Soen are one of the most acclaimed and accomplished bands in modern progressive metal — a Swedish group who began life dismissed as a supergroup novelty and grew into one of the genre’s most respected names. Tight, melodic and intensely emotional, their music pairs intricate, heavy musicianship with soaring clean vocals and deeply introspective lyrics. Across six albums they have steadily refined their sound into something unmistakably their own — powerful, polished and profoundly human.

The short version

Formed in Stockholm in 2010, Soen play tight, melodic modern progressive metal — intricate, heavy, atmospheric music built on complex rhythms, soaring clean vocals and searching, introspective lyrics. Led by founder and drummer Martin Lopez, formerly of Opeth, and singer Joel Ekelöf, they have released six studio albums from “Cognitive” (2012) to “Memorial” (2023), evolving from early Tool comparisons into a sound all their own. They are among the finest prog metal bands of their generation.

Stockholm: a drummer’s own band

Soen came together in Stockholm in 2010, founded by drummer Martin Lopez — formerly of Opeth — as a vehicle to write and lead his own music, alongside singer Joel Ekelöf, previously of Willowtree. With a line-up that initially included bass legend Steve Di Giorgio, Soen were quickly tagged a “supergroup”, and their 2012 debut “Cognitive” drew strong comparisons to Tool. But the band always intended to be more than a one-off, and over the following decade they settled into a stable line-up and built one of modern prog metal’s most respected catalogues.

Tight, melodic and heavy

Soen’s music is a study in control and contrast. Built on Martin Lopez’s dynamic, intricate drumming and Joel Ekelöf’s soaring, emotive clean vocals, their songs balance crushing heaviness with atmospheric melody, complex rhythm with real songcraft. Early on their sound drew openly on Tool, before broadening to take in the spirit of Pink Floyd, Opeth and even Genesis and Peter Gabriel, all in service of intensely introspective, socially aware lyrics about fragility, anger and hope. Tight, polished and powerful, theirs is progressive metal of rare emotional depth.

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From Cognitive to Memorial

Soen’s six albums chart a steady, deepening evolution. The debut “Cognitive” (2012) was a moody, technical statement marked by its Tool influence, before “Tellurian” (2014) pushed them into their own, more personal sound and a full-time career. The conceptual, earthy “Lykaia” (2017) introduced keyboardist Lars Åhlund, while the melodic “Lotus” (2019) brought in guitarist Cody Ford. The fierce, dynamic “Imperial” (2021) won wide acclaim, and the concise, mature “Memorial” (2023) showed a band at the height of their powers.

Album by album

Six albums of tight, melodic progressive metal. Tap any title for its guide.

The players

Soen were founded by drummer Martin Lopez, formerly of Opeth, whose dynamic playing and vision drive the band, together with singer Joel Ekelöf, whose soaring, emotive voice is one of modern prog metal’s finest. Their settled line-up adds keyboardist and guitarist Lars Åhlund, lead guitarist Cody Ford and bassist Oleksii Kobel, following earlier members including bass legend Steve Di Giorgio, co-founding guitarist Joakim Platbarzdis and guitarist Marcus Jidell. From supergroup beginnings, Soen have become a tight, settled and formidable unit.

Where to start

Begin with “Lotus” (2019), often considered Soen’s most balanced and accessible album — melodic, heavy and beautifully crafted. From there, the acclaimed “Imperial” (2021) shows them at their most fierce and dynamic, while “Tellurian” (2014) captures the moment they truly found their own voice. Three albums that reveal one of modern prog metal’s most rewarding bands.

Why they still matter

Soen matter as a band who outgrew their supergroup origins to become one of the defining acts of modern progressive metal — proving that intricate, heavy music could also be melodic, emotionally honest and deeply human. Through the vision of Martin Lopez and the voice of Joel Ekelöf, they have built a catalogue of tight, powerful, introspective records that have won them a devoted global following. For anyone who wants their progressive metal melodic, heavy and full of feeling, Soen are essential listening.

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