Bjørn Riis - Gone
Bjørn Riis is among Norway’s most acclaimed and prolific artists in the progressive rock genre. As a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, he’s transitioned from learning his trade in obscure cover bands to having worldwide success both as a forming member of Airbag and as a solo artist.
This spring, Bjørn follows up his highly acclaimed “Everything to Everyone” (“This fantastic musician’s best work!” - Progradar UK), with a new album, “Fimbulvinter” on the 11th of April.
To whet the appetite of BJØRN RIIS fans, the track “Gone” has been chosen as a single to be released today (13.02.25), and Bjørn Riis has this to say about it:
"”Gone” was the first track I wrote for the album. It’s one of those songs you just want to play loud in your car going fast on the highway! I wanted it to have that pop and monumental feel to it, while dealing with a somewhat serious matter. It’s about the fear of not being enough, of being rejected and dealing with that by wanting to escape and flee. I’m playing all of the instruments, with Kai Christoffersen on drums and my long-time collaborator, Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, mixing and co- producing.”
“Fimbulvinter” is a personal album, based on Bjørn’s own experience dealing with anxiety. The lyrics are profoundly honest and emotional, describing utter hopelessness, paranoia and despair yet a hope and gratitude. Riis says:
“It’s not an autobiographical album but I wanted to share some of my own experience and write about a topic that I think is very important. Mental health is something everyone is dealing with in one form or another, in different periods of life. It’s something we all can relate to but it’s still somewhat of a tabu. The music is possibly the heaviest I’ve written. There’s some really powerful stuff, with guitars and drums, but there are also beautiful and evocative moments that adds a strong contrast and diversity.”
The title, “Fimbulvinter”, refers to Norse mythology and the tale of the long winter that leads up to Ragnarok - the end of the world and a new beginning.
Fimbulvinter feature Bjørn on all instruments and vocals, with contributions from Airbag’s Henrik Bergan Fossum (drums), Arild Brøter from Pymlico (drums) and Kai Christoffersen.
Once again, Bjørn has teamed up with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, who co- produced, mixed and mastered the album.
Tracklisting for "Fimbulvinter" is as follows:
1. Illhug
2. Gone
3. Panic Attack
4. She
5. Fimbulvinter
6. Fear of Abandoned
"Fimbulvinter" will be available CD, Digipak, Digital and Black Vinyl LP and Coloured Vinyl LP formats.
For nearly two decades, Airbag and Bjørn has headlined sold-out shows, shared the stage with some of the biggest bands and artists in the genre, including Marillion, Yes, Saga, Neil Morse and Riverside and performed at some of the biggest festivals, including Night of the Prog and Cruise to the Edge.
Bjørn’s life in music started in the early 80s when he discovered Kiss, Black Sabbath and
Whitesnake. This soon led to Bjørn picking up the guitar spending hours figuring out classic riffs and exploring weird sounds. Later, Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree was crucial in Bjørn’s formative years as a songwriter.
“Music is a work of passion for me. It’s always there and something I can’t live without. I’m lucky to be able to create music, play instruments, play for other people and work with so many talented artists.” – Bjørn
After firmly establishing Airbag as a force to reconned with, Bjørn went deep into his own musical roots and recorded his first solo album, Lullabies in a Car Crash, in 2014. The album was a huge success, both commercially and personally, and it gained Bjørn the confidence and inspiration to venture out on a steadily growing solo career.
As a solo artist, Bjørn’s music is multi layered taking inspiration from different genres and styles. The bands he grew up with are ever present, but his unique sound also has references to late 60s singer/songwriters, americana, electronica and film music.
You’ll be able to see BJØRN RIIS live both with Airbag and solo in 2025, and more dates will be announced:
AIRBAG:
25.04 – Winter’s End Festival, Chepstow (UK)
26.04 – The Dome, London (UK)
27.04 – Club Academy, Manchester (UK)
14.06 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo (NO)
BJØRN RIIS:
17.10 – Cacaofabriek, Helmond (NL)
18.10 – DeBoerdrij, Zoetermeer (NL)
