Bjorn Riis has been making his own music for more than a decade, but he remains best known as the guitarist for the Norwegian band Airbag. He swims in the same pool as his band, but his solo work tends to be more introspective.

Bjorn Riis Fimbulventer (Karisma Records)

Chilly, even. And that's not a reference to his hometown of Oslo. Rather, these songs have a sharp edge to them, whether on a spectacular rocker like "Gone" or the almost frighteningly claustrophobic "Panic Attack". On every piece, his sense of an encompassing atmosphere informs everything that follows. This is his world with his rules.

Riis isn't afraid to tackle big ideas, both lyrically and musically. Five of the six pieces clock in between six-and-a-half and eleven minutes. The explorations unfold naturally without any sense of wasted time. There's something soothing and very satisfying about ideas that take a while to fully elucidate.

I'm sure Airbag fans are well attuned to Riis and his solo work. And yes, Airbag is still a going concern. If you like this, be sure to check them out out as well. Both Riis and his band fall into that "known but not famous" netherworld. Both have extensive works to their credit, and I'm of the opinion the latest from each might be the best for both. In any case, I haven't heard guitars (or rock) used this effectively in ages. Even the quiet moments are deafening.

Jon Worley