The Ocean – Heliocentric

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Metal Blade
Produced by Robin Staps

It seems as if line-up changes have always been a constant for this experimental German post-metal outfit, which has always been led by Robin Staps but has included literally dozens of other members – both permanent and collaborative – over the years. In fact, the group’s membership is so fluid that they are often referred to as The Ocean Collective.

Accordingly, Heliocentric marks the recording debut of vocalist Loic Rossetti, who provides a range of different vocal styles on an album which is itself a demonstration of perhaps the widest range of musical styles within an album from this band to date (and this is an outfit which is already known for having a wide sonic range). The vocals are, quite simply, astounding. The harsher screams are evocative of those which can be heard on much of The Ocean’s earlier work, and they are sufficient for their purpose – but it is the clean vocals (which again, are really nothing new for The Ocean) that are one of the true signature aspects of this fine album. Often, Rossetti’s vocals change from full screams to beautiful melodies almost instantaneously. This provides an additional level of beauty to the songs, which are already incredibly complex, yet well-written.

Also, a very wide range of instrumentation is used on this album – which again, is not completely unusual for this band – but the range of instrumentation used here is perhaps the widest yet for The Ocean. The best part of this aspect of the album is the skill with which the addiitonal instruments are used. Instead of being employed merely on a whim or pretentiously to show a high degree of skill, the added parts are instead rather fitting and altogether complementary to the songs. Various strings can be heard at different points, as well as a variety of horns such as saxophone, trumpet and trombone. In fact, a total of eleven additional musicians – besides the five permanent band members – contribute to this beautiful album.

Last but certainly not least, the album is one of two volumes to be released in 2010, which together form a concept album which form a critique of Christianity from different philosophical and personal angles. The lyrics are thought-provoking and powerful, and again, this adds yet another layer of appeal to this outstanding album.

“ incredibly complex, yet well-written ”

Tracklist: Shamayim / Firmament / The First Commandment of The Luminaries / Ptolemy Was Wrong / Metaphysics of The Hangman / Catharsis of A Heretic / Swallowed By The Earth / Epiphany / The Origina of Species / The Origin of God

Written by Chris Poling
More: 2010, Albums, Post Rock/Metal, The Ocean