FIMBULVINTER

Bjorn Riis - Fimbulvinter Country: Norway Year: 2025 Time: 44:22

****1/2

Tracks: Illhug (1:43), Gone (8:34), Panic Attack (10:56), She (6:33), Fimbulvinter (8:59), Fear Of Abandonment (7:36)

Bjørn Riis, guitarist for progressive rock band Airbag, has returned after 3 years with his most personal album yet Fimbulvinter. On this new record, he handles vocals, guitars, bass, and keys. and brings with him fellow Airbag drummer Henrik Bergan Fossum as well as Arild Brøter, and Kai Christoffersen on drums as well.

The record hinges on the concept of mental fragility, interpreting the pain and anxiety that precedes a breakdown ? just as how, in Norse mythology, the Fimbulvinter precedes the end of the world.

The album kicks off with "Illhug," a brief beautiful, haunting and delicate acoustic instrumental.

Following "IIIhug" we have the first signal "Gone", which has the steady drive that some Airbag songs have. This is a song up tempo, a nice rhythm section with fabulous bass playing. Lyrically it deals with a person who has been running all his life. This one is one of the heavier songs musically on the album.

Next we have "Panic Attack." This song has a particularly oppressive atmosphere, it really grabs you by the throat, both musically and lyrically. You can feel everything that a person feels when having a panic attack. On the one hand you feel the modesty, on the other hand you feel the powerlessness. An emotionally powerful song.

After all the experiences of Panic Attack, you now get some air again with the next song, She. "She" stands out for its sincerity and emotional depth, highlighting Riis's ability to convey raw feelings through subtle arrangements and heartfelt melodies. Honestly he does this so well.

The effects of cold winds and dark clouds blow through the introduction to the title track, "Fimbulvinter," before thudding percussion, bass and a dulled trudging guitar riff stomp all over this track, Swooping and dipping, tearing us away from the forlorn beauty of the previous track and leading us into an uncertain dark place. Best song on the album.

The closer "Fear of Abandonment" is another favorite. It feels vulnerable and the vocals are hushed and uncertain. The end of the album can feel a little hopeless, just like a long winter before the end of the world, and I think Bjørn intentionally ends the album this way.

This album has immense depth and one can only applaud Riis for his bravery and honesty. Highly recommended.

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