Soen has revealed second single “Mercenary” from their forthcoming new studio album, Reliance, set for release on January 16, 2026 via Silver Lining Music. This marks the Swedish Progressive Metal band’s seventh studio album, led by Joel Ekelöf (vocals) and Martin Lopez (drums).

The band have focused on honesty throughout the album, conveying “emotional gravity.” Similarly, the track “Mercenary,” is one that “channels the weight of inherited violence and the personal cost of conviction.”

Vocalist and frontman Joel Ekelöf comments:

‘Mercenary’ is about the violence we inherit, which then sees hatred seeping into lives–and life–which in turn shapes generations. At its heart, ‘Mercenary’ speaks to the cost of belief.

Founding member and drummer Martin Lopez says:

It also addresses betrayal, about how that can see us ‘crowning vultures into kings…musically, it carries the essence of SOEN – heavy yet melodic and built on power and precision. 

Lars Enok Åhlund (keyboards & guitar), Cody Lee Ford (guitar), and Stefan Stenberg (bass) round out the band and together, Soen are gearing up for a busy 2026, with an array of festival appearances and headline shows already on the horizon.

2026 Shows:

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)