#31 - Top of 2017

Solstafir - Berdreyminn  (Seasons of Mist)

Solstafir in their new endeavour  continue along the same post rock path that begun with "Otta".  Oli Palmason has been replaced by Jon Hallgrimsson  behind the drumming kit, but the band continues their streak of remarkably wonderful releases and their music, as always tries to reflect the Icelandic landscape and the internal struggles of the people of that distant and icy land. The band follows the same recipe with "Otta", but also evolves, adding new elements in their songs throughout the album.
Almost every song in the album is over six minutes in duration, allowing the band to evolve the soundscapes they became famous for. Adalbjorn may not be the best singer in the world, but his vocals continue to be distinct and expressive and compliment the otherworldly music of the band impeccably. The highlights of the record include the melancholic and dynamic opener "Silfur-Refur", the melodic "Isafold",  the solemn "Hula" and the almost darkwave-driven "Blajfall". An essential release for every cold winter morning (ever).


92.1/100

Below are the music videos for "Silfur-Refur" and "Hula".

#11 - Top of 2014

Solstafir - Otta (Seasons of Mist)

As we near the top ten albums of 2014, we encounter the four cowboys from Iceland, delivering their fifth full length release with once more a slow-paced mixture of post-rock, neofolk with a pinch of progressive hidden underneath. The use of piano sounds, longing strings banjos add a dream-like quality to the melancholic riffs.
This is a concept album, on the basis of an Icelandic system of time that starts and ends at midnight. The different tracks represent very well the eight segments of a day. The songs that portray nocturnal hours are epic, hypnotizing and lugubrious. The calm, lethargic and menacing opener “Lágnætti” has an almost nightmarish quality.
Here, on the basis of this weird concept, the band manages to deliver a diversified listening experience, much more accessible than it would appear at first glance.

96/100

For your viewing pleasure two incredible official videos, straight from this record