Pelagial cover

Pelagial

The Ocean · 2013

105 min · 21 tracks · post-metal

An immersive sonic journey through oceanic depths, blending atmospheric post-metal with haunting melodies and intricate rhythms.

Why this album works

Pelagial received widespread acclaim from critics, with particular praise for its conceptual depth and musical complexity. It debuted at number 36 on the German Albums Chart, showcasing The Ocean's growing presence in the metal scene. The album's innovative structure—featuring both vocal and instrumental versions of each track—contributed to discussions around artistic expression in heavy music.
Best for
immersive sonic exploration wave-like pacing for reflection cathartic deep listening experience
Context
Pelagial is The Ocean's fifth studio album, released after their critically acclaimed record, Anthropocentric (2010). At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the post-metal genre and exploring ambitious concepts, which would lead to a further evolution in sound and thematic depth. This album represents a significant artistic progression for the group, emphasizing both lyrical storytelling and instrumental experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors
Infant Island· Junius· Deafheaven

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 2 Mesopelagic: Into the Uncanny 5:56
  • 3 Bathyalpelagic I: Impasses 4:24
  • 4 Bathyalpelagic II: The Wish in Dreams Standout 3:18
  • 5 Bathyalpelagic III: Disequilibrated 4:27
  • 6 Abyssopelagic I: Boundless Vasts 3:27
  • 7 Abyssopelagic II: Signals of Anxiety 5:05
  • 8 Hadopelagic I: Omen of the Deep 1:07
  • 9 Hadopelagic II: Let Them Believe Standout 9:17
  • 10 Demersal: Cognitive Dissonance Standout 9:05
  • 11 Benthic: The Origin of Our Wishes 5:55

Disc 2

  • 1 Epipelagic (instrumental) 1:12
  • 2 Mesopelagic: Into the Uncanny (instrumental) 5:56
  • 3 Bathyalpelagic I: Impasses (instrumental) 4:24
  • 4 Bathyalpelagic II: The Wish in Dreams (instrumental) 3:18
  • 5 Bathyalpelagic III: Disequilibrated (instrumental) 4:27
  • 6 Abyssopelagic I: Boundless Vasts (instrumental) 3:27
  • 7 Abyssopelagic II: Signals of Anxiety (instrumental) 5:05
  • 8 Hadopelagic I: Omen of the Deep (instrumental) 1:07
  • 9 Hadopelagic II: Let Them Believe (instrumental) 9:17
  • 10 Demersal: Cognitive Dissonance (instrumental) 9:05
  • 11 Benthic: The Origin of Our Wishes (instrumental) 5:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata