Dim Gray Announce Third Album ‘Shards’

by Glenn Sargeant | Nov 21, 2024

Dim Gray are a Norwegian band known for their cinematic, atmospheric sound that fuses rock, folk, and chamber pop. Following their acclaimed debut, Flown, and the expansive, evocative soundscapes of their second album, Firmament, Dim Gray are set to release their third studio album, Shards, on 28 February 2025, led by the energetic new single ‘Peril’ which is released alongside a video today, Thursday 21 November 2024 on Grim Day Records. Shards will be available as a CD, black and limited edition coloured vinyl, Bandcamp download, and to stream.

Described by Guitarist magazine as, “Well-written and superbly performed material that stays with you”, Dim Gray’s sound merges folk influences with a forward-thinking aesthetic, evoking a unique 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 captivated audiences while supporting renowned acts like Marillion and Big Big Train.

Håkon says of ‘Peril’, “This song has a long, long history of rewrites and sketches. We are very happy that it has finally reached the finish line, and we are excited to show a more direct and upbeat side from Dim Gray! The guitar part has always been a key element, but I must admit that it started as a mandolin song and even a piano song before slowly retreating back to the guitar again. ‘Peril’ is about breaking norms, and sometimes a bit of naivety is an important recipe for succeeding in that journey.”

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.”

‘Peril’ is a tantalising taste of what the Shards album will deliver next year, let Dim Gray bring you some colour in these monochrome November days.