FOREVER COMES TO AN END

Bjorn Riis is the lead guitarist for the Neo Prog band AIRBAG and this is his second studio album released in 2017. Bjorn is a multi-instrumentalist and he pretty much does it all here including writing the lyrics, composing the music and producing the record. He has five guests adding their talents including AIRBAG's singer and drummer. Funny that the vocalist doesn't sing on here, he adds FX and looping to one track. We also get OAK's singer here but again he doesn't add vocals he adds piano to a couple of songs. Bjorn by the way had guested on an OAK record in 2016. Bjorn himself besides adding guitar sings, plays keyboards, bass and piano.

My first impression of this album wasn't a good one as I found this to be a rather sad album. Too sad. Lyrics about a relationship where the female is leaving and the results of that. The title I thought was cool until I realized it's connected with marriage in the sense that it's supposed to be forever right? Well forever came to an end once again. The three tracks that I can't get past in regard to being depressing are "The Waves", "Winter" and "Where Are You Now" which is over half of the record.

Highlights are the opener which is the title track. Man if the rest was like this where we actually get some heaviness and power contrasted with the mellow parts. Love the bass too before 5 minutes and of course the soaring Gilmour- like guitar that Bjorn is known for. "Gateway" is the one with FX and loops creating atmosphere. Some energy on this one thankfully. "Calm" is my final top three and the only track where we get some moving stuff happening, some emotion.

Mostly a piano and guitar led recording with lots of contrasts and plenty of atmosphere. I was reminded of 00's ANATHEMA at times but I just can't get into this one and it's a personal thing to be honest. I remember the struggle coming up with a rating for AIRBAG's debut "Identity" the only one I've reviewed from them so far and it wasn't long after it was released in 2009. I find this a step down from that one although I haven't heard that one in a decade at least.