Soen

Soen emerged in 2010 as a supergroup featuring Martin Lopez (ex-Opeth) and Steve DiGiorgio, initially drawing heavy comparisons to Tool due to their rhythmic focus and David Bottrill's production on their debut, 'Cognitive'. However, the band quickly evolved beyond these comparisons, carving out a niche defined by Joel Ekelöf's distinctive baritone and a shift toward more anthemic, 'Imperial' song structures.

Their sound identity is built on the contrast between extreme metal technicality and a melodic sensibility rooted in classic rock and soul. Critically, they are praised for their 'organic' production style, eschewing the over-compressed sound of modern metal for a more dynamic, breathing mix. They occupy a central position in the modern European progressive metal scene, bridging the gap between the dark folk-inflected metal of Opeth and the rhythmic experimentation of bands like Wheel or Leprous. Their later work, including the orchestral 'Atlantis', demonstrates a growing interest in cinematic arrangements and social commentary.