The Ocean Bring Solaris to Spain with A.A. Williams
German band The Ocean will return to Spain to present Solaris, the latest chapter in a career shaped by musical experimentation and ambitious conceptual work. The band will perform on February 3, 2027, in Madrid, followed by a show on February 4 in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona. British singer and multi-instrumentalist A.A. Williams will join both dates as a special guest, bringing music from Solstice, her new album released in June 2026.
With Solaris, The Ocean enter a new phase following Holocene, released in 2023. The album builds on the band’s distinctive approach to post-metal, combining expansive arrangements, atmospheric textures and a carefully developed conceptual framework. Recorded at Berlin’s legendary Hansa Studios and produced by Jens Bogren, the record spans nearly 70 minutes. Its sound reflects the group’s continued interest in exploring new musical territory while maintaining the depth and coherence that have defined its work.
The current lineup features vocalists Lane Shi and Enrico Tiberi, guitarists Emmanuel Jessua and Marco Gennaro, founding guitarist Robin Staps, bassist Mattias Hägerstrand and drummer Jordi Farré. The changes in personnel form part of a broader transition for the band, which continues to combine sonic experimentation with a strong emphasis on conceptual storytelling.
The ideas behind Solaris draw on Andrei Tarkovsky’s film of the same name, alongside the journals and historical documents of great explorers. The album explores human ambition, the desire to discover the unknown and the consequences of an unrelenting search for answers. Cosmic exploration provides a framework for broader reflections on history and human nature, continuing The Ocean’s tradition of creating concept-driven records in which musical development and narrative are closely intertwined.
A.A. Williams brings a distinct perspective to the tour. Her music moves between atmospheric rock and post-rock, balancing intensity with restraint and introspective passages. Her classical training and instrumental versatility inform a sound that can shift from expansive, immersive arrangements to more intimate moments. Throughout her career, she has shared stages with artists including Cult of Luna, Explosions in the Sky, Russian Circles, Sleep Token and The Sisters of Mercy, while continuing to develop her own work as a headline artist.
The Spanish dates bring together The Ocean’s expansive, conceptually driven approach to post-metal and the atmospheric, emotionally nuanced music of A.A. Williams. Both performances offer an opportunity to experience the artists' current creative direction and two distinct approaches to the expressive possibilities of contemporary heavy music.
