Following the release of “Primal”, Soen has revealed their latest offering from their upcoming album, Reliance. With six studio albums out in the world defining their signature sound, their seventh is set to be released this January.
Mercenary
Today, Nov 4, Swedish prog metal powerhouses Soen have unleashed “Mercenary”.
The vocals and instrumental deliver a powerful performance, cycling between loud and calm. With a strong melody, perfectly timed pauses, and meaningful lyrics, “Mercenary” gives a great insight into the world of the band’s upcoming album.
“‘Mercenary’ is about the violence we inherit, which then sees hatred seeping into lives–and life–which in turn shapes generations,” comments vocalist and frontman Joel Ekelöf. “It also addresses betrayal, about how that can see us ‘crowning vultures into kings,” furthers founding member and drummer Martin Lopez. “At its heart, ‘Mercenary’ speaks to the cost of belief,” Ekelöf adds before Lopez affirms that “musically, it carries the essence of Soen – heavy yet melodic and built on power and precision.”
The song comes with a lyric video that showcases a dystopian world in black, white, and purple. The video was created by Freakshot Film and can be viewed here.
Primal
“Mercenary”, the second song off the band’s upcoming album, follows “Primal”. The single explores the existential fight between the human spirit and the current world, coming paired with a black, white, and red lyric video.
Lopez comments, “Primal’ is a song that came from a place of frustration with the world we’re living in. The corruption, the division and the suffocating grip that technology has on all of us. It’s heavy and straight to the point, built on riffs and raw energy, but it also opens up into a chorus that feels hopeful, like a reminder that light can still break through the dark.”
“For us, it’s about more than just aggression,” continues Ekelöf. “It’s about encouraging people to find that fire again, to reconnect with passion, and to take those steps out of the darkness together.”
Reliance
The band’s upcoming album, Reliance, is set to be released January 16, 2026, via Silver Lining Music. Reliance will mark the band’s seventh studio album, which follows the theme of honesty throughout. Featuring Soen’s iconic sound, the album allows raw power to coexist with emotional themes. They confront darkness through truthful lyrics and dynamic instrumentals, which match the emotional intensity.
Reliance was produced, recorded, and mixed by Alexander Backlund at Fascination Street Studios; mastered by Tony Lindgren.
It will be available in many formats, including a CD, 12” vinyl album in black and color variants, digital, and special D2C products and bundles. Reliance is available for pre-order here!
Live
The band is preparing for several live appearances. Following their recent tours, fans can expect shows even greater in intensity. Information and tickets can be found here! Live performances are as follows.
29 January / 2 February – 70000 Tons Of Metal
6 June – Plzen / Metalfest Open Air (Germany)
4 July – Joensuu / Ilovaari Festival (Finland)
7 August – Kortrijk / Alcatraz Festival (Belgium)
14 August – Carhaix / Motocultor Festival (France)
15 August – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open Air (Germany)
28-30 August – Campulung Muscel / Posada Rock Festival (Romania)
