Photo Credit: Linda Florin
SOEN, the acclaimed Swedish progressive metal powerhouse, have released ‘Mercenary’, the second devastating single from their highly anticipated seventh studio album Reliance, due January 16th, 2025 via Silver Lining Music.
Spearheaded by vocalist Joel Ekelöf and founding drummer Martin Lopez, SOEN continue to master the delicate balance between light and dark, heavy and soothing on Reliance. The album is built on a foundation of unflinching honesty, where emotional gravity and raw power coexist without compromise.
NEW ALBUM – RELIANCE –
OUT JANUARY 16 VIA SILVER LINING MUSIC
‘Mercenary’: A Song About Inherited Violence
‘Mercenary’ confronts the cyclical nature of violence and hatred with stunning clarity. “‘Mercenary’ is about the violence we inherit, which then sees hatred seeping into lives – and life – which in turn shapes generations,” explains vocalist Joel Ekelöf.
Founding member and drummer Martin Lopez adds, “It also addresses betrayal, about how that can see us ‘crowning vultures into kings.'”
“At its heart, ‘Mercenary’ speaks to the cost of belief,” Ekelöf continues, while Lopez notes that “musically, it carries the essence of SOEN – heavy yet melodic and built on power and precision.”
The official video for ‘Mercenary’, directed by Freakshot Film, is available now:
Building Momentum with ‘Primal’
The recently released first single, ‘Primal’, is a provoking, barrel-chested roar detailing the existential fight between the human spirit and our current world, with Ekelöf’s incredible vocals leading the heavy charge. Watch/Listen at [INSERT LINK] – video also by Freakshot Film.
The Evolution Continues
With Lars Enok Åhlund (keyboards & guitar), Cody Lee Ford (guitar), and Stefan Stenberg (bass) standing shoulder to shoulder with Ekelöf and Lopez, SOEN’s sound continues its lush evolution. The band’s visionary exploration of the human mind, heart, and soul remains uncompromising, now with an extra edge of heavy.
2026 Tour Dates Announced
SOEN are gearing up for a packed 2026, with an array of festival appearances and headline shows already confirmed. Following their acclaimed recent tours, fans can expect an even more intense live experience as the band brings their trademark blend of power, precision, and emotion to stages across the globe.
Confirmed Festival Dates:
January 29 / February 2 – 70000 Tons Of Metal
June 6 – Metalfest Open Air, Plzen (Germany)
July 4 – Ilovaari Festival, Joensuu (Finland)
August 7 – Alcatraz Festival, Kortrijk (Belgium)
August 14 – Motocultor Festival, Carhaix (France)
August 15 – Summer Breeze Open Air, Dinkelsbühl (Germany)
August 28-30 – Posada Rock Festival, Campulung Muscel (Romania)
Additional dates and festival announcements will be revealed soon. For tickets and information: https://www.soenmusic.com/tour2026
About Reliance
Thoughtful, provocative, beautiful, and brutal, Reliance is a journey that demands to be experienced. The album will be released on January 16th, 2025 via Silver Lining Music, available as CD, 12″ vinyl (black and color variants), digital formats, and special D2C products and bundles. Pre-orders available at [INSERT LINK].
Reliance Track Listing:
Primal
Mercenary
Discordia
Axis
Huntress
Unbound
Indifferent
Drifter
Draconian
Vellichor
Produced, recorded, and mixed by Alexander Backlund at Fascination Street Studios. Mastered by Tony Lindgren.
SOEN are:
Joel Ekelöf – Vocals
Martin Lopez – Drums
Lars Enok Åhlund – Keyboards and Guitar
Cody Lee Ford – Lead Guitar
Stefan Stenberg – Bass
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