What makes Kiasmos by Kiasmos notable?

This album garnered significant acclaim within the electronic music community, praised for its innovative approach to blending classical influences with modern techno. Its success on platforms like Beatport demonstrated Kiasmos' impact on the intelligent dance music scene, influencing subsequent artists looking to merge emotive soundscapes with danceable beats. Kiasmos, the debut album from the Icelandic duo comprised of Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen, marked a significant moment in their careers. Released in 2014, it followed Arnalds’ acclaimed solo work and Rasmussen's involvement with the band Bloodgroup, showcasing their evolution into creating a more collaborative and immersive electronic sound.

Kiasmos works well if you're into introspective motion on repeat, immersive late-night explorations and patient builds with subtle shifts.

How many songs are on Kiasmos?

Kiasmos has 8 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Released 12 years ago this October

Kiasmos

Kiasmos · 2014

50 min · 8 tracks · electronic music

A seamless blend of pulsing techno rhythms and atmospheric textures that evoke a sense of introspective motion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lit — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its hypnotic rhythms and layered melodies, immediately pulling listeners into Kiasmos' world.
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Held — This track combines lush synths with an understated groove, highlighting the duo's ability to create emotional depth within minimalistic arrangements.
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Burnt — Closing the album, 'Burnt' features a gradual build-up that encapsulates the overarching themes of reflection and transformation present throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Kiasmos delivers a cohesive and immersive electronic experience with strong atmospheric elements and rhythmic depth.

What we noticed

Each track employs a minimalist approach with repetitive motifs that gradually evolve over time, enhancing the sense of introspection.
The use of ambient textures and pulsing beats creates a dynamic contrast between rhythm and atmosphere throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective motion on repeat
immersive late-night explorations
patient builds with subtle shifts
steady rhythms for focused work

Maybe skip if you

instant gratification seekers
fans of abrupt changes

Where this album fits

Career context: Kiasmos, the debut album from the Icelandic duo comprised of Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen, marked a significant moment in their careers. Released in 2014, it followed Arnalds’ acclaimed solo work and Rasmussen's involvement with the band Bloodgroup, showcasing their evolution into creating a more collaborative and immersive electronic sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Ólafur Arnalds· Nils Frahm· Rival Consoles

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Lit 6:24
2 Held 5:01
3 Looped 6:00
4 Swayed 4:23
5 Thrown 8:59
6 Dragged 5:00
7 Bent 5:45
8 Burnt 9:20

What to play next

Listen next

II

2024

Go back to

Thrown EP

2012

Full Kiasmos discography Artists like Kiasmos

intelligent dance music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata