The reconfigured ensemble of post-metal purveyors The Ocean have augmented the recent reveal of the second single, "Belligerence," with a powerful new performance video. The clip arrives as the band charge towards the September 25th arrival of their triumphant 12th full length LP, Solaris.
The single was first unveiled earlier this month and underscored the resounding creative chemistry of the reconstructed line-up of the post metal stalwarts. Led by founding guitarist, songwriter and lyricist Robin Staps and driven by powerhouse showings from new tandem vocalists, Enrico Tiberi and Lane Shi, "Belligerence" functions as a near 11-minute clinic in unorthodox heft.
Flexing progressive rhythms, sturdy guitars and a vocal performance that spans wide range, the track is a staggering show of post metal mastery and testament to the resilience of The Ocean. The band spoke previously to the substance between the lines of the substantial track, "'Belligerence' is a song about the culture of arguing and about the destructive force of contained anger and belligerence as a trait of character, often transfigured as an attribute of reason and a critical mind."
Robin Staps spoke further about the significance of the accompanying music video, explaining how the footage serves well in documenting the obvious working synergy of the band's current line-up. "This was recorded live at a nice local studio, on the day after our first show ever with the new lineup in Rabat, Morocco. 'Belligerence’ is one of the heavier tracks of the upcoming album, it’s got a nice groove despite the constantly changing meters which makes it really fun to play."
The arrival of the band's forthcoming full length album Solaris, serves as significant achievement for a band having already tallied 25 years of accolades. From 2022 to 2025, The Ocean fractured, losing two-thirds of their existing line-up. Spearheaded by co-founder, guitarist and primary songwriter Robin Staps along with the remaining members in bassist Mattias Hägerstrand and drummer Jordi Farré, The Ocean would not only live to see another chapter, but thrive in their new era.
Joined by vocalists Lane Shi and Enrico Tiberi along with Emmanuel Jessua of Hypno5e and Marco Gennaro on guitars, a rejuvenated version of the collective reemerged, stronger and creatively focused that ever. Inspired by the cinema of Andrei Tarkovsky and the 1972 sci-fi classic Solaris, the band constructed their own post-metal soundtrack of interstellar escapism - an album that pairs ambitious musicality with equally ambitious narrative.
Thus far previewed by single "Light Pollution" and the most recent "Belligerence," Solaris is a triumph in both concept and execution - further adding to the enduring legacy of the post metal visionaries.
Solaris, the 12th studio album from The Ocean lands September 25th via Pelagic Records. The album is current available for pre-order - HERE
