The Ocean - Solaris (2026)
This is a strong The Ocean album, but I don't think the full record is as consistent as its best moments. The main thing that works is the scale. The long tracks actually feel ambitious rather than just long for the sake of it, and there is a real sense of movement between heaviness, atmosphere and the more electronic passages. The new vocal setup also gives the album more contrast than I expected. “Simulacra, Part III” is my favourite track. That is where the whole album clicks best for me. The tension, the build, the atmosphere and the final payoff all feel properly earned. It has the density and darkness I want from The Ocean, but also enough detail and progression to avoid becoming another generic post-metal crescendo. “Ultima Esperanza” is another highlight, and “Light Pollution” works very well too. The electronics are especially useful because they give the record another dimension instead of just adding background texture. The Tangerine Dream influence near the end is one ...