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
Void
Soen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
stream
out of my conscience
into the darkness.
Behind my words,
my forced
means,
these astral wastelands
Beyond the void.
The facts I bind to,
which keeps me in the clear.
Refute the treason,
constrain it through the air.
My rule,
my will,
inside my circles.
I come to find you
deep in the bottom layer.
Despite your reasons
to hide yourself in there.
Your hurt,
your fear
is where I tap into.
Wait
to see your promise
create the shelter
for all our virtues.
So,
how am I?
A new lease of life
when my comfort
accompanies the waves.
I strive to blind you
'til I discover where
defining freedom
is reconstructed here.
Your rule,
your will,
within your circles.
Make out the beacon,
that has it all resolve.
We set your mind to
how kismet would resolve.
My hurt,
my fear,
is where you tap into.
My thoughts,
my all,
stream
out of my conscience
into the darkness.
Behind my words,
my forced
means,
these astral wastelands
unfold their vastness.
Wait
to see your promise.
Create the shelter
for all our virtues.
So,
how am I?
Past a new lease of life
when my comfort
accompanies the waves.
Please hide, who sees
who we are?
Trust shares all keys,
one knows all.
The lyrics of Soen's "Void" delve deep into themes of self-reflection, emotional expression, and sincere communication with oneself and others. The song is a complex exploration of the human psyche dealing with thoughts and emotions that are often kept hidden, suppressed or forgotten under the surface. The lyrics of "Void" stand in stark contrast with the upbeat and powerful instrumentation of the song, creating a memorable and thought-provoking experience for the listener.
The opening lines set the stage for the rest of the song. The singer's thoughts and emotions are streamlining out of their consciousness and into the darkness. It reflects a feeling of helplessness in dealing with the overwhelming emotions that are too much to handle but are too important to be let go of- leading to unavoidable circumstances leading to "astral wastelands." Despite the struggles, the singer goes above and beyond to keep their emotions under control- using forced means and hiding behind their words. However, beyond the void, they acknowledge the importance of expressing their emotions, which is where they truly tap into the hurt and fear of the persona.
Moving forward, the lyrics reflect a journey of self-discovery and communication. The singer seeks to find the person beneath the layers of hurt and fear, to understand and provide a safe haven for them. The lyrics reflect a hope of creating a shelter for all the virtues of human nature. All in all, the song conveys a message of seeking emotional refuge to overcome the void within.
Line by Line Meaning
My thoughts, my all
The entirety of my being, my deepest contemplations
stream
flow continuously and rapidly
out of my conscience
from my innermost thoughts and feelings
into the darkness.
into the vast unknown of the universe
Behind my words,
beneath the surface of my verbal expressions
my forced
coerced or compelled
means,
methods or approaches
these astral wastelands
barren and desolate spaces beyond the physical realm
unfold their vastness.
reveal their immense size and scope
Beyond the void.
Farther than the emptiness of space
The facts I bind to,
The objective truths I adhere to
which keeps me in the clear.
That preserve my innocence or righteousness
Refute the treason,
Challenge acts of betrayal or disloyalty
constrain it through the air.
Restrict it through the passage of time or distance
My rule,
My authority or control over a situation
my will,
My personal desires, motivations, or intentions
inside my circles.
Within my innermost social or personal spheres
I come to find you
I seek to locate and connect with you
deep in the bottom layer.
Within the most profound depths of your being or personality
Despite your reasons
In spite of your logic, rationale, or explanation
to hide yourself in there.
To conceal yourself within the deepest parts of your psyche
Your hurt,
Your emotional anguish, pain, or suffering
your fear
Your apprehension or dread of something, real or imagined
is where I tap into.
Is where I access or draw from to connect with you
Wait
Be patient or endure
to see your promise
To observe the potentials, possibilities, or strengths that you possess
create the shelter
establish a place of safety, comfort, or protection
for all our virtues.
For all that is right, good, and admirable in human nature
So,
Therefore, consequently or thus
how am I?
In what state, condition, or position do I find myself?
A new lease of life
A renewed sense of vitality, energy, or passion
when my comfort
When I am at ease or content
accompanies the waves.
When the rhythms and cycles of life are harmonious
I strive to blind you
I attempt to reveal hidden truths or insights to you
'til I discover where
Until I uncover the point or place at which
defining freedom
Preserving, explaining, or determining what constitutes true liberty
is reconstructed here.
Is reassembled, rebuilt or reimagined within this particular context
Your rule,
Your power, control or influence over a given situation
your will,
Your personal desire, intuition or volition
within your circles.
Amongst your intimate or trusted acquaintances
Make out the beacon,
Locate or discern the guiding light, signal or sign
that has it all resolved.
That has all issues or conflicts settled or reconciled
We set your mind to
We direct or focus your thoughts or attention towards
how kismet would resolve.
How destiny or fate would ultimately play out or be determined
My hurt,
My emotional burden, sadness or pain
my fear,
My anxiety, trepidation or terror
is where you tap into.
Is where you access or connect with me in a meaningful way
Please hide, who sees
Who knows or is aware of our true identity or nature
who we are?
Our authentic selves, beyond masks or pretenses
Trust shares all keys,
Belief or confidence in each other is the key to unlocking mutual understanding
one knows all.
One person has the capacity to understand, empathize or decode all aspects of another's being
Writer(s): Stefan Stenberg, Martin Lopez, Joel Ekeloef, Joakim Platbarzdis
Contributed by Maya W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.