COGNITIVE

"Cognitive" is the debut full-length studio album by multi-national progressive rock/metal act Soen. The album was released through Spinefarm Records in February 2012. Soen was formed in 2004 by drummer Martin Lopez (Opeth) and guitarist Kim Platbarzdi, but it wasn´t until 2010 when lead vocalist Joel Ekelöf (Willowtree) joined, that the band became active. The quartet lineup is completed by the omnipresent bassist Steve Digiorgio (Death, Testament, Iced Earth, Sadus..etc.).

Stylistically the material on "Cognitive" is in a melodic, melancholic, and rhythmically heavy and syncopated progressive rock/metal style. Tool/A Perfect Circle are the most obvious influences and sometimes also a bit too obvious. Soen are a less experimental act though and most tracks are vers/chorus structured and relatively easy to follow. The big soaring choruses are one of the greatest assets of "Cognitive" along with the emotional singing and strong voice of Ekelöf. With the instrumentalists involved it´s no surprise that the instrumental part of the music is well performed too. It takes a few listen to remember the tracks and not all of them stick, but I have to mention closing track "Savia" because of the absolutely stunning melody lines. They are incredibly well constructed and performed.

"Cognitive" features a professional, detailed, and well sounding production job and upon conclusion it´s a promising first release by Soen. I think they wear their influences a bit too much on their sleeves on this album, and it does slightly drag my rating down, but in all other departments "Cognitive" is a high quality release and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).

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