Review AIRBAG “The Century of the Self”

“The Century of the Self” is the latest album from prog rockers Airbag. It’s the band’s first studio album in four years and has been eagerly anticipated. The Norwegian sound architects deliver five songs and knowing the band, these tracks have a lot to offer.

Airbag is Asle Tostrup on vocals, keyboards and programming, Henrik Bergan Fossum on drums and Bjørn Riis on guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals. The three of them have created an album that is not only a musical treat. Lyrically, the band also has something to say, dealing with topics such as cancel culture and sharing personal stories. The lyrics work perfectly with the music, being the emotional conduit for the emotional aspect.

The album begins with a song called “Dysphoria” and it is immediately apparent that this album requires time and focus. Airbag don’t offer music that blossoms immediately. Too much is packed into these five songs to keep the listener entertained for a long time. The start of the opener is quiet and almost fragile, with Tostrup being more of a narrator than a singer.

The opener has a running time of more than ten minutes and comes with a fascinating atmosphere. What makes the song an exciting piece of music is the versatility the band has integrated. It’s an alternation between calmness and sonic outbursts that shows the creative mindset of the guys when approaching a new song.

“Tyrants and Kings” is more rocking. Reflective vocals meet great guitar work, but it is not the roaring riffs that impresses. It’s more a virtuoso lead guitar that gives the song a rocking spirit.

“Awakening” is the ballad of the album and it goes without saying that we are far away from the well-worn path of the mainstream. Airbag have created some thoughtful soundscapes that transport the essence of the lyrics in a great way.

After such an emotional moment, it is a thunderous bass line that introduces ‘Erase’. The Norwegian masters of prog rock have forged a darker tune that takes up the hypnotic approach of the opener. Equipped with a great chorus, the song unfolds much of its beauty right away, yet still has enough to explore in a few more spins on the record player.

To sum up: “The Century of the Self” is a treat for everybody’s ears and mind. The Norwegian pro rockers show again why they are in business for such a long time. In the end it is always quality that succeeds and quality is what this three-piece band has on their side.