The Ocean confirm progress on new album after lineup changes

Berlin based post-metal collective The Ocean are nearing the end of recording for their twelfth studio album as they continue moving forward after a turbulent period for the band. In a new recently shared update, the group confirmed that tracking is almost complete, with the album set for release in the second half of 2026.

The band went through a major transition in 2025 following the departures of longtime members Paul Seidel, Loïc Rossetti, and David Ramis Åhfeldt. According to guitarist and main songwriter Robin Staps, the year initially brought uncertainty and reflection. However, once the rebuilding process began, things started to fall into place faster than expected, allowing the band to fully commit to new material.

In the update, Staps explains that the band are currently finishing around an hour of new music. He also describes a renewed sense of excitement around the project and thanked fans for sticking with The Ocean during a quieter phase. The band added that more news and material will follow in the near future.

While work on the new album continues, The Ocean recently closed the chapter on their previous lineup with the release of “Audiotree From Nothing.” Recorded in Chicago last summer, the session serves as a farewell document for that era of the band. It features four songs spanning roughly 15 years of material and captures one final performance with the outgoing lineup.

The release followed the confirmed exits of Rossetti and Åhfeldt, which came after drummer Paul Seidel’s earlier departure. Staps has previously spoken about the physical and mental strain caused by years of heavy touring, while also expressing pride in what the group achieved together. With new drummer Jordi Farré already stepping in for recent festival appearances, the band now appear focused on what lies ahead.

“Happy new year, friends.

2025 was a transitional year, but a very important one for The Ocean. A year ago, I had a hard time imagining this next chapter without my former band mates Paul, Loïc and David. I was determined to push the pause button myself and focus on other projects, like everybody else. But as old things fell apart, new things fell into place… almost effortlessly and much quicker than I could have hoped for.

After a year of reflecting, rebuilding and reshaping, it feels very much like everything is in the right place. The Ocean Collective is ready for the next chapter: we are in the process of finishing recordings for an hour of new music, and going down into our dungeon studio every day to work on this feels like one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. Our 12th studio album will be released in the 2nd half of 2026. And I am as excited about this as a 46 years old kid waiting to play his first gig ever.

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. 🌊”