Soen

The provocative, challenging, imperious and entertaining Swedish-based progressive metal group Soen release their fifth album, Imperial, via Silver Lining Music.

Soen is a progressive metal supergroup consisting of various high-profile metal musicians. On May 28, 2010, the formation of Soen was announced, its lineup consisting of former Opeth drummer Martin Lopez, ex-Death, Testament and Sadus bassist Steve DiGiorgio, Willowtree vocalist Joel Ekelöf and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis Their debut, "Cognitive", was released in February 2012 to positive critical reception, the members' technical proficiency receiving most praise, though many reviewers noted extreme stylistic similarities to the music of Tool.
The sophomore album ''Tellurian'' came in November 2014 again via Spinefarm Records, while Stefan Efenberg has taken the bassist position. ''Tellurian'' shows a wider range of influences, experimentation and develops significantly on the alternative rock/metal style of the debut with notable influences from Opeth…

The new album by Soen has a potent drive and sees the band channel the ills of current society with a crisp, riff heavy ferocity but at the same time still showcasing Soen’s unique blend of progression, aggression, and beauty. Memorial is drenched in melody with face-crushing guitars and rhythms from start to finish. Album opener ‘Sincere’ starts off with relentless propulsion, whilst the sheer power of the title track is enriched with a solid groove, underlying the weighty tones and evocative vocals of Joel Ekelöf. Finishing with the beautiful, tragic, Pink Floyd-esque ballad ‘Vitals’, Memorial is arguably the band finding their best stride yet.