“Solaris,” The Ocean's twelfth studio album, pays tribute to the band's evolution to date and lends it a new, intense edge. With members from six different countries in its core lineup, The Ocean returns to a collective lineup and draws on the wealth of experience and talent of a pool of extraordinary musicians. After taking a different direction with their previous album, “Holocene,” Swedish producer Jens Bogren who previously mixed the band’s most beloved albums, “Pelagial” and “Phanerozoic I” & ‘II’ is once again responsible for the expansive, organic sound of “Solaris.” The new album introduces vocalists Lane Shi and Enrico Tiberi, as well as guitarists Emmanuel Jessua and Marco Gennaro.

They join founding guitarist Robin Staps, longtime bassist Mattias Hägerstrand, and drummer Jordi Farré. Each of them brings their own unique touch to bring this nearly 70-minute opus to life. For the recordings, the circle of contributors was expanded even further: Thorsten Quaeschning (Tangerine Dream) contributed modular synthesizers, Greek composer Orestis Zafiriou (Playgrounded) also provided electronic and synth elements, and Simen Eifring from the Norwegian post-rock band Spurv handled the trombone part. 

The album was recorded at Berlin’s legendary Hansa Studios, where classics such as David Bowie’s *Low* and *Heroes*, Iggy Pop’s *Lust for Life*, and Depeche Mode’s *Construction Time Again* were created. Within these studio walls, “Solaris” evolved into a vivid testament to the power of a spirit of discovery and teamwork. Since the new singer, Tiberi, is also an accomplished pianist and multi-instrumentalist, the sounds of the celesta, grand piano, Rhodes piano, and Hammond organ became an integral and distinctive part of the Solaris sound. The Ocean’s signature atmospheric post-metal is enriched by the experimental spirit of the new members as well as the contributions of the excellent guest musicians. This album represents a new high point for The Ocean in terms of ambition and narrative depth.

CD/ 2LP:

1. 52°30'11n, 13°26'12e
2. Departure Song
3. Light Pollution
4. Simulacra
5. Belligerence
6. Ultima Esperanza
7. Milk Of My Dreams
8. 51°28'30s, 73°6'11w