Blackout Problems - RIOT (Deluxe) (2024) [Hi-Res]

Our flame won't get any smaller" - the core concept of "RIOT" is crystal clear. Yet, BLACKOUT PROBLEMS have always been a band with an insatiable will and boundless ambition. With "DARK", they reached #12 in the German album charts in 2021, following the success of "KAOS" in 2018 (#25) and "HOLY" (#52) in 2016. With over 30 million streams on Spotify, nothing in the German rock world leads past the band anymore. Festival shows at Rock Am Ring, Southside, Deichbrand, Greenfield (CH), Rock For People (CZ), Download (UK) as well as international tours as support act for Enter Shikari, Fever333 and Royal Republic are followed by their own headline tours – most recently the "DARK" tour 2022. At the zenith of their success up until now, BLACKOUT PROBLEMS are looking forward to the release of their new album "RIOT" (An anagram of "Trio"), which will be released on February 23rd, 2024. This album, “RIOT”, marks the band's first album as a trio.

With wild, unusual song structures and free of expectations, BLACKOUT PROBLEMS gloomy sound as usual, but also danceable – sad and euphoric at the same time. A dichotomy that, according to Mario, mutually fertilizes each other. "The lyrics of our music paint gloomy pictures and scenarios, because that's the only way to start a healing process." BLACKOUT PROBLEMS contrast their lyrics with a musical vibe full of tension, energy and ambition. The climate crisis, the refugee crisis and also the events in the Ahr Valley in 2021 are topics that shape the band's lyrical level as much as personal crises, according to Moritz: "'Riot' is a peaceful uprising, not violence, but pure songs – always critical of society, but without a clear answer, both political and apolitical. We don't write anything on our foreheads, but Mario hits the balance of social criticism and his own emotional world perfectly and paints his own pictures from it." This balance comes from freedom, as Mario elaborates: "I feel like I can do everything I want with BLACKOUT PROBLEMS. That gives me a lot of confidence. With 'RIOT', we've managed to commit to ourselves even more stubbornly by putting out an album like this." This takes two things: courage, which the band draws from intrinsic motivation and artistic freedom to create, and confidence, which comes from a dedicated fanbase with mutual appreciation.

Down to earth, BLACKOUT PROBLEMS have built a dream together in 10 years. A dream they can live and share with thousands of fans who have already become part of their community. In doing so, Marcus emphasizes, "It's important to me that this band and its community is a safe space where everyone is welcome." A place without agitation, condemnation and barriers, characterized by closeness, honesty and authenticity – both of the band and their fans. The cohesion within this community and the band is stronger than ever. With their fourth album, it is once again important for the musicians to think long-term, not to give up against all doubts and to continue living this common dream. "Our flame won't get any smaller (...) let's start a beautiful riot."