
Bjørn Riis is a highly respected figure in the progressive rock world, known for his masterful guitar work and captivating songwriting. As a founding member and the driving force behind the acclaimed Norwegian band Airbag, Bjørn has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern progressive rock with albums like Identity, All Rights Removed and A Day at the Beach. Airbag’s soaring melodies, intricate arrangements and powerful performances have earned them a devoted global following and opportunities to share the stage with legendary acts such as Marillion, Yes and Riverside. In June 2024, Airbag also released The Century of the Self, their 6th album.
In addition to his work with Airbag, Bjørn has built a distinguished solo career, releasing several great albums that explore a wide range of sounds and emotions. From the atmospheric beauty of Lullabies in a Car Crash to the introspective depths of Everything to Everyone, Bjørn’s solo work highlights his versatility as a musician and his ability to craft deeply engaging musical experiences. His latest EP, A Fleeting Glimpse, is a heartfelt tribute to Pink Floyd, capturing the essence of their iconic sound.
A true guitar aficionado, he hosts Gimourish website, the largest David Gilmour gear resource on the net. It is a popular website dedicated to the tone, gear and techniques of David Gilmour and Pink Floyd. His deep knowledge of guitar tone and technique is reflected in his own playing, which seamlessly blends soaring leads, delicate textures, and powerful riffs.
Bjørn’s discerning ear and passion for exceptional sound led him to DryBell pedals in 2012. He gave all our pedals glowing reviews! Starting with the Vibe Machine, he relies on the DryBell Unit67, The Engine and our Module 4 compressor for their versatility and their ability to shape his tone to his needs. The Engine, in particular, often forms the foundation of his British-flavored tones, delivering the rich harmonic complexity and dynamic response required for his style.
DryBell is proud to have Bjørn Riis among its users.
Bjørn Riis’ review of DryBell Pedals: In His Own Words
The Engine:
“This is probably the best overdrive pedal I’ve tried in many many years! It really feels like I’m playing a real tube amp. One thing I often miss in Marshall modelled pedals is that they either lack the low end or that the mids are either too low or too high. The Engine is perfectly balanced, with that low end chug and the mids right where they should be, without sounding boxy or hollow.”
Unit67:
“Unit67 in fact is probably one of my favorite pedals, which is a huge kudos I guess as it’s been out for only a couple of months. It’s really one of those pedals you just want to leave on all the time and as much as I’ve said that before about other pedals, this is really one you want to leave on all the time!”
