An Album That Heals, Challenges and Uplifts
It’s still only March as I write this, and already I’ve mentioned a handful of albums that could end up in my Albums of the Year list… and this is another one!
I’ve been a fan of Soen for a while now and at the heart of it all is Joel Ekelöf.
Whether the band are unleashing crushing, modern metal riffs or dropping into something as delicate as piano and strings, his vocal delivery remains emotionally grounded, human… real.
He doesn’t just sing — he connects.
And alongside him, Cody Lee Ford’s guitar work is exceptional. Textural, expressive, and when required, absolutely soaring. But importantly — and this is key with Soen — nothing is there for ego. Everything serves the song.
Power, Light and Shade
What really stands out on Reliance is the balance. This is a heavy album — make no mistake — but it’s also full of light, space, and atmosphere.
Take the opening track “Primal”.
It hits you with bone-crunching riffs, yet quickly pulls back into something more reflective before building again into a powerful, uplifting chorus. Lyrically, it’s raw and direct — tackling themes of identity, struggle, and resistance.
There’s anger here… but also hope.
And that’s the thread that runs throughout the entire album.
Music That Keeps You Guessing
One of the things I absolutely love about Soen is that they refuse to follow predictable paths.
You think you know where a track is heading… and then suddenly it shifts.
“Mercenary” brings in those tight, stop-start riffs locked perfectly with the drums — energetic, precise, and exciting.
“Discordia” explores vulnerability and emotional distance, moving between fragility and intensity in a way that feels completely natural.
Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels like it’s there just to tick a box.
“Indifferent” introduces piano and strings, but rather than feeling like a departure, it seamlessly blends into the album’s overall soundscape. It’s heartfelt, reflective, and beautifully arranged.
Then there’s “Draconian.” For me, this is one of the most powerful pieces Soen have ever recorded.
It feels like a spiritual journey — searching, questioning, reaching for meaning. There’s something deeply moving about it. A sense of surrender… and ultimately, healing. It’s one of those tracks where you just sit there, take it in, and let it wash over you.
So… is Reliance Soen’s best album? For me — right now — I think it might be.
I know some listeners are still finding their way into it, but for those of us who’ve connected with it, this album hits on a very deep level.
In a world that can feel overwhelming, Reliance is a reminder that music still has the power to centre us, to lift us, and to bring us back to ourselves.
Don’t put the news on…
Put this album on.
