Soen are a Swedish progressive metal band formed around drummer Martin Lopez, formerly of Opeth, and vocalist Joel Ekelöf. Officially established in 2010, the group developed a style based on intricate rhythms, atmospheric arrangements and a constant contrast between restrained melodic passages and forceful metallic weight.
Their debut album, Cognitive, was released in 2012. Its tightly controlled rhythms, prominent bass and introspective songwriting introduced the band within the modern progressive metal scene. Tellurian followed in 2014, expanding the sound through more organic production and a broader emotional range, while Lykaia in 2017 placed greater emphasis on live instrumentation, direct performance and darker, more physical arrangements.
Lotus, released in 2019, became an important stage in Soen’s development. Its combination of progressive structures, memorable vocal melodies and reflective lyrics helped establish a more individual identity beyond the band’s early influences. Imperial followed in 2021, sharpening that approach through concise songwriting and themes addressing inequality, authority, isolation and social division.
The group revisited selected material through the 2022 concert recording Atlantis, which presented rearranged songs with additional acoustic and orchestral instrumentation. Their sixth studio album, Memorial, arrived in 2023, pairing some of their most direct and heavy guitar writing with lyrics concerned with conflict, human resilience and the effects of political violence.
Soen released their seventh studio album, Reliance, through Silver Lining Music in January 2026. Songs including Primal, Mercenary, Discordia and Axis continue the band’s exploration of vulnerability, anger, disconnection and the search for human connection, balancing darker textures with melodic and frequently cathartic choruses.
The current lineup consists of Joel Ekelöf, Martin Lopez, Lars Enok Åhlund, Cody Lee Ford and Stefan Stenberg. Across their catalogue, Soen have developed from an initially rhythm-driven progressive metal project into a more melodic and emotionally focused band whose technical ability consistently serves the composition rather than dominating it.
