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to agree with Krist and Neil it did invoke Pink Floyd; Svefn-G-Englar starts almost exactly as "Echoes" did of Pink Floyd's 1971 album "Meddle".

This album Invokes all the groups strengths and weaknesses. If you examine one track on this album go straight to Ny Batteri, they are excellent mood makers and build up the tension only to let it explode in a great big clash of noise. This track is a great cut away of the album. The explosions of noise are MIA on ( ) and they are too prevelent on Takk... which may give the listener the wrong impression of the band. Without these burst of emotion the album would be completely boring in my opinion.

however their perennial weakness rears its ugly head -in my opinion- they take too god damn long to get rolling sometimes making their songs and albums long just for the sake of taking up my time. But alas it is art after all.

If you are not a fan, because you hate the way the singer sounds or some other stubborn reason like that, then avoid at all costs it will not win you over. However for the curious -like I was- and the patient, this is an album of sometimes overwhelming beauty -it gave me chills at some points- and I highly recommend it.

5 full stars for being their best work so far, and one of my favorite albums.


Have a listen   May 3, 2005
 1 out of 4 found this review helpful

Now this is emotional stuff quite like the "Angels of the Universe" sound track from Hillmarsson who is also Icelandic. The album is beautiful and often child like. I want to say cute. The only thing that is rather irritating with bands from Iceland is that I swear they all share the same keyboard for the exception of Dada Pogrom. Think of Mum, Kanada, and Worm is Green. That is not necessarily a bad thing though. I think this album has caught the attention of many people.


Yay! The dreamy vein continues!   August 23, 2004
 2 out of 5 found this review helpful

Emotional, electric, symphonic, at times harsh, but vastly beautiful, modern, artistic music from Iceland. Some of their musical influences seem apparant to me, ones which I also love: Pink Floyd, Slowdive, Galaxie 500, Radiohead, and I'm also reminded of the Cure's "Disintegration" at times. The Nordic herritage feels present too, though in what form other than the altered Icelandic language sung, I couldn't point to. I am reminded of Lord of the Rings when I play it, and knowing that Elisha Wood might have bought it, it seems that some of the album's emotion might have come out in his performance in the films.

There are horns and pianos used in sections of the album that remind me of Atom Heart Mother (Pink Floyd) and a big symphonic carcophony that's halted by a conductor, before it gets completely out of hand, restoring the quiet and peace of mind. The songs are melodic, the drums, when they are played, smashing. I look forward to seeing Sigur Ros's videos. Apparantly Radiohead are likewise inspired by them.

Good to know there's still beautiful alternative music out there being made. Powerfull stuff! If you like the above mentioned bands, you'll be pleased with this great new group.


Danger: This CD will change you forever   June 10, 2004
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Wow, what can I say. If you have any inkling to expose yourself to beautiful music, then this CD is for you. Sigur Ros has quickly become a staple in my CD player, and I am sure it will for you.

This is what RadioHead has been trying to achieve, and Tom Yorkes invite to have Sigur Ros open for them only solidified my decision to purchase this disc.

Agaetis Byrjun , and () - another phenomenal piece of music, have the potential to change your music habits forever. The haunting vocals (which are not in any language I recognize) will stay in your head long after the CD has stopped.

The first time I listened to this it was like a whole new world of music was opened to me. I can only imagine this is exactly how people felt when first exposed to Dark Side of the Moon. The arrangement of instruments is simply stunning, and will have your emotions dancing all over the place.

Please do not let this CD get away from you. Ask your friends, and anyone else who has a broad view on music, they will likely agree.