German post-metal collective The Ocean has officially embarked on a new phase, confirming a series of significant lineup changes that have reshaped the band. These shifts follow their ‘End Of An Eon‘ shows earlier this year, which were previously announced as the final performances with their long-standing configuration. In a detailed statement released yesterday, June 15th, the remaining members addressed the departures and outlined their ambitious plans for the future, including a new album.
The band has seen several key members exit, including drummer Paul Seidel, guitarist David Ramis Åhfeldt, and most recently, vocalist Loïc Rossetti. These changes, while impactful, are framed by the band as a necessary evolution driven by the demanding nature of their rigorous touring schedule.
In their comprehensive update, the band conveyed the intensity of their journey:
“THE END OF AN EON… … AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW We’ve announced last summer that the “End of An Eon” shows would be the last with the current lineup. We decided to add Hellfest +2 more as transitional shows, the first ones with our new drummer Jordi Farré.”
They openly acknowledged the challenges that led to these shifts, despite their recent successes.
“Needless to say, 2024 was a tumultuous year While playing the best shows of our career, we had reached a dead end. Loïc has been in the band since 2009, Paul since 2014, Mattias since 2015, David since 2017, Robin since the beginning in 2001.”
The toll of relentless touring was presented as a primary factor in the lineup changes.
“Touring takes a heavy toll on body & mind. It can be the best thing in life, but it can also be draining. It’s a huge commitment. We have played over 120 shows per year since the end of the pandemic, and counting studio time & travel days, that’s far more than half of our lives. From that angle, the fact that we’ve been able to do this together, with a firm group of committed people for more or less a decade against the odds of life, is pretty incredible.”
To commemorate the decade-long tenure of this recent iteration of the band, The Ocean Collective will release an Audiotree session on July 10th. This session, recorded last summer in Chicago, will feature four songs from four different albums spanning the past 15 years.
“To celebrate this recent incarnation of The Ocean Collective‘s lineup, we have an Audiotree session [out July 10th] for you that we recorded last summer in Chicago. 4 songs off 4 different albums from the past 15 years, it is a homage to these fine individuals that were the faces behind the live silhouettes of The Ocean Collective for the past decade, and our send-off to close this recent chapter of the band’s (much longer) history.”
Quoting Refused, the band emphasized their forward momentum and resilience:
“‘So where do we go from here…? Just about… anywhwere Disoriented but alive Boredom won’t get me tonight.’ – Refused“
They firmly reassured fans that the band’s journey is far from over, with a new chapter slated to begin in 2026. Robin, who has consistently been the primary writer of music and lyrics for The Ocean since its inception, is already deep into crafting new material.
“Rest assured: this band is far from dead. The Ocean Collective will begin a new chapter in 2026. Robin has always been the main, and for many albums the only writer of music and lyrics In The Ocean. A new album is not only on the horizon, it’s been written for quite some time already, and will be recorded this year.”
The statement concluded with a message of gratitude and anticipation:
“We would like to thank you all for being a part of our journey throughout all these years, it means the world to us. We are looking forward to this next chapter, and can’t wait to share new music with you.”
Fans will have a final opportunity to see The Ocean with Loïc Rossetti at the following upcoming dates:
- 06/19 Jena, GER – Kassablanca
- 06/20 Netphen, GER – Freak Valley Festival
- 06/21 Clisson, FRA – Hellfest Open Air
