Bjørn Riis of Airbag Reveals Third Single "Fimbulvinter"!

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 April 11, 2025.

The 3rd single from the upcoming album is the title track Fimbulvinter, which is out today! The track is a driving instrumental, and it showcase a more heavy side of Bjørn Riis' music and his hard rock influences.

Bjørn Riis about the track: "Fimbulvinter is probably the most prog and heaviest song I’ve done. It’s an instrumental going deep into my musical roots and I had great fun recording it. It’s a musical journey inspired by the old Norse myth, placed in a state of anxiety and trauma but also hope and the promise of something new."

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 features 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.

Fimbulvinter will be available CD, Digipak, Digital and Black Vinyl LP and Coloured Vinyl LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:

Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/bjorn-riis/kar294-bjorn-riis-fimbulvinter/

Bandcamp: https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com/