FIMBULVINTER

Bjørn Riis? Fimbulvinter: Released April 11, 2025

An Odyssey in Two Acts

With Fimbulvinter, Bjørn Riis invites us on a sonic journey in two parts. The first half of the album surprises with a more rock, even hard, energy, where the more incisive rhythm guitars bring a new intensity to his usually subdued universe. We perceive hard-core notes that contrast with the melancholic softness to which the artist has accustomed us.

Then, as the album progresses, we rediscover Riis's characteristic atmospheric imprint. The second half opens with more ethereal soundscapes, where soaring layers and introspective melodies take over, bringing us back to the deep introspection that is the artist's signature.

Fimbulvinter thus stands out as a work of contrasts, where the initial tension gradually gives way to contemplation, offering a rich and nuanced emotional palette.

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Translated from:

Bjørn Riis ? Fimbulvinter : Sortie 11 avril 2025

une odyssée en deux actes

Avec Fimbulvinter, Bjørn Riis nous convie à un voyage sonore en deux temps. La première partie de l'album surprend par une énergie plus rock, voire hard, où les guitares rythmiques, plus incisives, apportent une intensité nouvelle à son univers habituellement feutré. On y perçoit des effluves hard qui tranchent avec la douceur mélancolique à laquelle l'artiste nous avait habitués.

Puis, à mesure que l'album progresse, on retrouve l'empreinte atmosphérique caractéristique de Riis. La seconde moitié s'ouvre sur des paysages sonores plus éthérés, où les nappes planantes et les mélodies introspectives reprennent le dessus, nous ramenant à cette introspection profonde qui fait la signature de l'artiste.

Fimbulvinter s'impose ainsi comme une ?uvre contrastée, où la tension initiale cède progressivement la place à la contemplation, offrant une palette émotionnelle riche et nuancée.

High quality

Fimbulvinter by Bjorn Riis is a deep, haunting, and melancholic album that showcases his signature atmospheric soundscapes. Tastefully composed and performed effectively with both acoustic and electric instruments, the album draws listeners into an introspective journey. The track "She" stands out for its sincerity and emotional depth, highlighting Riis's ability to convey raw feelings through subtle arrangements and heartfelt melodies.

The title track, "Fimbulvinter," is probably the proggiest piece on the album. It starts off with heavy prog rock energy, transitions into a melodic passage, and then masterfully combines both elements. This progression expands into other musical forms reminiscent of Pink Floyd's ambient textures and late Opeth's emotional dynamics. Riis's skill in blending these influences while maintaining a unique voice is impressive.

Overall, Fimbulvinter is a very satisfying listen for fans of progressive and atmospheric rock, offering both emotional weight and musical sophistication.

4.4/5

The 5th solo album for the guitarist from Norwegian Prog band Airbag, Riis delivers more moody, atmospheric soundscapes in line with what his band does, but with a more poignant, introspective, and personal feel throughout. Knowing just when to keep things light or go heavy with acoustic and electric themes, the songs create wonderful brooding and powerful moods, punctuated by great guitar lines and fills. Named after the long winter that heralds Ragnarok, the album opens with Illhug, a beautiful, haunting acoustic guitar piece, which leads into Gone, the most rockin' track with a driving catchy chorus, while still maintaining its haunted mood. Panic Attack is the longest track (at nearly 11 min.) and takes its time to provide a Floydian masterpiece of melancholic beauty. She is a love song of pure and simple beauty, elegantly handled. The title track is the proggiest, an instrumental that mixes heavy guitar riffs with melodic guitar lines and heavy atmospheric soundscapes for a soaring finish. Overall, a wonderful, powerful album. Best Tracks: Gone, Fimbulvinter, She, Panic Attack. Rating: 4