The Ocean Claims “Everything is in the Right Place” to Confirm a New Album for 2026

Post-metal outfit The Ocean have done what most of us have done in the new year and posted a pretty introspective look on the year that was 2025. And while that would be nice enough for their fans to read, they also took a look to the future — specifically as it pertains to the release of a new full-length album in the later half of 2026.

Founding guitarist Robin Staps described last year as a “transitional but very important year” for The Ocean, which might be putting it a bit lightly. After the departure of vocalist Loïc Rossetti, drummer Paul Seidel, and guitarist David Ramis Åhfeldt, there wasn’t much of a band left to talk about. That situation, Staps said, left him questioning whether the band would be able to move forward at all.

“A year ago, I had a hard time imagining this next chapter without my former band mates. I was determined to push the pause button myself and focus on other projects, like everybody else.”

After some self-reflection and working to bring the band back from the brink, Staps said the current iteration of The Ocean is comprised of himself, bassist Mattias Hägerstrand, and new drummer Jordi Farréis. With those guys ready and raring to go, almost an hour’s worth of new music has been completed for the new record.

“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. 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.”