AND OCEANS – The Regeneration Itinerary

We’re talking about The Regeneration Itinerary, the seventh album from …And Oceans, which in 2025 landed squarely in the ears of fans of extreme and experimental sound.

 

Following Cosmic World Mother (2020) and As in Gardens, So in Tombs (2023) was no easy task, but the Finns unleash their full creativity here.

The lineup remains intact, and the production is top-notch. However, the sound diverges from classic symphonic black metal, evoking A.M.G.O.D. (2001) in a more distinct way, alternating with sections closer to traditional metal.

 

The opener, Inertiae, exemplifies this: black metal passages contrast with synth sections that add a unique, complementary layer. Förnyelse I Tre Akter is varied—blast beats meet atmospheric, pathos-rich choruses, balancing aggression, melody, and subtle synths. Chromium Lungs, Bronze Optics stands out, alternating between epic, choral-backed moments and intense bursts. The Form and the Formless drops the bar slightly: mid-song synths feel less integrated, leaving the track disconnected from the album’s flow. Prophetical Mercury Implement revives momentum, with electronics setting the atmosphere but not overpowering. The album’s second half stays consistent, moving from the sharp brutality of The Fire in Which We Burn to more syncopated sections like The Ways of Sulphur, and concludes with Towards the Absence of Light, which mirrors the album’s overall arc with its futuristic finale.

The limited digibox edition adds two bonus tracks, Copper Blood, Titanium Stars, and The Discord Static, echoing the orchestral melodies of Dimmu Borgir while staying faithful to the rest of the album.

 

…And Oceans display ample skill: technical mastery, experimentation, and creativity make The Regeneration Itinerary one of their best. While the black metal/electronic blend isn’t always seamless, the band reaffirms top form and cements its status in symphonic black metal.