Ocean 2: The Answer
| Ocean 2: The Answer | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio albumby | ||||
| Released | 9 October 1998[1][2] | |||
| Recorded | August 1997 – July 1998[3] | |||
| Studio | Horus Sound,Hanover Smecky,Prague(Prague Philharmonic Choir parts) | |||
| Genre | Prog rock[3] | |||
| Length | 57:46 | |||
| Label | GUN/BMG | |||
| Producer | Frank Bornemann | |||
| Eloychronology | ||||
| ||||
| SinglesfromOcean 2: The Answer | ||||
| ||||
| Audio sample | ||||
"The Answer" | ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| ArtRock |   [5] |
| Aural Innovations | favorable[6] |
| Progwereld | favorable[7] |
| Rock Hard | [8] |
Ocean 2: The Answeris the sixteenth studio album by the GermanrockbandEloy,released in 1998.
It is aconcept albumconceived byFrank Bornemannand inspired byOcean,the most commercially successful German prog rock album ever.[9]As Bornemann explains, "The question of the meaning of human existence and influences beyond physical perception ultimately became the focus of this conceptual work. I wanted to find the answers to these questions on this album.(...)I am deeply convinced that everything I have formulated on The Answer comes very close to what I subjectively recognize and perceive as reality."[10]
Synopsis
[edit]Rendition according to the album's lyrics.[11]
As humanity progresses towards the turn of themillennium,it uncovers deeper truths preserved by its ancestors. This ancient wisdom has the potential to guide and enlighten both individuals and society as a whole, ultimately leading towards a higher goal or state of existence ( "Ro Setau" ). The present and future seemdystopian,marked by spiritual desolation, societal decay, and technological obsession. Despite this bleak outlook, there is a recurring call to awaken, trust in inner wisdom, and embrace change as humanity stands at a pivotal point in time ( "Paralysed Civilization" ).
In a state of cosmic harmony and inner peace, silence and tranquility play crucial roles in achieving a higher state of consciousness. The alignment of planets, the rise of an emerald aura, and the presence of divine moments all contribute to a sense of oneness with the universe. True understanding and enlightenment come from a serene and clear inner self ( "Serenity" ). Humanity is engaged in an ongoing quest for understanding and clarity amid the uncertainties and contradictions of life. Awakening of consciousness, balancing logic with intuition, and recognizing the inner light that guides and illuminates the way forward, are essential achievements during that quest ( "Awakening of Consciousness" ).
Life and the universe are infused with a divine, creative force that connects all beings. This deeper spiritual connection leads to the understanding of the self and the cosmos ( "Reflections from the Spheres Beyond" ). A journey of inner exploration where memories provide comfort, along with mystical, intuitive experiences lead to new discoveries and spiritual insights. The interplay of cosmic and natural imagery underscores a connection to the universe and the timeless nature of these experiences ( "Waves of Intuition" ).
The awakening to higher consciousness is achieved through the interplay of light, sound, and universal forces. Described is a journey of the mind and soul towards unity with the cosmos, breaking through the limitations of time and space to achieve eternal understanding and peace. The powerful natural elements and mystical experiences depicted illustrate the profound transformation and revelation inherent in this spiritual quest ( "The Answer" ).
Background
[edit]After the very successfulThe Tides Return Foreversupporting tour in 1994, which coincided with the band's 25th anniversary, Frank Bornemann wanted to disband Eloy, thinking of it as a worthy conclusion.[10]
The enthusiastic response from the Eloy fans changed his mind, but he was still wondering what he could actually offer to the fans after so many albums. Thinking ofOceanas the pinnacle of Eloy's career, he decided to try to create an album inspired by it, reawakening the musical spirit of the 70s while taking advantage of theproductivetechnical progress of the 90s.Analog recordingwas utilized in order to achieve the vintage sound they intended.[10]
The 1994 touringdrummerBodo Schopf was appointed as a full-time member during the creation and recording of the album, making Eloy aquartet.
Artwork
[edit]TheOceancover artistWojciech Siudmakwas once again responsible for the artwork, enhancing the connection between the two albums. His "Eternal Love"[12]painting was used as the cover ofOcean 2: The Answer,while "Foetus Metaphysics"[13]and "Reincarnation"[14]were included in the album'sbooklet.[15][16]"Reincarnation" was also on the front cover of the "The Answer"single.[4]
Reception
[edit]The album was very well received, both initially and retrospectively.
Paul Ward of theAural Innovationsmagazine wrote in January 1999: "...the album has all the classic Eloy hallmarks.(...)the sounds that they have developed over the last decade have not been forgotten, and listening to the album there is a merging of the old and the new which results in a feeling of completeness".Keith Henderson of the same medium stated that"Ocean 2 is a triumphant return for Eloy".[6]
Art Rock's Paweł Horyszny reviewed the album in 2014, with his opinion being that "Frank Bornemann reached in his own mind and the great historical treasury of this noble band, and instead of wandering around new wave sounds, he treated the fans to a real sentimental journey."[5]
Eloy set out a mini tour in December 1998 to support the album, playing five concerts in Germany, welcomed in a triumphant fashion by their fans.[10]After the tour, Bornemann went ahead with the plan he had in mind since 1994 (seeBackground) and broke up the band, focusing on his career as a producer. The break up would last ten years, before the late 2008 reunion that led toVisionary.
Track listing
[edit]All lyrics byFrank Bornemann,music by Bornemann and Michael Gerlach except where noted.
| No. | Title | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Between Future and Past" | Gerlach | 2:43 |
| 2. | "Ro Setau" | Bornemann | 7:09 |
| 3. | "Paralysed Civilization" | 9:28 | |
| 4. | "Serenity" | Bornemann, Gerlach, Klaus-Peter Matziol | 3:09 |
| 5. | "Awakening of Consciousness" | 6:03 | |
| 6. | "Reflections from the Spheres Beyond" | 12:59 | |
| 7. | "Waves of Intuition" | Bornemann, Matziol | 4:56 |
| 8. | "The Answer" | Bornemann | 11:19 |
| Total length: | 57:46 | ||
Personnel
[edit]All information according to the album'sliner notes,[3]numbers in parentheses indicate specific tracks.
|
Eloy
Guest musicians
|
Production
Artwork
|
References
[edit]- ^"Ocean II - Eloy".Amazon Music.Amazon.Retrieved11 May2024.
- ^"Ocean II - Eloy".Spotify.Spotify AB.Retrieved11 May2024.
- ^abc"Eloy – Ocean 2 - The Answer".Discogs.Zink Media, LLC.Retrieved11 May2024.
- ^ab"Eloy – The Answer".Discogs.Zink Media, LLC.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^abHoryszny, Paweł."Eloy — Ocean 2: The Answer".ArtRock.pl(in Polish).Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^abWard, Paul; Henderson, Keith (January 1999)."Eloy" Ocean II - The Answer ""(magazine).Aural Innovations.5.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^Meeuws, Markwin."Eloy – Ocean 2 The Answer".Progwereld.org(in Dutch).Retrieved17 September2024.
- ^"Ocean 2 - The Answer".Rock Hard(in German). Holger Stratmann.Retrieved17 September2024.
- ^Lawson, Dom."Double concept albums and rock operas: inside the wild world of Eloy".Prog.Future.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^abcdKuinke, Volker (June 2000)."Eloy - Biography".German Rock e.V.(in German).Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^"Ocean 2: The Answer - Eloy".Genius.ML Genius Holdings, LLC.Retrieved13 July2024.
- ^"Eternal Love".Art of Siudmak - Paris.Wojciech Siudmak.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^"Foetus Metaphysics - Wojciech Siudmak".WikiArt.Kseniia Bilash.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^"Reincarnation - Wojciech Siudmak".WikiArt.Kseniia Bilash.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^Eloy – Ocean 2 - The Answer(booklet).GUN/BMG.pp. 4–5.Retrieved12 July2024.
- ^Eloy – Ocean 2 - The Answer(booklet).GUN/BMG.pp. 8–9.Retrieved12 July2024.
External links
[edit]- "Ocean 2: The Answer".Eloy official website.Retrieved13 July2024.
