band.
The album was born during Memorial's world tour, and according to founder Martin Lopez, Reliance was conceived as a response to the growing fragmentation of modern society. The title itself refers to the human need to rediscover mutual trust in a world dominated by uncertainty and technological isolation—issues that are as timely as ever.
The lyrics, penned by Joel Ekelöf (the band's vocalist) and Lopez, explore the invisible bond that unites individuals despite political and social conflicts. It continues the introspective journey begun with Imperial, but with a hopeful approach compared to the dark anger of Memorial.
Musically, Reliance perfects the complex and deeply human progressive metal that characterizes them. There is extensive use of string arrangements, handled in part by Lars Enok Åhlund (keyboards and guitar), in great synergy with the heavy riffs of Cody Lee Ford (guitar).
The album has the band's trademark analog warmth, but with an even greater clarity of sound.
It's the last album recorded with bassist Oleksii "Zlatoyar" Kobel before his announcement of a hiatus and Stefan Stenberg's return for the live shows.
The artwork for Reliance, like many of the band's previous albums (including Imperial and Memorial), was designed by Swedish artist Ola Englund and features a striking cover image: a stylized human figure seemingly composed of intricate designs reminiscent of leaf-like organisms, stylized flowers, branches and structures reminiscent of a nervous system, and roots, in which the various parts seem to merge into one another, without clear boundaries, with branches extending upward as if growing.
An organic and interconnected structure.
The opening track, "Primal," is a powerful and impactful track, based on heavy riffs and an aggressive double bass drum.
Mercenary features a fast-paced groove and complex drum work by Martin Lopez, with heavy riffs alternating with melodic moments, and a great vocal performance by Joel Ekelöf.
Discordia features a splendid Hammond organ and intimate, light-hearted moments alternating with sonic explosions.
Axis is a track with a captivating melody, a great balance between heavy and light moments, and a great guitar solo by Cody Ford.
Huntress is a great song that starts delicately and evolves to unleash great power.
Unbound features great vocals by Ekelöf with exceptional guitars and keyboards.
Indifferent is an acoustic ballad on the album, with piano and vocals supported by sweeping keyboards and big guitars, without drums. Beautiful atmosphere.
Drifter returns powerfully with great synths and hard riffs.
Draconian is a song with very complex rhythms and is captivating.
Vellichor closes the album, the longest track that begins with an atmospheric sound and builds to an epic finale, with great guitar and amazing vocals.
A beautiful album from a band I've only recently come to appreciate; I'm revisiting their discography, drawn in by this album, which I consider excellent. Recommended!
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
PRIMAL
MERCENARY
DISCORDIA
AXIS
HUNTRESS
UNBOUND
INDIFFERENT
DRIFTER
DRACONIAN
VELLICHOR
LineUp
Joel Ekelöf - Vocals
Martin Lopez - Drums
Lars Enok Ahlund - Keyboards and Guitar
Cody Lee Ford - Guitar
Stefan Stenberg - Bass
All songs written and performed by Soen
Produced, recorded, and mixed by Alexander Backlund at Fascination Street Studios
Mastered by Tony Lindgren
Grand piano on "Indifferent" recorded at Krematoriet by Jonas Sjölander
Strings on "Indifferent" recorded at Studio Gröndahl by David Castillo
First violin: Tomas Ebrelius
Second violin: Andreas Forman
Viola: Victoria Nilsdotter
Cello: Cecilia Linné
Cover art for Le Nevraglie Costanti
Other artwork and layouts by Enrique Zabala (Forma Estudio)
