Okean Elzy (Ukrainian: Океан Ельзи, lit. "Elza's Ocean") is a prominent Ukrainian rock band, formed in 1994 in Lviv, Ukraine. Widely regarded as one of Ukraine's most successful and influential bands, Okean Elzy has left a significant mark on the country's music scene. The band is fronted by vocalist Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, a key figure in Ukrainian culture.

Formation and Early Years (1994–1999)
Okean Elzy was formed in 1994 by four musicians from Lviv, who had previously been members of the band Klan Tyshi ("Clan of Silence"). The original lineup included vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar, and drums. After a year of rehearsals, the band made its debut on January 14, 1995, with a performance in front of the Lviv Opera Theatre. This was soon followed by the release of their demo tape "DEMO 94-95" and participation in notable Ukrainian music festivals, including Chervona Ruta and Melodiya.

By 1996, Okean Elzy had become a regular presence on the festival circuit, performing at events in Ukraine and Europe, including Germany and France. The band also recorded its first maxi-single, Budynok zi skla ("House of Glass"), and made its first appearance in Kyiv, supporting Deep Purple.

The band's breakthrough came in 1998 when they relocated to Kyiv and began work on their debut album, Tam, de nas nema ("There, Where We Aren't"). Their music video for the title track gained significant attention, marking a milestone as the first modern Ukrainian music video to be featured on MTV Russia and France's MCM Channel.

Rise to Prominence (2000–2004)
Okean Elzy's second album, Ya na nebi buv ("I Was in the Sky"), was released in 2000, followed by international performances, including a solo concert at London's Astoria Club. In 2001, the band released its third album, Model, and embarked on a major tour across Ukraine. Their fourth album, Supersymetriya ("Supersymmetry"), was released in 2003, coinciding with their most extensive tour to date.

In 2004, Okean Elzy played a significant role in Ukraine's Orange Revolution, with Vakarchuk emerging as a prominent figure in the movement.

Continued Success and Influence (2005–Present)
In 2005, Okean Elzy released the album GLORIA and embarked on a major tour across Ukraine and Russia. That same year, Vakarchuk was appointed the UN's Ambassador of Goodwill, and the band actively participated in humanitarian efforts, including campaigns against human trafficking.

The band continued to gain recognition with albums like Mira ("Measure") in 2007, Dolce Vita in 2010, and Bez mezh ("Without Limits") in 2016. Notably, in 2014, Okean Elzy performed to a record-breaking crowd of 70,000 at Kyiv's NSC Olimpiyskiy for their 20th anniversary.

Following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia, Okean Elzy ceased performing in Russia, making a stand as one of the few Ukrainian bands to do so. The band remains active in both music and social causes, with Vakarchuk joining the territorial defense battalion during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Discography Highlights
Tam, de nas nema (1998)
Ya Na Nebi Buv (2000)
Model (2001)
Supersymetriya (2003)
Gloria (2005)
Mira (2007)
Dolce Vita (2010)
Zemlya (2013)
Bez mezh (2016)
Notable Achievements
Okean Elzy has earned numerous accolades, including the FUZZ Magazine award for "Best Rock Act" in 2007. They have performed internationally, supported causes such as human rights and literacy, and remain a vital force in Ukrainian rock music.

In recent years, they have continued to tour and release new music, with their influence extending beyond Ukraine as they contribute to cultural and social movements on a global scale.