Post-metal band The Ocean has announced plans for its 12th studio album, set for release in the second half of 2026, following significant lineup shifts in 2025. Founding guitarist Robin Staps shared an optimistic update, highlighting the band's rebuilding process and excitement for new music. The group thanked fans for their support during a quiet period.
On January 2, 2026, German post-metal pioneers The Ocean issued a New Year's statement via social media, confirming they are nearly finished recording their 12th studio album. The release is slated for the second half of 2026 and features approximately an hour of new material.
The announcement comes after a tumultuous 2025, which founding guitarist Robin Staps described as a "transitional but very important year." The band lost three longtime members: vocalist Loïc Rossetti, drummer Paul Seidel, and guitarist David Ramis Åhfeldt. Staps reflected on the initial uncertainty, writing, "A year ago, I had a hard time imagining this next chapter without my former band mates. I was determined to push the pause button myself and focus on other projects, like everybody else."
However, the period of change sparked unexpected creative progress. "But as old things fell apart, new things fell into place… almost effortlessly and much quicker than I could have hoped for," Staps noted. The current lineup includes Staps, longtime bassist Mattias Hägerstrand, and new drummer Jordi Farré. After a year of reflecting, rebuilding, and reshaping, Staps expressed enthusiasm: "I am as excited about this as a 46-year-old kid waiting to play his first gig ever."
The band expressed gratitude to fans for their patience during the "rather quiet phase," promising new material and announcements soon. Staps concluded warmly: "Thank you all for still being here and following us through a rather quiet phase. We will treat you with something nice in a little while. Until then, we wish you a splendid new year. Stay warm and healthy, everything else is less important."
