FOREVER COMES TO AN END

As it is with any of Bjørn Riis' solo or Airbag drafts, in either case there's always some sort of highly melodic ambience and nordic melancholy to state. The given front cover image is exemplary for that, isn't it? This paired with a splendid Steven Rothery and David Gilmour inspired guitar playing, how could he fail? Well, it's somewhat astonishing anyhow, seemingly this main recipe won't wear off. While never ever sounding like pure repetition. Hence after being positive about 'Disconnected' recently, one year ago, Karisma Records are now providing another delicious offer with 'Forever Comes To An End', when it comes to my taste.

Airbag fellows Henrik Fossum (drums) and Asle Tostrup (programming) are collaborating for the seven songs too. Regardless, 'I guess it is much more personal and me than anything I've done before', Bjørn Riis affirms. So designed for his first solo album actually, the title track is showing some real contrast program. I mean the hard riffing uptempo parts either way, taking turns with this well-known atmospheric prog charm we're already perfectly acquainted with. And then Absence and the following The Waves are smoothly gliding into a No-Man feel somehow, nice piano lines alongside with acoustic guitar and ambient patterns. Simply brilliant!

Have to confess that I really was anxious for the announced vocal support entering the stage, namely by Sichelle Mcmeo Aksum ... it takes some time ... except some female laughter(?) I'm effectively able to recognize her for the first time on Winter, another pleasant facet for sure. Perfect voice added, she definitely could have been more present anyhow. This track finally represents the album's beauty at best. I'd say 'Forever Comes To An End' marks his most varied and successfull effort (Airbag included). I'm steadily following Bjørn's steps for a while now without getting tired, and this one, including all participants as well as the production, seems to be his masterpiece so far.