Sigur Ros - Brennisteinn EP (2013)

One of the most innovative bands on the planet just innovated some more. Right off the bat, you can tell this is going to be a whole new chapter for the world's biggest post-rock band with the title track's churning, industrial soundscapes, pounding drums, and glitchy beats. The song ends with beautiful ambient droning and marks one of the the darkest pieces Sigur Ros have recorded to date. However, the next piece "Hryggjarsula" is just as dark if not darker. This one isn't too far off from the post-apocalyptic landscapes featured in Godspeed You! Black Emperor's epic creations, and is even somewhat reminiscent of the work of dark ambient composer Lustmord. It's simply one of the most haunting things I've heard from this band. The final track "Ofibrta" sounds a lot like Hammock and could have been featured on "Valtari." All in all, I'm super excited with the direction the band is taking on Kveikur. I'm very much looking forward to reviewing it.
9.5/10