Sigur Rós

Reykjavik's Sigur Rós are known internationally for their pioneering cosmic post-rock creations. Combining ambient electronics, orchestral and rock instruments, and the mournful falsetto of leader Jónsi, all to varying and slowly shifting degrees, they emerged with the sprawling Von in 1997. A long (ongoing) succession of chart-topping releases in their native Iceland began with the follow-up breakthrough, 1999's Ágætis Byrjun, and their gradual ascent up the charts abroad crested with their sixth album, 2012's Valtari; it reached the Top Ten in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, and Italy while charting nearly as well across Europe. They experimented with a darker, more aggressive sound on 2013's Kveikur, which proved to be another major hit. The next decade was limited to a few remix and soundtrack releases in addition to touring and work on side projects. Sigur Rós reconvened in the studio for their eighth album, ÁTTA, released in 2023.