top of page
Writer's pictureHeavy Hearted

Soen Albums Ranked

Updated: Jul 26


In my humble opinion, Soen stands out as one of the finest bands to emerge in the 2010s. Their progressive approach brought a fresh perspective to the genre. While they initially formed and began their career under a heavy Tool influence, they quickly forged their own path to greatness.


Today, we'll delve into the discography of this Swedish prog-powerhouse and explore their most esteemed works. We'll examine the aspects that define them as a band and how they harness their influences to ascend in today's progressive scene.


 

6. MEMORIAL (2023)

It pains me to place Soen's latest effort last, but some things in life are inevitable. Their attempt to solidify their place in mainstream territory, unfortunately, falls short. Don't get me wrong—Memorial is a great record compared to many modern metal albums out there, and it still showcases Soen's strengths, keeping their influential impact alive.


However, we all fell in love with Soen for their unpredictable songwriting, undeniably catchy hooks, and brilliant riff delivery. Memorial offers few of these. Even their emotional impact, which I must admit is their strongest suit, feels somewhat overwhelming. While it's not a progressive record by any means, it also lacks Soen's well-received and familiar structural approach. I sincerely hope that this record solidifies Soen's place in mainstream territory as they aimed for, but for the original fan base, "Memorial" will always hold some heartbreak.


Note: "Icon" kicks some serious ass.



Highlights: Sincere, Violence, Fortress, Memorial, Icon


 

5. COGNITIVE (2012)

Here's the debut record everyone has been talking about since its release. "Cognitive" was a significant event upon its release because it marked Martin Lopez's first musical output after leaving Opeth. Expectations were high across the board.


"Cognitive" turned out great. It features some unconventional production choices that surprisingly complement the album's emotional depth, along with exceptional musical performances from all band members, especially the legendary Martin Lopez and Steve DiGiorgio. However, there was one small flaw: the album overall bears a strong resemblance to Tool. This similarity, particularly evident from the opening track "Fraktal" leading into "Fraccions," may detract from its originality. As a huge Tool fan myself, I wasn't bothered by this similarity, but it does slightly dampen the album's vibe.


Nevertheless, despite the initial lack of originality, "Cognitive" is a strong record overall. It demonstrates that even the most talented musicians sometimes benefit from a creative push. Additionally, it includes one of Soen's most brilliant tracks, "Savia."




Highlights: Fraccions, Last Light, Oscillation, Canvas, Savia


 

4. IMPERIAL (2021)

Soen's 2021 release, "Imperial," marked their gradual shift away from the progressive territory. Following the brilliance of "Lotus," Soen's recognition in the progressive metal scene significantly increased, leading them to eye mainstream territory as some highlights from "Lotus" received positive reactions from wider audiences. Then came "Imperial," showcasing the heavier side of Soen. Even after the release of "Memorial," I believe "Imperial" holds the crown as the heaviest Soen record to date. Some even referred to parts of the album as "djent," which is an incorrect label—those are called "riffs," guys.


After a heavy opening with the catchy "Lumerian," tracks like "Monarch" and "Antagonist" shine through the record, along with other strong points like "Deceivers" and "Dissident." Despite many fans considering this a departure from their usual path, "Imperial" is still undeniably Soen, even with its raw and less polished production and a few weak and uninspired moments.



Highlights: Lumerian, Deceiver, Monarch, Antagonist, Dissident


 

3. LYKAIA (2016)

From now on, we're entering the "untouchable Soen" territory. Oh, "Lykaia"... A brilliant record from front to back. One of Soen's strongest and definitely a standout from the past decade. It lands at number three—what more can I say? The band knows how to deliver.


When Lykaia first released, it had some unclear production issues that led the band to revisit and re-release it under the name "Lykaia Revisited". Nevertheless, the record was beautiful with its flaws and remains so after the revisit.


Lykaia isn't as complex and progressive as its predecessor "Tellurian", but its flow and overall structure make it an excellent progressive record. The incredible opener "Sectarian" (which I consider Soen's best piece of work) paves the way and sets the ground so well for the rest to follow. Other obvious highlights like "Orison," "Lucidity," and "Jinn" stand out and shine with the rest of the album. Additionally, Soen employs strong riffs throughout the record, with excellent examples in "Orison," "Opal," and "Stray." These moments create a mind-blowing experience and a breath of excitement.



Highlights: Sectarian, Orison, Lucidity, Opal, Jinn, Vitriol (bonus song from Lykaia Revisited)


 

2. TELLURIAN (2014)

"Tellurian" represents the most original form of Soen, showcasing their brilliant songwriting abilities free from the influence of Tool. After a brief introduction, the Swedish proggers kick off the album with the incredible "Tabula Rasa," immediately displaying their talent. Follow-up tracks like "Kuraman," "Pluton," and "Koniskas" further demonstrate their ability to write strong progressive compositions, while "The Words" proves Joel Ekelöf's vocals are among the strongest in the genre.


While "Tellurian" is not Soen's most accessible album—in fact, it's the least accessible—this makes it a progressive piece cherished by true seekers. It contains some of Soen's strongest compositions and is emotionally compelling. "Tellurian" is a gem in the modern progressive scene and could easily be a crowning achievement for many bands. But not for Soen; that spot is reserved for another.



Highlights: Tabula Rasa, Kuraman, The Words, Koniskas, Void


 

1. LOTUS (2019)

The arrival of Soen's magnum opus, Lotus, shook the headbanger world like never before. It's undeniable that Lotus is Soen's most powerful form and a true reflection of their inner beauty. While Soen has always crafted atmospherically strong albums, the emotive power of Lotus firmly places them among the greatest.


Both lyrically and instrumentally, Lotus proves to be Soen's most effective and complete record. Achieving this level of artistry in a discography as impressive as theirs is no small feat. Accomplishing this while being delicate and vulnerable is enough to make a grown man cry.


We've discussed Soen's strengths, but we've saved their strongest point for last. Lotus is a deeply vulnerable statement from one of the strongest bands in modern music. It shows how fragile, thoughtful, and brave they are. This undivided record serves as a manifesto for Soen. We witness their contrasts and their ability to write diverse yet cohesive compositions and merge them into a seamless album. Every song has touched my soul since I first listened to this album. Experience it if you haven't already. This is the peak of the mountain.




Highlights: Opponent, Lascivious, Lotus, Covenant, Rival, Lunacy... that was pointless, listen to the whole record, it is magnificent.


 



487 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

تعليقات


bottom of page