The 14th June 2024 marks the day that Karisma Records will release “The Century Of The Self” the sixth full-length album from Airbag, one of the most prominent Prog Rock bands to have emerged from Norway in the last few decades.
And, in anticipation of that day, the label has released a second single from the album. Titled “Awakening,” this is what the band had to say about the track:
“Awakening is one of those songs that reflects on the band’s past, with strong ties to albums like “Identity” and “All Rights Removed”, while at the same time venturing into new sonics and production. Lyrically, Awakening is a message of hope in a time where we seem to stray away from caring for each other and allowing social media to create a destructive diversion.“
“Awakening” can be streamed or downloaded from a variety of services at: https://orcd.co/airbag-awakening
Watcxh the official lyric video for “Awakening” through the YouTube player below:
Prepare to embark on an auditory journey like no other as Norwegian Prog Rock maestros Airbag unleash their highly anticipated sixth studio album, “The Century Of The Self.” Showcasing their trademark fusion of mellow introspection and dynamic energy, from the mesmerizing depths of “Dysphoria” to the haunting crescendo of “Tyrants And Kings,” each track captivates with irresistible vocal hooks and virtuosic lead guitar work that has become synonymous with the Airbag sound.
As the album unfolds, listeners are taken on a voyage through introspection and intensity, from the introspective balladry of Awakening to the foreboding depths of the single “Erase.” Evoking echoes of their acclaimed work on the album “Disconnected,” Erase builds from a hypnotic bassline into a powerhouse of Heavy refrains, setting the stage for the epic conclusion of “Tear It Down.” Clocking in at a staggering 14 minutes, this opus traverse serene moments of reflection to the Heaviest musical landscapes Airbag has ever ventured.
Yet, “The Century Of The Self” is more than just a sonic odyssey—it’s a reflection of our modern zeitgeist. Delving into themes of cancel culture and the rewriting of personal histories, the album offers a poignant commentary on a world steeped in fear and condemnation.
A lyric video for the first single “Erase” by Crystal Media (known for their work with songwriter/producer Steven Wilson, amongst others) can be seen HERE
Recorded at Subsonic Society, Airbag Studio and Riis Studio, and expertly produced, mixed, and mastered by Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, The Century Of The Self stands as a testament to Airbag‘s enduring creativity and artistic vision.
Featuring: Kristian Hultgren – bass on Dysphoria & Tear It Down, Ole Michael Bjørndal – guitar on Dysphoria, Tyrants And Kings & Tear It Down, Simen Valldal Johannessen – keyboards on Tear It Down
Airbag has been confirmed to play three shows in Poland in October and two shows in the Netherlands in November. More shows will be announced in due course.
Poland
17 Oct: Stary Manez, Gdansk
18 Oct: Klub Progresja, Warsaw
18 Oct: Klub Kwadrat, Krakow
The Netherlands
01 Nov: De Cacaofabriek, Helmond
02 Nov: Poppodium, Boerderij
“The Century Of The Self” will be released in CD, Limited Edition Digisleeve CD and Digital formats, as well as three different LP version -Black Vinyl LP, Limited Edition Red Vinyl LP and Limited Edition Black and Red Splatter Vinyl LP.
It is now available to Pre-Order from:
Bandcamp: https://airbagsound.bandcamp.com/album/century-of-the-self
Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no/shop/
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com
Lineup:
Asle Tostrup / Vocals, Keyboards and Programming
Henrik Bergan Fossum / Drums
Bjørn Riis / Guitars, Bass, Keyboards and Backing Vocals
Tracklist:
1. Dysphoria
2. Tyrants and Kings
3. Awakening
4. Erase
5. Tear it Down
