What makes Brennisteinn by Sigur Rós notable?

The title track 'Brennisteinn' received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation, pushing the boundaries of post-rock and establishing the band as pioneers within the genre. The EP's release was notable for its limited edition vinyl pressing, which contributed to its cult status among collectors. Brennisteinn was released during a period of artistic exploration for Sigur Rós, following the band’s 2012 album Valtari. This EP marked a departure from their previous work, showcasing darker and more aggressive elements in their sound as they transitioned into a new phase of creativity.

How many songs are on Brennisteinn?

Brennisteinn has 4 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Brennisteinn

Sigur Rós · 2013

27 min · 4 tracks · post-rock

A sprawling tapestry of atmospheric soundscapes and haunting melodies anchored by heavy, immersive instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brennisteinn — As the lead track, 'Brennisteinn' encapsulates the EP's darker tones with its heavy guitar riffs and layered vocals, setting a powerful tone for the entire project.
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Ofbirta — 'Ofbirta' showcases a more ethereal sound while maintaining an undercurrent of intensity, illustrating the band's ability to blend beauty with heaviness seamlessly.
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Hryggjarsúla — 'Hryggjarsúla' stands out with its rhythmic pulse and dynamic shifts, exemplifying the experimental nature of this release while grounding it in Sigur Rós's signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong composition and craft, with immersive soundscapes and a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

The first track 'Brennisteinn' features a gradual build-up, starting with ambient textures that evolve into a heavy, distorted climax.
Each of the first three tracks employs layered instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that immerses the listener in varying dynamics.
The final track is a remix that reinterprets the original material, offering a contrasting perspective on the themes established in the preceding tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a deliberate departure from previous sound with bold experimentation.
Themes: Icelandic landscapes· heavy atmospheric tension
Career context: Brennisteinn was released during a period of artistic exploration for Sigur Rós, following the band’s 2012 album Valtari. This EP marked a departure from their previous work, showcasing darker and more aggressive elements in their sound as they transitioned into a new phase of creativity.
Stylistic neighbors: Explosions in the Sky· Godspeed You! Black Emperor· Mogwai