Björn Riis set to release “A Storm Is Coming”

Fans of Atmospheric Prog Rock will have something to look forward to on the 3rd of May, because that’s the date that Karisma Records will release A Storm Is Coming, the new album from BJØRN RIIS, also known as the co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist of Norwegian Prog Rockers AIRBAG.

And, as a taster of what’s to come, Karisma have today released Icarus, a single of a track from the album, and about which Riis had this to say:

“Icarus is based on a chord progression that I had lying around, and which seemed to fit the more stripped down, rock production that I had in mind for the new album. The title refers to the old Greek tale about Icarus flying too close to the sun and getting burned. This hubris is translated to a relationship between two people where one is constantly being burned for trying too much. I’m very proud of the vocals on this one and I think we managed to create a sound that’s, at least for me, a bit different to what I’ve done on previous albums.”

Icarus features Henrik Bergan Fossum (Airbag) on drums and Kristian Hultgren (Wobbler) on bass.

Stream or download Icarus at https://orcd.co/icarus

Bjørn Riis’ next live appearance will be on the 17 May at the three-day Terra Incognita Festival in Quebec, Canada, where fellow Karisma Records label-mates Airbag and Oak are also scheduled to perform.

Airbag co-founder, songwriter and lead guitarist, Bjørn Riis will release a new studio album titled A Storm Is Coming on May 3rd, following up last year’s acclaimed mini album Coming Home. Six epic songs clocking in at 51 minutes, built around the central themes of human relations and loss, written as a dialogue between two persons.

A Storm Is Coming is both heavier and more tender than the previous releases, and Bjørn Riis manages to majestically combine the art of rock, prog and atmospheric pop – resulting in his best album to date.

The album was recorded in Subsonic Society in Oslo, mixed by long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel). In addition to a limited Digisleeve CD version, two different vinyl versions will be released: A limited, one-time pressing on marble vinyl with an alternate portrait album cover, and a standard version on black vinyl. Both versions will be 180g vinyl.

In addition to Bjørn Riis on vocals, guitars and a wide variety of instruments, the album features Henrik Bergan Fossum (Airbag) on drums, Simen Valldal Johannessen (Oak) on keys, Ole Michael Bjørndal on guitar, and Mimmi Tamba on guest vocals.