Gjenferd released their second album, 'Black Smoke Rising', on 6 March 2026, and the album received rave reviews both nationally and internationally, including a third-place ranking on the Doom Charts in March 2026. Barely five weeks after the album’s release, the Bergen-based band have released a track that didn’t make it onto the record. ‘Bliss’ is a more direct and upfront rock track than much of what characterises 'Black Smoke Rising', but there is absolutely nothing to suggest that it doesn’t belong in Gjenferd’s universe.

The track could easily have featured on that powerful album, with Gjenferd’s classic blend of blues-rock, hard rock and proto-doom sensibilities, and with driving organ to tie it all together. The band draw inspiration from The Who, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer, set against classic proto-metal melodies and certain prog-rock structures. That’s some heavy company to hold their own against, and Gjenferd actually manage to pull it off without sounding like a cover band.

The vocals and lyrics bear the hallmarks of the occult rock style that was central to 'Black Smoke Rising', and the band plays with a fast and aggressive drive, with elements of post-stoner and heavy psych peeking through from time to time. It’s a track that grabs you by the scruff of the neck from the very first beat and doesn’t let go.

Bliss was mixed and mastered by Iver Sandøy, with artwork by Robert Høyem – the same team behind Black Smoke Rising. It’s obvious that the single shares the same DNA as the album, but it’s tighter, more direct and more accessible than some of the heavier material on the record. This makes it an excellent introduction for those who haven’t yet discovered Gjenferd. For those already on board, this is a real treat.