Progressive Rock may rarely grace the mainstream spotlight, but its devoted global community continues to thrive, and few bands embody that spirit better than Airbag. Since their debut EP, “Safetree” (2007), and first full-length album, “Identity” (2009), the Norwegian quintet has steadily built a worldwide following with their cinematic soundscapes, soaring melodies, and timeless songwriting.
Now, 16 years and five studio albums later, Airbag returns with their first official live album, captured during a powerful performance at Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands in 2024. Entitled “Dysphoria,” this double CD / double vinyl will be released on November the 21st and showcases the band at their best, raw, immersive, and sonically stunning. The recordings have been meticulously mixed to preserve the atmosphere and authenticity of the live shows.
The first taste from “Dysphoria” is the live version of the song “Erase,” and this is what Airbag says about it:
Erase was in many ways the centre piece of the A Century of the Self tour. It represents both the theme of the shows and the powerful performance and sound of the band. It was really a high point for us too, when all the lights turned red and that foreboding echosound explodes from the speakers followed by the thunderous bass. This live version is a straight-out rocker, and you can really hear how much we enjoyed ourselves on stage!
The live version of “Erase” can be heard here: https://orcd.co/airbag-dysphoria-live
A video from the gig was also recorded and can be seen via the YouTube player below:
Bjørn Riis explains why Airbag is doing a live album now:
Having grown up listening to all the classic live albums, it’s really something special to have recorded one of our own. Our fans have been asking for a live album for years so this is really all for them and it was an easy decision to record at Poppodium Boerderij in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands. We played our first international show there back in 2010 and we’ve returned so many times that it’s really become a home away from home for the band. Airbag live is a bombardment of the senses, with intense sound, lights and projected film. Together with our long-time collaborator and engineer, Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, we wanted to capture the full experience of seeing and hearing us live on stage. We’re incredibly pleased and proud of the result. This is very much a testament to the current band and line-up.
With artwork by Asle Tostrup, and featuring Øystein Sootholtet on bass and Simen Valldal Johannessen on keyboards, track listing on “Dysphoria” is as follows:
01. Dysphoria (Live)
02. Tyrants and Kings (Live)
03. Awakening (Live)
04. Erase (Live)
05. Tear it Down (Live)
06. Machines and Men (Live)
07. Redemption (Live)
08. Never Coming Home (Live)
09. Homesick (Live)
For collectors, the vinyl edition is a must-have: A deluxe gatefold cover with an exclusive booklet and a limited first pressing on white / blue marbled vinyl, a beautiful piece for fans and audiophiles alike.
It is now available to Pre-Order from:
Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com
Webshop: https://shop.karismarecords.no/collections/airbag