Punchy, anthemic and emotionally charged. Imperial is Soen’s 2021 album: a powerful, immediate record from Sweden’s acclaimed prog-metal band.

The short version

The 2021 fifth studio album by the Swedish band Soen, formed by former Opeth drummer Martin Lopez and singer Joel Ekelöf. More direct and anthemic than some of their earlier work, it pairs heavy, groove-driven progressive metal with soaring, melodic choruses and thoughtful, socially conscious lyrics exploring freedom, empathy and the human condition. Punchy, polished and emotionally resonant, with Ekelöf’s commanding baritone at its centre, it was widely praised and stands as one of the band’s most immediate and accessible records.

Sweden’s prog powerhouse

Formed in 2010 by drummer Martin Lopez — known for his years with Opeth — and vocalist Joel Ekelöf, Soen quickly built a reputation as one of modern prog metal’s most compelling bands, often compared to Tool for their blend of heaviness, groove and atmosphere. Imperial featured the line-up of Ekelöf on vocals, Lopez on drums, Cody Ford on guitar, Lars Ahlund on keyboards and guitar, and new bassist Oleksii Kobel. Together they crafted a tighter, punchier take on their sound, balancing muscular riffs with melody and emotional weight, and weaving in subtle string arrangements for extra colour and drama.

The sound

Imperial is punchy, anthemic prog metal, heavy yet melodic. It pairs dense, groove-driven riffs and Lopez’s technical, dynamic drumming with big, soaring choruses and Ekelöf’s rich, expressive baritone. More immediate and song-focused than some of the band’s earlier, more sprawling work, it still finds room for atmosphere, contemplation and intricate detail, with tasteful string arrangements adding depth to several tracks. The music moves between aggression and beauty, hard-hitting and reflective, always underpinned by strong melodies and emotional intensity. Polished, powerful and superbly produced, it is a focused, hard-hitting statement.

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The songs

The opener ‘Lumerian’ sets the tone with aggressive riffs and a huge, memorable chorus. ‘Monarch’ is a powerful, dramatic highlight, its string arrangement adding a rich, cinematic sweep. And ‘Antagonist’ is a heavy, dynamic standout, one of the album’s hardest-hitting and most memorable moments.

Reception and legacy

Imperial was warmly received, earning strong reviews and widely regarded as one of Soen’s finest and most accessible albums. Critics praised its punchy songwriting, its emotional depth and the power of Ekelöf’s vocals, with many singling out its balance of heaviness, melody and atmosphere. It further cemented the band’s standing as one of the leading lights of modern progressive metal and broadened their audience considerably. It remains a fan favourite and a strong entry point into the band’s catalogue — a confident, hard-hitting record from a band at the top of their game.

The verdict

Imperial is Soen at their most direct and powerful: punchy, anthemic prog metal built on heavy grooves, soaring choruses and Ekelöf’s commanding voice. Come for the driving ‘Lumerian’ and the dramatic ‘Monarch.’ Heavy, melodic and emotionally charged, it is essential listening for anyone who likes their progressive metal muscular, anthemic and rich in feeling — and one of the standout albums from one of Sweden’s finest modern prog bands.

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