The Ocean have announced that they will be releasing their new album Transcendence later this year. So whilst we wait, why not plunder the depths of the genius that is Pelagial. 

Released back in the year of 2013, The Ocean made waves in their scene with the absolutely incredible Pelagial. Not one to do things by halves the band instead wanted to opt for a conceptual piece that would go above and beyond the normal ideas of a concept album. Intertwining musical ideas with the thematics and even reaching into lyrical content the entire piece was made to the utmost precision. 

Beginning our journey from the surface, the relaxing tones of “Epipelagiac” remind us of the beautiful landscape of the sea. Opting for use of the major key each riff sounds bright and full of life. Layering the idea of the less dense pressure we hear light bubbles peppering the track before a solemn and Doom guitar riff that begins our descent as we move from the clear, azure to the open depths. 

As the album progresses the rhythms become more dense, passages take on a stronger weight. Similarly the lyrical element of the tracks becomes darker exploring a battle inside oneself. As the lyrics tackle all manner of physochological ills exploring a different  kind of depth, more akin to the idea of mental illness. Combining small subtle sound effects of escaping bubbles with the crushing tones the band truly do get you to be swept away in a wave of emotion. 

Either way that’s enough waffling check out the absolutely groundbreaking album and get ready for the brand new album coming later this year! Oh and you can also check out a performance of the band playing “Rhyacian” live for the first time recorded with Loïc on vocals. Whats better?