Soen

Soen: The Musical Biography of A Prog-Metal Mastermind
If you're a music lover, you've probably heard of the iconic Swedish Progressive-Metal band Soen. Their unique blend of heavy metal, progressive rock, and post-rock has made them one of the most revered bands in the modern metal scene. Soen's music is known for its highly emotional quality, dense atmosphere, and dynamic song structures. However, many fans do not know the full musical biography of the mastermind behind the band's unique sound. In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into the group's history, discussing their best songs, examining their genre-bending style, and discussing their most famous concerts.
Soen's musical biography started in 2004 when future Soen singer Joel Ekelöf and future drummer Martin Lopez left their respective bands. These two powerhouse musicians quickly teamed up with Steve Di Giorgio and Kim Platbarzdis to form a new progressive metal band. Unfortunately, due to funding issues, the band was not able to continue. It wasn't until the summer of 2010 that Lopez and Ekelöf reconnected and started to discuss the idea of forming a new band again. A few years later, Soen was officially started, and their debut album, Cognitive, was released in 2012.
Soen's music is notoriously difficult to classify as they blend together so many different genres. The band members describe their sound as Arty Prog Metal, which is a mix of metal's rawness with post-rock's spaciousness and emotional depth. Most notably, their songs are marked by their deeply introspective lyrics and haunting melodies. Soen often contrasts delicate sounds with crushing heaviness, making their music feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
When it comes to Soen's best songs, Tabula Rasa, Sectarian, and Martyrs are classics that cement the band's place in the metal scene. Tabula Rasa starts with introspective, reflective piano notes before exploding into a rumbling rhythm. On the other hand, Sectarian has a floating, almost hypnotic quality that builds up to a rousing chorus. Finally, Martyrs is perhaps Soen's most epic song yet, clocking in at almost fourteen minutes long, and showcasing the band's incredible range.
Over the years, Soen has played countless concerts and festivals worldwide, often wowing crowds with their powerful and emotional performances. One of the most famous was their 2019 appearance at the Brutal Assault- the Czech Republic's biggest open-air festival. Another memorable performance was their 2017 concert at the Tivoli Vredenburg in Utrecht. Soen played Martyrs in full for the very first time, to an already enthusiastic crowd. The band's dynamic yet melancholic sounds, combined with the crowd's electrifying energy, made for an unforgettable experience.
No article about Soen would be complete without addressing the critics. While some critics have pointed out that their music can be self-indulgent at times, most reviewers agree that Soen is a band that undoubtedly deserves attention. Many argue that their unique blend of heavy metal, progressive rock, and post-rock is pushing the boundaries of metal music, leading to an increase in experimental and emotionally charged contemporary metal bands.
Soen's contributions to the progressive metal genre are clear. The band's unique sound is incredibly emotive, and their musical style is a breath of fresh air to the metal scene. While they may not be suitable for everyone's taste, Soen has something genuinely special about them, and this is evident in their impact on the music that follows after. If you're looking for something new to listen to, exploring Soen's discography is undoubtedly worth your time.