Review: Bjørn Riis – Fimbulvinter
Bjørn Riis – Fimbulvinter
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Karisma Records
Release: 2025
Text: Martien Koolen
For those of you who do not know Bjørn Riis, he is the guitar picker of the progressive rock band Airbag, and he also released five solo records so far. ‘Fimbulvinter,’ being the name for the long harsh winter that proceeds Ragnarok in Norwegian mythology, is Riis’s new solo album and it is a dark and melancholic album, featuring, again, Riis’s touchstones of Porcupine Tree, Anathema and Pink Floyd of course….
‘Fimbulvinter’ starts with the instrumental acoustic run of the mill Illhug, which is as you probably know not my favourite way to start an album with; however the following five songs are true progressive guitar gems for sure, making this album one of my favourite things that Riis has done in years. Gone, clocking in over eight minutes is a truly hypnotic track, embracing shades of eighties rock, featuring a steady drive reminding me of Airbag songs and great guitar work as usual from the master himself.
Follow up Panic Attack is lyrically a very melancholic and dark song while musically the power chords kick you right in the teeth for sure and the furious instrumental ending is the true cherry on the cake here. The instrumental title track is my favourite song of the album as Riis guitar solos/riffs and hooks are utterly stunning here. Furthermore, Fimbulvinter truly rocks like hell, and it certainly has the most Floydian musical vibes, so there is plenty to enjoy here.
The album ends with Fear Of Abandonment which is another excellent track, and this one truly reminds of Anathema and the emotional guitar solo here is a 100% musical gem!
Conclusion: ‘Fimbulvinter’ is one of Riis’s best solo albums ever and that is mainly due to his impressive guitar solos, which give me goosebumps every time I hear them, although they remind me (too much) of mister Gilmour…. Play it LOUD, listening tip: Fimbulvinter!!
Tracks:
01. Illhug
02. Gone
03. Panic Attack
04. She
05. Fimbulvinter
06. Fear of Abandonment
Website: https://www.bjornriis.com/