On May 28, 2010, the formation of Soen was announced, its lineup consisting of former Opeth drummer Martin Lopez, ex-Death, Testament and Sadus bassist Steve DiGiorgio, Willowtree vocalist Joel Ekelöf and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis. The group's first song, "Fraccions", was released on the band's official website on October 2010. Their first video, for the song "Savia", was posted on their Facebook page on February 2012. Their second video is a moody acoustic version of the song "Ideate". The band's third video is for the song "Delenda".
Drummer Martin Lopez has described Soen's music as "melodic, heavy, intricate and very different than everything else." Their debut, Cognitive, was released in February 2012 to positive critical reception, the members' technical proficiency receiving most praise, though many reviewers noted extreme stylistic similarities to the music of Tool.
Martin Lopez commented on the Tool similarity: "We are inspired by Tool but I consider them not only a band but a genre. Besides that, I really don’t think there’s anything to argue about, we make good music whoever it would remind you of. Some people tend to dislike rather than like and are looking for faults instead of seeing music for what it is, good or bad".
Cognitive was released on Spinefarm records on February 15, 2012. The album was mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Coheed and Cambria, Silverchair, The Smashing Pumpkins, Muse etc.) and mastered by João Carvalho. There's also a bonus track on the Japanese edition called “Writhen”.
As of their fifth album "Imperial", released in 2021, the band members are:
Oleksii "Zlatoyar" Kobel – Bass
Cody Ford – Guitar
Lars Åhlund – Keys, guitar
Joel Ekelöf – Vocals
Martin Lopez – Drums, percussion
Lumerian
Soen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turning rocks to diamonds
I′ll lead you in
I will make it easy now
Turn unrest to comfort
By my side you may close your eyes
And I'll be your guidance
Come suffering, let me be your medicine
We′re hunting blind and aimless
Embracing gods to feel their light
We fell from grace right into the unknown
I believe
That in the end we could be something more
But every trace of who we are is gone
Still I hope we could be the ones
Be the ones
And I see
How we surrender for the endless greed
And we do nothing to prevent its spear
To keep piercing into our hearts
Our hearts
Open minds unveil the disguise
Of the friendly imposter
Who lures you in
Wearing a warmhearted grin
To leech off your vein
We are done
Feeding the machine
Losing trail of our only home
We're hunting blind and aimless
Embracing gods to feel their light
We fell from hope right into the unknown
A day will come
A time to deal with what we did
And our pride will crumble down on us
Someday we'll scream
To raise our voice for our belief
Together we can change the fate of all
I believe
That in the end we could be something more
But every trace of who we are is gone
Still I hope we could be the ones
Be the ones
And I see
How we surrender for the endless greed
And we do nothing to prevent its spear
To keep piercing into our hearts
Our hearts
Our hearts
In the song "Lumerian" by Soen, the lyrics speak of a journey of self-discovery and a search for meaning in a world where we have lost our true identity. The singer talks about how he will lead us in finding hidden keys and turning rocks to diamond, which symbolizes his willingness to guide us through life's difficulties and make things easier for us. He talks about how we can find comfort in his presence and turn our unrest into peace. He invites us to let him be our medicine when we are suffering and to place our hopes in him.
The lyrics also allude to the idea that humanity has fallen from grace and is now aimlessly hunting for something to believe in. The singer expresses his belief that we can still become something more, but he acknowledges that every trace of who we are is gone. He talks about how we surrender to the endless greed that is piercing into our hearts and destroying our true identity. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer expressing the belief that we can change the fate of all if we come together.
Line by Line Meaning
Gathering all the hidden keys
Searching for knowledge and understanding that is not readily apparent
Turning rocks to diamonds
Transforming something ordinary or common into something valuable and precious
I'll lead you in
Offering assistance and guidance
I will make it easy now
Promising to simplify a difficult or complicated situation
Turn unrest to comfort
Offering a way to bring peace and tranquility to a situation of unease or turmoil
By my side you may close your eyes
Offering a sense of security and protection
And I'll be your guidance
Offering assistance and direction in navigating an uncertain or confusing situation
Come suffering, let me be your medicine
Offering a way to alleviate or heal emotional or physical pain
Lay your hopes on me
Offering to be a source of hope and encouragement
We're hunting blind and aimless
Moving forward without direction or purpose
Embracing gods to feel their light
Seeking spiritual guidance, strength, or enlightenment
We fell from grace right into the unknown
Moving from a state of favor or goodness into a realm of uncertainty or confusion
I believe
Expressing hope and faith in a positive outcome
That in the end we could be something more
Having a vision of a future that is more fulfilling and meaningful
But every trace of who we are is gone
Acknowledging that our present circumstances have erased important aspects of our identity or character
Still I hope we could be the ones
Continuing to hold onto a positive vision for the future despite difficult circumstances
And I see
Observing and recognizing a problematic trend or situation
How we surrender for the endless greed
Noticing how the desire for wealth and power has taken control of our lives and actions
And we do nothing to prevent its spear
Failing to take action to stop the negative effects of greed and exploitation
To keep piercing into our hearts
Continuing to cause emotional and spiritual harm
Open minds unveil the disguise
Having a willingness to see through deceit or falsehood
Of the friendly imposter
Recognizing that not all who seem benevolent have good intentions
Who lures you in
Attracting or tempting you with something that may not be genuine or true
Wearing a warmhearted grin
Presenting a joyful or friendly demeanor that may be masking deception or harm
To leech off your vein
Taking advantage of your vulnerability or naivete for personal gain
We are done
Declaring an end or a refusal to continue with a certain behavior or attitude
Feeding the machine
Contributing to a system or pattern that is harmful or destructive
Losing trail of our only home
Forgetting or neglecting the importance of preserving our planet and its resources
A day will come
Expressing a belief that the future holds promise or change
A time to deal with what we did
Acknowledging responsibility for negative actions or consequences
And our pride will crumble down on us
Recognizing that arrogance and self-importance can lead to downfall or failure
Someday we'll scream
Expressing frustration or anger at a situation or circumstance
To raise our voice for our belief
Speaking out in support of a cause or ideal
Together we can change the fate of all
Believing in the power of collective action to bring about meaningful change
Our hearts
Referencing the emotional and spiritual core of our being
Writer(s): Walter Cardozo Martin Lopez, Enok Lars Aahlund, Gustav Joel Ekelof
Contributed by Jeremiah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FluffyFractalshard
like if you miss the old times of lemuria!
some of us have lived there, million of years ago, spiritually highly advanced in harmony and bliss.
it was eden,
and we will return there..
once the veil has fallen,
and the dark overlords are gone,
new atlantis will be born!
love and unity will once again be our true state of being!
<3
Shreyansh
That first riff is so crushing & also Joel's voice sounds so commanding & powerful. 🤯
Pali
Soen is back with full power. Love whole album, amazing, heavy, Joel's voice stronger then ever, great lyrics as usual, new raw sound is killer ...
merita Santillan
everything....the lyrics wooou the drums ....Love them!!
SuperBlazeomatic
Just incredible song/singing/production and riffage.
George Ramos
One of their best songs already. Amazing lyrics.
George Ramos
@Jim Gamblain Yeah, I heard the whole album. And coincidentally they released a music video for Deceiver today.
Jim Gamblain
experiance the whole album. "Deciever" is one of my favorite tracks. such power in the lyrics.
Niklas MX
WOW! This is my new favorite...what song! Heavy as hell with melodic and great soft moments...the perfect SOEN song! Congrats guys, you did it again, this album is for me already a fucking MASTERPIECE! Genuine / authentic and honest music for you and your fans! THANKS!
Jim Gamblain
we can't ask for better, can we?
Nagy Gábor
Oh, my god, guys, I've listened this track I don't know, hundred times today, and still cannot stop. My brain exploded. Thank you so much for this irreproachable album, I'm already done for this year.