The Ocean (full name The Ocean Collective) is a German post-metal band from Berlin, founded in 2001 by guitarist Robin Staps. The band operates as a collective with a revolving lineup - over 40 musicians have passed through its ranks - while Staps remains the sole constant member and primary composer. They are best known for concept albums tied to Earth's geological eras (the Phanerozoic series) and ocean depths (Pelagial), and after a sweeping lineup overhaul in 2024-2025, they entered a new era with Solaris (2026), inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky's film of the same name.
The Ocean announced a new album Solaris (released September 25, 2026 via Pelagic Records), inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky's film, and released the first single 'Light Pollution'.
The band presented a completely new lineup: joining Staps and bassist Mattias Hägerstand were two vocalists (Enrico Tiberi, Lane Shi) and two guitarists (Emmanuel Jessua, Marco Gennaro).
After a break, the band announced on January 3, 2026 their return: Staps is finishing nearly an hour of new music and preparing the twelfth studio album.
The band confirmed the departure of vocalist Loïce Rossetttiho, drummer Paula Seidel, and guitarist David Ramies Åhfeldt; the last concerts with this lineup were performances at Hellfest 2025.
The Ocean announced the 'End of an Eon' tour (December 2024 - February 2025) as a farewell to the then-current lineup; the setlist included the complete album Holocene and a selection from the Phanerozoic series.
