What makes Pelagial by The Ocean notable?

'Pelagial' received widespread acclaim from critics, solidifying The Ocean's place in the post-metal genre. The album's unique structure and conceptual focus on oceanic layers resonated deeply with listeners and earned it high placements in various year-end lists, illustrating its impact on both music fans and critics alike. Released in 2013, 'Pelagial' is The Ocean's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record 'Anthropocentric.' At this point in their career, the band had established themselves as a leading force in post-metal, and this album marked a significant thematic shift toward conceptual storytelling and atmospheric depth, reflecting their artistic evolution.

Pelagial works well if you're into immersive sonic exploration, wave-like pacing for reflection and cathartic deep listening experience.

How many songs are on Pelagial?

Pelagial has 21 tracks, running approximately 105 minutes.

Pelagial

The Ocean · 2013

105 min · 21 tracks · post-metal

A haunting exploration of the ocean's depths, where sprawling instrumentals intertwine with intense, immersive atmospheres.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Bathyalpelagic II: The Wish in Dreams — This track exemplifies the album's blend of ethereal melodies and heavy instrumentation, encapsulating the emotional core while maintaining a sense of introspective longing.
→
Demersal: Cognitive Dissonance — The lengthy composition presents a dynamic range of soundscapes, showcasing the band's ability to weave complex narratives through instrumental contrasts and climactic build-ups.
→
Hadopelagic II: Let Them Believe — This track merges haunting vocals with atmospheric instrumentation, creating a sense of urgency that reflects the thematic essence of deep-sea exploration and existential questioning.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's deep conceptual structure and immersive soundscapes create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album is structured in a way that mirrors oceanic layers, with each track representing a different depth and atmosphere.
The first half of the album features heavy instrumentation and intense vocals, while the second half transitions to more ambient and instrumental pieces.
Several tracks feature gradual build-ups and climaxes, creating a sense of immersion as they explore themes of anxiety and existentialism.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

immersive sonic exploration
wave-like pacing for reflection
cathartic deep listening experience
dynamic journey through soundscapes

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2013, 'Pelagial' is The Ocean's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record 'Anthropocentric.' At this point in their career, the band had established themselves as a leading force in post-metal, and this album marked a significant thematic shift toward conceptual storytelling and atmospheric depth, reflecting their artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Cult of Luna· Neurosis· Isis