Today, we unveil an exclusive premiere of “The Famine,” the final single from SIBIIR’s highly anticipated third album, Undergang. Set for full release on June 14 via Fysisk Format, this track offers a glimpse into the grim, apocalyptic soundscape the band has meticulously crafted.
Formed in 2014 in Oslo, Norway, SIBIIR brings together members from diverse musical backgrounds, including Sigh & Explode, Jack Dalton, Do You Love Melena?, and Call:Vega. Their unique sound defies easy categorization, merging the vitriolic grooves of Burnt by the Sun with the cinematic elasticity of Burst and the feral intensity of At the Gates.
On “The Famine,” SIBIIR explores a dystopian future born from the relentless exploitation of our planet’s resources.
In the band’s own words: “The Famine is an imagined future scenario of what will happen if we continue to exploit the planet’s resources as we do today, where more and more land becomes dead soil.”
“The lyrics are wrapped in our shared musical references, from 80s thrash to modern metal, culminating in a final part that could have continued into eternity.”
“It’s the last track on the album, so the only right thing was to go for a long fade-out. And fade-out as you know has become retro, so it actually fits the song perfectly.”
The creation of Undergang was notably influenced by vocalist Jimmy Nymoen’s move from Oslo to the west coast town of Ålesund. This geographical shift meant that Jimmy’s vocal contributions came later in the songwriting process, leading the instrumentalists to delve deeper into their craft.
“To compensate for Jimmy’s absence, the instruments have probably – consciously or unconsciously – challenged themselves on a detailed level to a greater extent in order to maintain interest in the song. The result is an album topped with bold riffs and details, which we feel is our best yet.”
Recording Undergang at Caliban Studios in the picturesque surroundings of Storsjøen in Odalen, SIBIIR aimed to capture the raw energy of their live performances. With influences from bands like From Ashes Rise, Tragedy, Disfear, and At the Gates, the album is marked by epic segments and includes their first instrumental track. The band worked closely with producer Ruben Willem (Haust, The Good The Bad and The Zugly) to bring their vision to life.
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Undergang was recorded from September 23 to October 1, 2023, at Caliban Studios, with additional sessions at FrontRow Studio in Ålesund and Brageveien Studio in Oslo. The album was mixed and mastered by Ruben Willem, ensuring a cohesive and powerful final product.
SIBIIR’s lineup features Eivind Kjølstad (drums), Jimmy Nymoen (vocals), Kent Nordli (bass), Steffen Grønneberg (guitar), and Tobias Gausemel Backe (guitar). With “The Famine” set to release on May 24 and the full album following on June 14, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark release in the band’s career.