Soen - Cognitive

Just looking at the cover of Soen's debut album makes you think "Lateralus". But this is a great album in its own right.First off, Tool fans are either going to love Soen or possibly hate them. I'm not in either camp really because - full disclosure - I never really listened to much Tool. So this either disqualifies me from making an accurate comparison, or it may just provide me with a bit more objectivity in reviewing the progmetal band's debut album, Cognitive.

Hailed as a progressive metal supergroup, drummer Martin Lopez (ex-Opeth, Amon Amarth), bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, Testament, Death, Iced Earth), vocalist Joel Ekelöf (Willowtree), and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis have crafted an album that sounds fantastic if very...familiar. A Tool fan friend of mine remarked when he listened to this, that while some bands pay homage to their favorite bands with similar riffs or themes, "Soen seems to want to ride in the same limo [as Tool]."

Don't get me wrong, this is a really great album and I'm loving its thrilling mix of Opeth-y vocal arrangements and use of dynamics, Tool's rhythmic power and diversity with a touch of Sevendust's heavy, aggressive sections. Music is sometimes best when it takes separate elements of previous efforts and transmogrifies them into an exciting new experience that starts with the comfort of familiarity, leading into the excitement that comes from challenging your expectations. Nobody's splitting the atom here, but they are making some great music.

The Bottom Line: Tool lovers shouldn't be offended, but embrace the music of Soen as one of the better forms of a particular sound. It's great music in and of itself, and I look forward to more of it.

Songs to Make You Say "This sounds awesome...and familiar": Fraccions, Oscillation, Canvas, and Slithering

- Genghis needs to check out more Tool...