Soen

Soen is a Swedish prog metal band – formed in 2004 by Opeth and Amon Amarth member Martin Lopez – whose music has been characterized as "melancholic bliss." Their sound is adorned with lush production, melancholy atmospherics (even at their most aggressive), and instrumental melodicism, and Joel Ekelöf's clean vocals deliver psychologically complex, spiritually probing, sophisticated lyrics. On their 2012 long-playing debut, Cognitive, they displayed a complex musical persona by dazzling critics with three distinct playing styles in as many tracks, from nearly gothic post-punk, prog metal and punchy, chug-and-churn riffage. Their intense, theatrical live performances drew an immediate fan base. With 2014's Tellurian, they shifted their focus toward a busier, rhythmically complex, and syncopated prog attack, while doubling down on aesthetically attractive melodicism. 2017’s Lykaia, which combined elements of their previous outings, was celebrated for its musical qualities.