Drummer Martin Lopez founded Soen after his departure from Opeth and their studio debut ‘Cognitive’ dropped in 2012. Their debut was often likened to Tool but the comparisons ended with their sophomore outing ‘Tellurian’ (2014), thanks to tracks that flow more organically. On ‘Lykaia’ (2017) Soen found their own voice and identity: it’s a prog record with accessible yet intricate song structures bursting with consummate musicianship and standout vocals by versatile vocalist Joel Ekelöf. With the Tool comparisons swept aside, ‘Lotus’ (2019) saw Soen experimenting with more of a classic rock style that signals the next step in their evolution as one of the most exciting prog metal bands in the business. ‘Imperial’ (2021) is to Soen what the Black Album was to Metallica and topped many Album of the Year lists. On their latest slab ‘Memorial’ (2023) they took a somewhat more accessible approach but that hasn’t detracted from the quality of the songs. Soen are a finger-licking prospect for fans of Tool, Opeth, Anathema and Pink Floyd. #GMM25
