photo by Anne-Marie Forker
Dim Gray are a Norwegian band known for their cinematic, atmospheric sound that fuses rock, folk, and chamber pop. Following acclaimed debut, Flown, and the expansive, evocative soundscapes of second album, Firmament, Dim Gray release their third studio album, Shards, on February 28th, 2025 on Grim Day Records. Shards will be available as a CD, black and limited edition colored vinyl, Bandcamp download, and to stream.
The album is preceded by a new single, entitled ‘Myopia’, which features the stunning vocals of Norwegian star Vaarin, released today, February 12th, 2025. The album’s previous two singles, ‘Peril’ and ‘Feathers’, each won Prog magazine’s track of the week following their respective releases.
You can watch the video for “Myopia”:
Oskar Holldorff said, “We are thrilled to feature Vaarin on ‘Myopia’. She’s an incredibly talented and interesting artist, and took ownership of the song from the first note. Her voice is full of suspense, which really underlines the drama and emotion in ‘Myopia’. It’s a song about echo chambers and tunnel vision; about tearing down something that belongs to someone else in order to build something in one’s own image.”
Vaarin added, “The first time I heard ‘Myopia’ I felt as if drawn into a mystical spell. The string arrangement, drums and melody made me think of infinity and a battle scene between man and nature. Being allowed to sing on this song is a great honour for me and I felt at home with the song from the very beginning. The mystery and emotion of the song touched my heart and my voice felt like a natural part of the spirit of the song. I hope the listener hears it the same way I do. Dim Gray is a group of inspiring musical chefs who create unique things. I am lucky to be a part of their world.”
The Shards album itself has been described by Prog magazine as “captivating”. Hailed by Guitarist as, “Superbly performed material that stays with you”, Dim Gray’s sound merges folk influences with a forward-thinking aesthetic, evoking a blend of Radiohead’s experimental edge and Fleet Foxes’ pastoral warmth. A wide and ever-changing palette of sounds and ideas is rooted in the constants of aching vocals and echoing guitar melodies. The quintet explores themes of nature, isolation, and self-reflection through richly layered instrumentation and vivid storytelling.
Formed by Håkon Høiberg (guitars, vocals), Tom Ian Klungland (drums), Oskar Holldorff (vocals, keys) and former member Robin Kirknes (bass), the band added new members Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) and Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keys) in 2023. The band have established a strong live presence, as per their recent live EP, and have thrilled audiences while supporting renowned acts like Marillion and Big Big Train.
Oskar adds, “Seven of the songs on Shards are about change, upheaval, severance; something shattering to pieces. Although most of these songs are sad or dramatic, some have a tinge of hopefulness to them, as sometimes the pieces of something shattered can be rearranged in different and better ways. These seven songs are bookended by two songs that deal with the opposite; a constant stasis, an unending struggle of two opposing kinds that are reflections of our personalities.”
With the breadth and ambition of the Shards album, Dim Gray are making good on not only what has come before but also setting their sights on, despite their name, a very bright future.
Shards will be available as a CD, black and limited edition coloured vinyl, Bandcamp download, and to stream: https://linktr.ee/dimgraymusic
Tracklisting:
1. Defiance
2. Myopia
3. Murals
4. Feathers
5. Mooneater
6. Peril
7. Little One
8. Shards From A Broken Crown
9. Attakulla
DIM GRAY
Oskar Holldorff-Vocals, Keyboards
Håkon Høiberg-Guitars, Vocals
Kristian Kvaksrud-Bass
Milad Amouzegar-Guitar, Keys, Santour
Tom Ian R. Klungland-Drums, Vocals
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