On the progressive rock spectrum, Soen's 6th offering, "Memorial," not only maintains the exceptional quality we've come to expect from the band, but actually raises the bar. If you loved their last two classics, "Lotus" and "Imperial," which claimed the #9 spot on our Best Prog Albums of 2021 list, prepare to have your auditory senses tantalized anew. We're so enamored with "Memorial" that you can expect to hear nearly its entire tracklist infiltrate our New Music rotation—it's that good, from start to finish.

Soen has long been a cornerstone in our station's playlist, seamlessly fusing harder sonic textures with a melody-rich framework that keeps their music both fierce and accessible. "Memorial" takes this a step further, pushing the envelope of experimentation while staying true to their hallmark tonality.

While the album doesn't narrate a singular story, it isn't short of thematic depth. "Memorial" is a labyrinthine exploration into the intricate terrains of loss, hope, and resilience. Adding a cherry on top is the masterful production by Jens Bogren, a name you may recognize from his collaborations with progressive stalwarts like Opeth, Devin Townsend, and Katatonia.