“There’s a lot to love – but those longing for the more involved songwriting and lengthier compositions will be disappointed”: Soen continue to become more metal and less prog with Reliance

Soen – Reliance.

Soen have had an interesting career trajectory. Formed by ex-Opeth drummer Martin Lopez, their debut album, 2012’s Cognitive, was reminiscent of Tool’s mathematically influenced art-metal.

Over the next few albums they developed their own sound, albeit one that took some influence from Lopez’s former outfit; 2014’s Tellurian, 2017’s Lykia and 2019’s Lotus represented a wonderful run of form that saw them wrap progressive tendrils around an air of melancholy and complex, ever-shifting songs.