Soen - Tellurian
by Eric Loranger
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Soen's Tellurian is full of catchy progressive music and will appeal to fans of Porcupine Tree and A Perfect Circle - along with anyone looking for a good, dark alternative album. Featuring Martin Lopez, the former drummer of Opeth, Soen contain elements of that band's mellower (non-death metal) songs, both rhythmically and melodically. Also like Opeth, Soen prove themselves to be great songwriters and the album flows from start to finish.
Tellurian kicks off with its strongest song, "Tabula Rosa", catchy as hell to the point of sticking in your head all day. That's no exaggeration - and it's particularly true for the vocal lines, like "I don't want anything�where is my right to choose?" in the chorus. After humming these lines for hours, your coworkers might hate you, but it will be worth it. Musically the song does just as well, with infectious bass and guitar riffs throughout.
The rest of the album keeps up that high standard. The contemplative "The Words" slows the pace a bit for a dramatic tune that might need a couple listens to be absorbed, but will eventually become a favorite. The vocals swell to near-operatic levels a couple times and could bring a tear to your eye if you're not careful. A beer-raiser and a lighter-waver for sure.
Another album highlight is "Void", with its echoing verse riff and groovy drumbeat. The Cynic-esque vocal harmonies that open the song are a nice touch too. This is probably the second or third best song on the album, but who's counting; they're all good.
If someone were searching for a flaw, they might point this out: On first listen, the vocals sound somewhat repetitive, an emotional moan-singing that soaks through every song. These vocals are much in the vein of Tool, who tend to stick with one vocal style as well. But as with Tool, few will complain. In the context of this melancholy music, these breathy vocals sound great and never get old.
Tellurian may not shift moods or blend genres, but it doesn't need to. It perfects a style in the often hit-or-miss genre of progressive rock. I would call this a keeper.
Get your copy here.
Soen - Tellurian
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