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.
On November the 13th, Karisma Records will release his mini-album called Divergence. The first taste of the mini-album is the song “Mercy”, written during the Fimbulwinter sessions, which is released today. It can be heard here:
Bjørn Riis has this to say about Mercy:
Mercy was written during the Fimbulvinter sessions. It’s about healing from emotional trauma and the realization that you can’t do it alone. I’m blessed to have wonderful people in my life who relentlessly offer love and support along the way.
Musically, Mercy taps into my love of American singer-songwriters, and having Mimmi Tamba with me on vocals makes the song even more emotional and powerful.
Divergence is a four-track mini-album featuring all-new material, largely written during the Fimbulvinter sessions. Closely connected to Fimbulvinter and the mini live album Lifandi, released earlier this year, it completes a deeply personal trilogy and journey.
Photo by Josanne van der Heijden
Bjørn comments:
I love working with the mini-album format. It feels less constrained than making a full album — there’s more freedom to explore different ideas while still creating a sense of story, flow and theme. In many ways, it can feel more focused.
I’ve always been drawn to singer-songwriters, Americana, and the idea of creating an intimate sound filled with emotion and imagery. With Divergence, I’m inviting the listener into where I am right now — both emotionally and as an artist.
Pointing towards a new musical direction, Divergence explores different shades of Bjørn Riis’ songwriting. The single Mercy is a sombre, atmospheric piece featuring a duet with Norwegian artist Mimmi Tamba, alongside Bjørn’s evocative guitar playing. A song about change and hope, it also nods to the American singer-songwriter tradition that has been a recurring influence throughout Bjørn’s music.
The striking cover image, shot by Bjørn at Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in Denmark, reflects themes of contrast and change. Cover design by Airbag frontman Asle Tostrup.
Divergence features Bjørn Riis on all instruments, with longtime collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes handling mixing and mastering.
Tracklisting for Divergence is as follows:
- Carry Me
- Mercy
- Break Free
- When I Think of You
Divergence will be available CD, Digital and limited edition Marble Vinyl LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:
For nearly two decades, Airbag and Bjørn has headlined sold-out shows, shared the stage with some of the biggest bands and artists in the genre, including Marillion, Yes, Saga, Neil Morse and Riverside and performed at some of the biggest festivals, including Night of the Prog and Cruise to the Edge.
Bjørn’s life in music started in the early 80s when he discovered Kiss, Black Sabbath and Whitesnake. This soon led to Bjørn picking up the guitar spending hours figuring out classic riffs and exploring weird sounds. Later, Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree was crucial in Bjørn’s formative years as a songwriter.
Photo by Anne-Marie Forker
“Music is a work of passion for me. It’s always there and something I can’t live without. I’m lucky to be able to create music, play instruments, play for other people and work with so many talented artists.” – Bjørn
After firmly establishing Airbag as a force to reconned with, Bjørn went deep into his own musical roots and recorded his first solo album, Lullabies in a Car Crash, in 2014. The album was a huge success, both commercially and personally, and it gained Bjørn the confidence and inspiration to venture out on a steadily growing solo career.
As a solo artist, Bjørn’s music is multi layered taking inspiration from different genres and styles. The bands he grew up with are ever present, but his unique sound also has references to late 60s singer/songwriters, americana, electronica and film music.
You’ll be able to see BJØRN RIIS live both with Airbag and solo in 2026/2027, and more dates will be announced:
AIRBAG:
22.10 – Academy, Manchester (UK)
23.10 – 02 Academy 2, Birmingham (UK)
24.10 – The Underworld, London (UK)
05.11 – Terminal Kultury Goclaw, Warsaw (PL)
06.11 – Zaklete Rewiry, Wroclaw (PL)
07.11 – Hype Park, Krakow (PL)
15.01 – Cosmopolite, Oslo (NOR)
BJØRN RIIS:
22.01.27 – Cacaofabriek, Helmond (NL)
23.01.27 – DeBoerdrij, Zoetermeer (NL)
More information about BJØRN RIIS can be found on the webpage at
