Swedish progressive metal unit SOEN just keep getting better and better with each new album they put out. After the gorgeous “Imperial” (2021) and the superb live album “Atlantis” (2022), the band around founding members Martin Lopez and Joel Ekelöf have crafted yet another top-tier album, simply titled “Memorial.” This heavier yet equally magnetic new offering is set for a September 1st, 2023, release via Silver Lining Music. Check out our interview here.
SOEN have always had a great knack for smooth-flowing melodies that can so easily captivate the listeners and this new opus sees the band incorporating a more aggressive approach to their already melodic and intricate soundscape. The result is an album that fully embraces its aggressiveness while masterfully counterbalancing it with some of the most soulful and emotive songs the band has ever written. But this is not just heaviness for the sake of being heavy; its role is to frame the social themes (like the war in Ukraine) that the album explores. This is one of those moments I wish I had the lyrics to the songs because there is so much to ruminate upon. Also, they know how to put a tracklist together so as to take the listeners on an intense musical journey, while also offering an irresistible listening experience.
The first singles released – “Unbreakable,” “Memorial,” and “Violence” – already showcase the new direction the band is pursuing with their music, being hard-hitting both musically as well as lyrically, with raspier vocal deliveries from singer Joel Ekelöf and sharper guitar melodies that soar above the rhythmic foundation laid by the drums and bass. “Unbreakable”’s haunting hook “I need something to believe” coupled with the eargasmic guitar solo from Cody Ford and the stripped-down bridge that juxtaposes the hefty riffs and thick basslines make it pretty obvious that SOEN can be quite heavy and still retain their melodic backbone. The next single, the anti-war anthem “Memorial,” solidifies this idea even though it’s a raw and intense song with a dramatic chorus section that emphasizes the evils of war while the melodic line starts out as a marching beat that gives way to a ferocious groove.
The third single, anger-filled “Violence,” is just as brutal and abrasive as its title may imply, boasting an ominous atmosphere, djent riffage, and a wicked bass line in the verses that are perfectly balanced by the subdued piano melody in the explosive chorus section. This type of songwriting that juxtaposes mellow passages with harsher sections is not something new on the metal scene but “Violence” expands the premise and dives into exciting musical territories for SOEN. Both “Sincere” and “Incendiary” waste no time in getting to the point with their relentless guitar work, dynamic rhythm, and imposing vocals only to break for mellower sections halfway through before picking up pace again. Albeit this is another tried-and-tested formula that we have heard a gazillion times in metal songs, when implemented correctly it can yield some impressive results with these aforementioned tracks being good examples in this respect. Roaring “Fortress” blasts full steam ahead from the speakers (or headphones) with its driving rhythms and melodic heaviness, topped off by a blazing guitar solo. Similarly, the progressive track, “Icon,” is another banger with slick grooves, razor-sharp guitars, and powerful rhythms.
On the other hand, such exquisite tracks like the enchanting “Hollowed,” melancholy “Tragedian,” or PINK FLOYD-esque ballad “Vitals” give the album depth, nuance, and texture while also adding some more variety to the fold. Stripped-down ballad “Hollowed” echoes with emotive vocal deliveries from both Joel Ekelöf and guest singer Elisa Toffoli whose voices carry the melodies to the high heavens as the lush instrumental creates a delicate soundscape, building a slow climax that busts into a fiery solo. In the same vein as “Illusion” from their previous album, “Tragedian” is not just classic SOEN to the bone but also one of the best tracks on the album (definitely a personal favorite) mixing delicate yet strong vocals and excellent instrumentals, especially that wailing guitar, into an intricate piece of music with a build-up that pays off wonderfully. Heartfelt closing track “Vitals” impresses with a bluesy beginning, a breathtakingly beautiful ambiance of piano, soaring vocals, jazzy drums, and low bass, as well as a crescendo worthy of the highest praises. Emotional overload has rarely been this well-crafted and well-delivered. This final track feels so out of place on this album yet it is so perfectly integrated into the overall sonic experience that “Memorial” offers.
When a band of SOEN’s caliber unleashes its full potential, the results are more often than not spectacular. That is exactly what “Memorial” is – an impressive display of technicality, emotion, and musicality that shines in each of the ten songs. From the distinctly heavier passages and raspier vocals to the tender moments, delicate soundscapes, and gentle singing, everything bears the mark of accomplished songwriters and musicians who are at the peak of their creative prowess. Cinematic, elegant, and grand in scale yet with an ominous undertone coming from the lyrical themes and foreboding atmosphere, “Memorial” is SOEN’s darkest album to date.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
- Sincere
- Unbreakable
- Violence
- Fortress
- Hollowed (feat. Elisa)
- Memorial
- Incendiary
- Tragedian
- Icon
- Vitals
Lineup
- Joel Ekelöf – Vocals
- Martin Lopez – Drums
- Cody Ford – Lead Guitar
- Oleksii “Zlatoyar” Kobel – Bass
- Lars Enok Åhlund – Keyboards and Guitar
Label
Silver Lining Music
