Soen
Cognitive

Beware of imitations...

I hate "copycat" bands, I hate those who make fortunes by copying others, I hate those who wrongfully appropriate others' creativity to seem like true musicians/artists all around. Now, however, I have to say that I love this album and the two things are a bit in contradiction with each other...

Some might remember Martin Lopez, the former drummer of the Swedish band Opeth. After leaving Akerfeldt's band in 2006, he kind of disappeared. A silence that bore the noise, given Lopez's technical and musical prowess. Then came some news, telling us that Martin Lopez and Steve Di Giorgio (bassist, ex-Iced Earth, Sadus, Death, Testament, and others), would be the two "leaders" of a new musical project, Soen. To complete the lineup, they turned to the Estonian duo of Joel Ekelof (vocals) and Kim Platzbardis (guitar).

These are the names of the combo: Di Giorgio and Lopez are fairly famous and recognized figures in the metal world, synonymous with quality and professionalism. What have they come up with in "Cognitive," the first effort of the Soen project? They have produced a Lateralus II or a 10,000 Days II. Yes, because several listens don't erase the evidence: Soen sounds like Tool but with a different moniker. The bass lines eerily recall those of the divine Chancellor, not to mention Ekelof's timbre: a younger and slightly less versatile Keenan. Otherwise, these Soen are a copy of Tool, even though the ten tracks on the CD also recall Opeth, Katatonia, and inevitably A Perfect Circle.

So, if we're faced with an outright copy (some have called it plagiarism) of Tool, why has this "Cognitive" received five stars? Because the music contained within, though clearly reminiscent of the often-cited band, is decidedly engaging, "studied," dark, polished, and perfect in every little detail. From the oppressive fog of "Fraccions" (splendid ending), to the atmosphere of affliction of the Katatoni(c) "Last Light", to the lively, multifaceted moodiness of "Oscillation" (beginning like Meshuggah), concluding with the abrasive melodies of Opeth in "Canvas" and the drama of the concluding "Savia". Everything appears perfect, every performer does his job impeccably, perhaps even a bit too manneristically. Yet the pieces composed by Soen are effortlessly listenable, distinguishing themselves from the sometimes convoluted and grandiose prog (albeit in a different way) of Tool and Opeth.

"Cognitive" is a work that should be separated from Tool, or at least an attempt should be made. The shadow of the Californian band is too strong to ignore, but at the same time, the quality of what Di Giorgio and Lopez have composed is undeniable. Personally, I will continue not to love "clone" bands, those who resemble others too much, but as long as the results are at this level...

1. "Fraktal" (1:11)
2. "Fraccions" (4:56)
3. "Delenda" (4:31)
4. "Last Light" (4:30)
5. "Oscillation" (6:49)
6. "Canvas" (6:34)
7. "Ideate" (4:02)
8. "Purpose" (4:12)
9. "Slithering" (5:44)
10. "Savia" (5:52)