Sweden continues to be a powerhouse for hard‑rock and metal exports, and Soen is one of the country’s most compelling modern acts. This marked their second appearance in Vancouver, and once again they delivered a performance that showed exactly why their fanbase keeps expanding. Touring alongside fellow Swedish co‑headliners Dark Tranquillity, with support from Persefone, Soen brought a refined, emotionally charged set that balanced precision with power.
The lineup remains formidable: Stefan Stenberg on bass, Cody Lee Ford on lead guitar, Lars Åhlund handling guitars and keys, Joel Ekelöf on vocals, and Martín López—whose drumming legacy with Opeth needs no introduction—anchoring the band with flawless control.
With seven albums since 2012, Soen has carved out a distinct progressive hard‑rock/metal identity. Their latest release, Reliance (2026), continues their evolution with a blend of atmospheric passages, heavy riffing, and soaring vocal work. Live, that dynamic range is even more striking. Tracks like “Mercenary,” “Antagonist,” and “Memorial” hit with real weight, showcasing the band’s ability to shift from delicate cleans to crushing distortion without losing emotional depth. Joel’s vocals were especially impressive—smooth, powerful, and unwavering across every stylistic turn.
One of the more interesting moments came when Joel mentioned that Soen isn’t influenced by Tool. Yet during “Fraccions,” the resemblance was hard to ignore. The rhythmic pulse, the atmospheric layering, even Joel performing from the back of the stage—very reminiscent of Maynard James Keenan’s approach. Whether intentional or not, the comparison isn’t a knock; it’s a testament to Soen’s ability to channel that kind of tension and mood while still sounding unmistakably like themselves..
They closed the night with two of their strongest tracks: the hard‑hitting “Violence” and the irresistibly catchy “Unbreakable.” Both landed with huge energy and left the crowd buzzing. An absolutely killer way to wrap up their set..
In the end, Soen delivered a standout set that reaffirmed their place as one of the most compelling progressive metal bands working today. If you haven’t explored their recent albums—or their newest release, Reliance—now’s the time. And when they come through your city, make the effort. This is a band that absolutely shines live.
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