What makes Hljómalind by Sigur Rós notable?

Hljómalind stands out for its unique acoustic reinterpretation of previous works, particularly with the inclusion of a live version of Starálfur. The album received positive critical reception and was noted for its ability to evoke deep emotions through minimalist instrumentation, highlighting the band's influence on contemporary post-rock artists. Released on January 1, 2007, Hljómalind marks Sigur Rós's first release following their acclaimed album Takk... and showcases a return to the band's more introspective sound. This period reveals the band's evolution as they explored acoustic arrangements and live recordings, further solidifying their place in the post-rock genre.

How many songs are on Hljómalind?

Hljómalind has 2 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Hljómalind

Sigur Rós · 2007

10 min · 2 tracks · post-rock

Ethereal soundscapes blend orchestral elements with haunting vocals, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional post-rock boundaries.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hljómalind — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its delicate instrumentation and layered harmonies, setting a tranquil yet profound tone.
→
Starálfur (live acoustic version) — This live rendition brings a fresh intimacy to a beloved classic, showcasing the band's ability to reimagine their work in a stripped-down format.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong composition and craft, with immersive soundscapes and a cohesive flow between tracks.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Hljómalind', features layered orchestral strings that build gradually, creating a dense atmospheric soundscape.
The second track is a live acoustic version of 'Starálfur', which strips down the original arrangement to emphasize its melodic elements.
Both tracks maintain a slow tempo and utilize reverb-heavy production to enhance the ethereal quality of the music.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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: Deep Cut — A unique reinterpretation that showcases the band's introspective side, not a primary entry point.
Themes: Icelandic landscapes· ethereal soundscapes
Career context: Released on January 1, 2007, Hljómalind marks Sigur Rós's first release following their acclaimed album Takk... and showcases a return to the band's more introspective sound. This period reveals the band's evolution as they explored acoustic arrangements and live recordings, further solidifying their place in the post-rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Explosions in the Sky· Godspeed You! Black Emperor· Mogwai