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==History== ===1997–1998: ''Von'' and ''Von brigði''=== {{Main|Von (album)|Von brigði}} [[Jónsi|Jón Þór "Jónsi" Birgisson]] (guitar and vocals), [[Georg Hólm]] (bass) and Ágúst Ævar Gunnarsson (drums) formed Sigur Rós in [[Reykjavík]] in January 1994.<ref name="sigur-ros-official-website-faq-3"> {{cite web |title=sigur rós – frequently asked questions |publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/faq.php#03 |access-date=15 December 2013 }}</ref> The band's name, which means "Victory Rose", is taken from the name of Jónsi's younger sister, Sigurrós, born a few days before the band was formed.<ref name="sigur-ros-official-website-faq-3"/><ref name="sigur-ros-official-website-faq-4"> {{cite web |title=sigur rós – frequently asked questions |publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/faq.php#04 |access-date=18 July 2007 }}</ref> Sigur Rós signed a record deal with the Icelandic [[Sugarcubes]]-owned record label [[Bad Taste (record label)|Bad Taste]], because they thought the falsetto vocals would appeal to teenage girls. In 1997, they released ''[[Von (album)|Von]]'' and in 1998 a remix collection, ''[[Von brigði]]''. The band was joined by [[Kjartan Sveinsson]] on keyboards in 1998. He is the only member of Sigur Rós with musical training, and contributed most of the orchestral and string arrangements for their later work.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carpenter|first=Susan|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-may-20-ca-196-story.html|title=Listen to Their Landscape|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=20 May 2001|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Baggs|first=Michael|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/79087/sigur-ros-member-kjartan-sveinsson-quits-after-15-years|title=Sigur Ros member Kjartan Sveinsson quits after 15 years|work=Gigwise|date=25 January 2013|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref> ===1999–2001: ''Ágætis byrjun''=== {{Main|Ágætis byrjun}} International acclaim came with 1999's ''[[Ágætis byrjun]]''. The album's reputation spread by word of mouth over the following two years. Soon critics worldwide were praising it effusively, and the band drew praise from high-profile acts such as [[Radiohead]], [[Coldplay]] and [[David Bowie]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lynskey |first=Dorian |date=2023-06-16 |title='I felt violated. It was a dark period for all of us': Sigur Rós on their nightmarish recent years |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/16/i-felt-violated-it-was-a-dark-period-for-all-of-us-sigur-ros-on-their-nightmarish-recent-years |access-date=2023-06-16 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Three songs, "Ágætis byrjun", "[[Svefn-g-englar]]", and a live take, from a 2000 concert in Denmark, of the then-unreleased "Njósnavélin" (later 'unnamed' "Untitled #4") appeared in the [[Cameron Crowe]] film ''[[Vanilla Sky]]''.<ref>{{cite web | title=vanilla sky overload | website=sigur rós | date=8 July 2002 | url=https://sigur-ros.co.uk/news/2002/vanilla-sky-overload/ | ref={{sfnref | sigur rós | 2002}} | access-date=14 October 2018}}</ref> The former two also subsequently appeared in the US version of the television series [[Queer as Folk (2000 TV series)|''Queer as Folk'']]. Their music has also appeared in the TV series ''[[24 (TV series)|24]]'' with "Ný batterí", and ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]]'' with "Svefn-g-englar". In 2004, [[Wes Anderson]] used "Starálfur" in ''[[The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/news/?m=20041129 |title=eighteen seconds before sunrise |work=Sigur Rós official website |date=29 November 2004 |access-date=16 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606160318/http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/news/?m=20041129 |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref> as did the [[Emmy Award|Emmy]]-winning 2005 TV film ''[[The Girl in the Café]]''. In [[Enki Bilal]]'s ''[[Immortal (2004 film)|Immortel (Ad Vitam)]]'' the song "Hjartað hamast (bamm bamm bamm)" is used. The song "Svefn-g-englar" was also used on ''[[V (2009 TV series)|V]]'' on 24 November 2009, and features prominently in ''[[Café de Flore (film)|Café de Flore]]'' released in 2011. After the release of ''Ágætis byrjun'', the band became known for Jónsi's signature style of reverb accentuated guitar work using a [[cello]]'s [[bow (music)|bow]]. ===2001–2004: ''( )''=== {{Main|( ) (album)}} In 2001, Sigur Rós christened their newly completed studio by recording an EP titled ''[[Rímur (album)|Rímur]]'' with an Icelandic fisherman named [[Steindór Andersen]]. The EP contains six songs, all of which feature Steindór Andersen reciting traditional Icelandic [[rímur]] poetry. Sigur Rós accompany him on three songs. Two songs feature Steindór alone. The last song on the EP, "Lækurinn", is a duet with Sigurður Sigurðarson. A thousand copies of the EP were printed and sold during the spring tour of 2001. The EP was sold in a blank-white-paper case.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/disco/steindor.php |title=sigur rós – discography » steindór andersen / rímur ep |access-date=25 January 2009 |publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk}}</ref> In 2001 the band toured in Canada, performing at [[Massey Hall]] in Toronto in September.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20011121220708/http://chartattack.com/damn/2001/09/2008.cfm "LIVE: Sigur Ros Massey Hall Toronto, Ontario"]}}, ''Chart Attack'', 20 September 2001, Reviewed by: Chris Burland</ref> Drummer Ágúst left the band after the recording of ''Ágætis byrjun'' and was replaced by [[Orri Páll Dýrason]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/faq.php#02 |title=sigur rós – frequently asked questions |access-date=25 January 2009 |publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk}}</ref> In 2002, their highly anticipated follow-up album ''[[( ) (album)|( )]]'' was released. Upon release all tracks on the album were untitled, though the band later published song names on their website. All of the lyrics on ''( )'' are sung in ''Vonlenska'', also known as Hopelandic, a language without semantic meaning, which resembles the phonology of the Icelandic language. It has also been said that the listener is supposed to interpret their own meanings of the lyrics which can then be written in the blank pages in the album booklet. In 2002, the band also wrote an original score for the Bodyscript dance production by [[Wayne McGregor Random Dance]] in collaboration with [[Sadler's Wells Theatre]] and the [[Arts Council England]]. In October 2003, Sigur Rós and [[Radiohead]] both composed music for [[Merce Cunningham]]'s dance piece ''Split Sides''; Sigur Rós's three tracks were released on the March 2004 EP ''[[Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do]]''. Radiohead's contribution was not commercially released. Sigur Rós' 1997 debut album ''Von'' found a US and UK release in October 2004. "Untitled 3" (a.k.a. Samskeyti) from the album is used on the video ''6AM'' by film maker Carmen Vidal, winner of the 2006 Student Academy Award.<ref name="6AM by Carmen Vidal">{{cite video |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5dp2q_6-am_shortfilms | title=6AM |first=Carmen |last=Vidal |publisher=[[Dailymotion]] |access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> "Untitled 3" is also used at the end credits of the indie drama movie, ''[[Mysterious Skin]]''. It can also be heard in ''[[Skins (TV series)|Skins]]'' and ''[[CSI: Miami]]'' and the British TV Documentary ''[[Protecting Our Children]]'' as well as during a section of the London 2012 summer Olympics on the BBC.<ref>{{cite web|last=Heald|first=Claire|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-19226422|title=Sun sets on London's Olympic Park for 2012 Games|publisher=BBC|date=11 August 2012|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref> It can also be heard in the climactic scene of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga on Netflix.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bone|first=Christian|date=28 June 2020|title=Every Song Featured In Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga|url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/song-featured-eurovision-song-contest-story-fire-saga/|access-date=24 January 2022|website=We Got This Covered|language=en-US}}</ref> "Untitled 4" from the album (also called "Njósnavélin") featured in the final scene of ''[[Vanilla Sky]]'', and director [[Cameron Crowe]] commented, "We struggled to find an appropriate track to end the film with and then I went to see Sigur Rós perform in Los Angeles and they played this song, "Njósnavélin", that was just perfect. I had to have it."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theuncool.com/films/vanilla-sky/vanilla-sky-soundtrack/ |title=Vanilla Sky Soundtrack |publisher=The Uncool |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref> This track is also featured on Canadian TV series ''[[Orphan Black]]'' in episode 10 of [[List of Orphan Black episodes#Season 3 (2015)|season 3]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Sigur Ros Featured on 'Orphan Black' with 'Untitled 4' – Season 3, Episode 10 (Video) – Leo Sigh | website=Leo Sigh | date=22 June 2015 | url=https://leosigh.com/sigur-ros-featured-on-orphan-black-with-untitled-4-season-3-episode-10-video/ | ref={{sfnref | Leo Sigh}} | access-date=5 September 2018}}</ref> ===2005–2006: ''Takk...''=== {{Main|Takk...}} [[File:Sigur Ros - Barcelona (221105).jpg|thumb|right|Sigur Rós performing in Barcelona, 2005]] [[File:Sigur Ros concert.JPG|thumb|right|Sigur Rós performing in Hong Kong, on 7 April 2006.]] Their fourth album, ''[[Takk...]]'' employs the distinctive sound of their second album in a more rock oriented structure with greater use of the guitar, and was released in September 2005. "[[Hoppípolla]]", the second official single from ''Takk...'', was released in November alongside a new studio remake of "Hafsól", a song that was previously released on the band's 1997 debut, ''Von''. "Hoppípolla" was used in the trailers for the BBC's natural history series ''[[Planet Earth (2006 TV series)|Planet Earth]]'' in 2006, as well as the closing credits for the [[2006 FA Cup final]], [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s coverage of the [[2006 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race]], advertisements for the BBC's coverage of [[English national football team|England]] games during the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], on television advertisements for [[RTÉ]]'s [[Gaelic games]] coverage in Ireland, and on an advertisement for [[Oxfam]]. It was also used in the final scene of the movie ''[[Penelope (2008 film)|Penelope]]'', for the trailer of the film ''[[Children of Men]]'' and for the trailer of the film ''[[Slumdog Millionaire]]''. Following this, demand for the single grew. It was made more widely available by EMI in consequence. This song is also used in the trailer for the Disney movie ''[[Earth (2007 film)|Earth]]'' as well as in the 2011 film ''[[We Bought a Zoo]]''. Whilst it does not appear on the film's soundtrack Album, it is also featured in ''[[Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga|Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga]]''. An extended ''[[Sæglópur]]'' EP was released in July 2006 in most parts of the world and in August in the [[United States]]. Its original release was scheduled in May, but because of the sudden demand of "Hoppípolla" it was pushed back from that date. Sigur Rós recorded three new songs to appear on the EP ("Refur", "Ó friður", and "Kafari"). In July 2006, Sigur Rós finished a major world tour with stops in Europe, the United States (where they played a headline show at the [[Hollywood Bowl]]), [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Hong Kong]] and [[Japan]]. Upon return to their homeland, Sigur Rós provided a series of free surprise outdoor concerts throughout Iceland in July and August, playing in various venues such as abandoned bunkers and community coffee shops, all of which were included in the 2007 documentary film ''[[Heima]]''. They also performed twice in the United States in February.<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite news|last=Maher |first=Dave |title=Sigur Rós: "New Album in the Works" |page=1 |publisher=pitchforkmedia.com |date=15 January 2007 |url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/40483/Sigur_Rós_New_Album_in_the_Works |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070724132847/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/40483/Sigur_R%C3%B3s_New_Album_in_the_Works |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 July 2007 |access-date=15 January 2007 }}</ref> ===2007: ''Heima'' and ''Hvarf/Heim''=== {{Main|Heima|Hvarf/Heim}} [[File:Sigur Rós, Jónsi and Goggi.jpg|thumb|At [[UCLA]] in 2008, playing an acoustic set before screening ''Heima'']] In August 2007, a limited DVD+CD edition of the 2002 soundtrack to the documentary ''[[Hlemmur (film)|Hlemmur]]'' was released. ''[[Hvarf/Heim]]'' was released on 5 November (6 November in the U.S.), a [[double album|double]] compilation album containing studio versions of previously unreleased songs — "Salka", "Hljómalind" (formerly known as "Rokklagið"), "Í Gær" and "Von" on ''Hvarf'', and acoustic studio versions of the songs: "Samskeyti", "Starálfur", "Vaka", "Ágætis Byrjun", "Heysátan" and "Von", on ''Heim''. On the same day (20 November in the U.S.) ''[[Heima]]'', a live DVD of the previous summer's Iceland tour, was released. Just prior to the release of ''[[Hvarf/Heim]]'', on 29 October, a single named "[[Hljómalind]]" was released. The 2007 feature-length documentary from Sigur Rós's summer tour in Iceland, which occurred in 2006, attempts to shed light on the band's homeland. Therefore, the film is called "[[Heima]]", which means "at home". In the movie, the band members express their interpretation of "Iceland". The film revolves around three main elements; the band playing live, the Icelandic nature shaping their music, along with interviews, where they tell the viewers what it was like to play at home in addition to sharing their overall experience of the tour. To promote their film ''Heima'', the band scheduled a series of premiere screenings throughout the world, featuring a short acoustic set before the film and a question-and-answer session afterwards. ===2008: ''Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust''=== {{Main|Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust}} Sigur Rós's fifth regular studio album, ''[[Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust]]'', was released in June 2008 to generally positive reviews. Stylistically different from their earlier releases, it featured fewer strings and more guitar,<ref name="Sigur Rós to play Roskilde Festival">{{cite web |url=http://indielaundry.blogspot.com/2008/02/sigur-rs-to-play-roskilde-festival.html |title=Sigur Rós to play Roskilde Festival |work=Indie Laundry — danish/icelandic musicblog mp3 |date=28 February 2008 |access-date=29 March 2008}}</ref> and had more pop-oriented songs, making it "the group's most accessible effort" while maintaining the "majestic beauty that defines the band's music."<ref> {{cite news |last=Chapin |first=Bill |title=Albums of the Aughts No. 44: "Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust" by Sigur Ros |work=[[Jackson Citizen Patriot]] |date=1 November 2009 |url=http://blog.mlive.com/citpat-pluggedin/2009/11/albums_of_the_aughts_no_44_me.html |access-date=23 November 2009 }}</ref> The final track "All Alright" is the band's first to be sung in English, though all the other lyrics are in Icelandic. [[File:Sigurrosbournemouth.jpg|thumb|right|Sigur Rós performing in Bournemouth, United Kingdom, 2008]] The band were announced as a headlining act for the 2008 [[Splendour in the Grass]] Festival in [[Byron Bay, New South Wales|Byron Bay]], Australia,<ref name="Splendour in the Grass 2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.splendourinthegrass.com |title=Splendour in the Grass Official Site|website=Splendourinthegrass.com |access-date=7 June 2008}}</ref>{{failed verification |date=November 2012}} [[Latitude Festival]] 2008,<ref name="Latitude Festival 2008">{{Cite web|url=http://latitudefestival.com/news/story.aspx?AID=81c954b3-109e-4e7e-aeef-00a898abf773|title=Latitude Festival 2008|website=Latitudefestival.com|access-date=7 April 2020}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and the 2008 [[La Route du Rock]] Festival in [[St Malo]], France.<ref name="La Route du Rock 2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.laroutedurock.com/ |title=La Route du Rock Official Site|website=Laroutedurock.com|language=fr |access-date=15 April 2008}}</ref>{{failed verification |date=November 2012}} In addition, the band performed a late-night set at the 2008 [[Bonnaroo]] Music Festival in [[Manchester, Tennessee]],<ref name="Bonnaroo 2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.bonnaroo.com/ |title=Bonnaroo Official Site|website=Bonnaroo.com |access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref>{{failed verification |date=November 2012}} where they blew a speaker at the end of their second song. Jónsi Birgisson commented, "The piano is exploding, I think," one of the few things spoken in English. The band released the first song from the album titled "[[Gobbledigook (song)|Gobbledigook]]" for free on their website, along with a music video.<ref name="http://www.nme.com/news/sigur-ros/36914">{{cite web |url= https://www.nme.com/news/sigur-ros/36914 |title=NME reveals Sigur Ros give away new song free |access-date=28 May 2008 |work=[[New Musical Express|NME]]}}</ref><ref name="http://www.sigurros.com/dvd3.asp"> {{cite web|url=http://www.sigurros.com/dvd3.asp |title=Download Link |access-date=28 May 2008 |publisher=sigurros.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821193955/http://sigurros.com/dvd3.asp |archive-date=21 August 2008 }}</ref> On 8 June, the whole album was made available for free streaming on their website.<ref name="http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/disco/medsud-dot.php">{{cite web |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/disco/medsud-dot.php |title=Sigur Ros official site — stream new album |access-date=8 June 2008 |publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk}}</ref> In autumn 2008 Sigur Rós embarked on a world tour supporting their newly released album. The band played as a four-piece without [[Amiina]] and the brass band, the first time the band had played as a four-piece in seven years. The tour started on 17 September 2008 in the United States, at the [[United Palace Theater]] in New York City, and finished with a concert in Reykjavík at [[Laugardalshöll]] on 23 November 2008. The majority of the tour was European with the exception of concerts in the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan. The track "Festival" from the album features in the score of the 2010 film ''[[127 Hours]]'', providing the euphoric backing to the climax of the movie. It is also featured at the end of HBO mini-series "[[24/7 (HBO series)|24/7]] – Flyers-Rangers". The track "Untitled #7 (Dauðalagið)" was also featured in the launch trailer for ''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]''. ===2009–2012: Hiatus, ''Inni'', ''Valtari''=== In 2009, Jónsi embarked on a solo adventure with his first solo album ''[[Go (Jónsi album)|Go]]'', released the next year.<ref>Gershuny, Diane. "Time to Go." Electronic Musician. (2010): 18. ProQuest. Web. 13 June 2015.</ref> On 28 May 2009, Sigur Rós announced that they had almost completed recording their latest album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/news/?p=1313 |title=New album near completion |publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk | date=28 May 2009 |access-date=29 May 2009 }}</ref> The band said the album was taking form as a slower and more ambient record than both ''Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust'' and ''Takk...''. The music was also described as melodic but much less noisy and more "out there" than previous albums. The unnamed album was expected to be released sometime in 2010. However, the band later revealed that the recordings had been scrapped. In a 2010 interview, Jónsi confirmed "We haven't got another album ready", he said. "It was just a rumour. We started to record something, but then we chucked it all away. So I think we are going to have to start it all again".<ref name="Michaels">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jan/28/sigur-ros-indefinite-hiatus |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=Sigur Rós on indefinite hiatus after scrapping new album |first=Sean |last=Michaels |date=28 January 2010 |access-date=23 May 2010}}</ref> Without further word on the new album, Sigur Rós were rumoured to be on indefinite hiatus as of January 2010.<ref name="Michaels" /> However, before taking the stage at Coachella in April 2010, Jónsi commented that Sigur Rós would be getting back to work that year: "I'm gonna record some other stuff with Sigur Rós when I'm home", between a series of shows during his solo tour in summer 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spinner.ca/2010/04/20/jonsi-birgisson-sigur-ros-hiatus/ |title=Jonsi Birgisson Sheds Light on Sigur Ros Hiatus |first=Steve |last=Baltin |publisher=[[Spinner (website)|Spinner]] |date=20 April 2010 |access-date=7 June 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112032817/http://www.spinner.ca/2010/04/20/jonsi-birgisson-sigur-ros-hiatus/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 1 February 2011, Jónsi's official website announced that he would be back in the studio with the band over the spring.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://culturetechreview.blogspot.com/2011/02/sigur-ros-in-studio-for-new-2011-album.html |title=Sigur Ros in the studio for a new 2011 album |publisher=Culture & Technology Review |date=1 February 2011 |access-date=7 June 2011}}</ref> On 11 August 2011 Sigur Rós's official website unveiled a trailer for a project called ''[[Inní]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thepeoplesnews.co.uk/thepeoplesnews/?p=12 |title=Sigur Ros new 2011 album |publisher=The People's News }}{{dead link |date=November 2012}}</ref> a DVD and double CD of the band's live performances in London, directed by Vincent Morisset. It was screened at the [[68th Venice International Film Festival]], and saw official release in November 2011. On 16 September 2011, the ''Inni'' album and live video became available to pre-order from the band's site in a variety of formats. Additionally, the band made the video for the song "Festival" available to watch online, as well as offering a free download of the audio from a live performance of the song.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thepeoplesnews.co.uk/thepeoplesnews/?p=560 |title=Sigur Ros ''Inni'' now available |publisher=The People's News }}{{dead link |date=November 2012}}</ref> On 3 November 2011, following the UK premiere of ''Inni'' at the [[British Film Institute]] in London, the band members participated in a Q&A session during which Georg promised that 2012 would be a "very busy" year for Sigur Rós. The band hinted at a new album and tour in the second half of 2012. The Q&A session was curtailed when a stage light began to emit smoke and the room was evacuated. <blockquote>"The band's next album is scheduled for release in the spring. Based on excerpts presented by Mr. Sveinsson, the new music promises to be as exceptional as the best of the band's catalog. Mr. Holm called it "introverted", while Mr. Birgisson said it was "floaty and minimal". "An ambient album" was how Mr. Dýrason described it, with "a slow takeoff toward something". For a visitor who heard a preliminary recording in which Mr. Birgisson's falsetto was surrounded by rich choral voices and what sounded like a pipe organ, the music was thrilling".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Fusilli |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204554204577023893910185890 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |title=The Return of Sigur Rós |date=9 November 2011 |access-date=2012-11-03}}</ref></blockquote> Beginning in February 2012, Sigur Rós announced their live return with festival appearances at [[Bestival]] in England, [[Summer Sonic Festival]] in Japan, and other shows in Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Poland, and Italy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/feb/08/bestival-2012-lineup-xx-sigur-ros|title=Bestival 2012 lineup: The xx and Sigur Rós to make exclusive appearances|newspaper=The Guardian|date=8 February 2012|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hadfield |first=James |url=http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/6090/Live-report-Summer-Sonic-2012 |title=Live report: Summer Sonic 2012 |magazine=Time Out |date=23 August 2012 |access-date=23 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706020653/http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/6090/Live-report-Summer-Sonic-2012 |archive-date=6 July 2013 }}</ref> The band was also added to [[Montréal]]'s [[Osheaga]] 2012 lineup, and the 2012 [[Lollapalooza]] lineup.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://groupes.osheaga.com/band/sigur-ros |title=Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts: Groupes |access-date=21 March 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324183412/http://groupes.osheaga.com/band/sigur-ros |archive-date=24 March 2012 }}</ref> After a four-year hiatus, an interview with the band in the March 2012 issue of [[Q (magazine)|''Q'' magazine]] confirmed the completion of a new album, titled ''[[Valtari]]'', scheduling its release on 28 May 2012.<ref name="Medsker2012">{{cite web|last=Medsker|first=David|url=http://diffuser.fm/sigur-ros-new-album-valtari/|title=Sigur Ros Announce New Album 'Valtari,' Unleash Track 'Ekki Mukk'|publisher=Diffuser.fm|date=26 March 2012|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Michaels|first=Sean|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/mar/27/sigur-ros-announce-sixth-album|title=Sigur Rós announce sixth studio album|newspaper=The Guardian|date=27 March 2012|access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref> On 26 March 2012, the band released the first official single from the album, "[[Ekki múkk]]."<ref name="Medsker2012" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indieshuffle.com/sigur-ros-ekki-mukk/ |title=Sigur Rós — Ekki Múkk |first=Jason |last=Grishkoff |publisher=Indie Shuffle |date=26 March 2012 |access-date=18 April 2012}}</ref> On 14 April 2012, a lower quality version of the complete album leaked out on the internet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hasitleaked.com/2012/sigur-ros-valtari/ |title=Sigur Rós: ''Valtari'' |first=Gabriel |last=Lacerda |publisher=[[Has it Leaked]] |date=28 May 2012 |access-date=15 April 2012}}</ref> On 10 May 2012, Sigur Rós's new track "Dauðalogn" was premiered on "[[The Departed (The Vampire Diaries)|The Departed]]", the season 3 finale of ''[[The Vampire Diaries]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Young |first=Alex |url=https://consequence.net/2012/05/video-sigur-ros-debuts-daudalogn-on-the-vampire-diaries/ |title=Sigur Rós debuts "Dauðalogn" on ''The Vampire Diaries'' |magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]] |date=11 May 2012 |access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref> It was rumored that an already-complete additional album would follow-up their sixth release, ''[[Valtari]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Yet_a_New_Album_from_Iceland%E2%80%99s_Sigur_R%C3%B3s_0_389471.news.aspx |title=Yet a New Album from Iceland's Sigur Rós |date=26 April 2012 |journal=[[Iceland Review]] |access-date=27 April 2012 |archive-date=28 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428082622/http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Yet_a_New_Album_from_Iceland%E2%80%99s_Sigur_R%C3%B3s_0_389471.news.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the band has dismissed the rumor as a "fabrication".<ref> {{cite journal |url = http://www.grapevine.is/Features/ReadArticle/THE-BOYS-ARE-BACK-IN-TOWN |title = The Boys are Back in Town |first = Valgerður |last = Þóroddsdóttir |journal = [[The Reykjavík Grapevine]] |date = 18 May 2012 |access-date = 23 May 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130306113802/http://grapevine.is/Features/ReadArticle/THE-BOYS-ARE-BACK-IN-TOWN |archive-date = 6 March 2013 |df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref> {{cite journal |url = http://grapevine.is/News/ReadArticle/Sigur-Ros-Denies-Split-Rumours-Confirms-Others |title = Sigur Rós Denies Split Rumours, Confirms Others |first = Valgerður |last = Þóroddsdóttir |journal = [[The Reykjavík Grapevine]] |date = 15 May 2012 |access-date = 15 May 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120521104817/http://www.grapevine.is/News/ReadArticle/Sigur-Ros-Denies-Split-Rumours-Confirms-Others |archive-date = 21 May 2012 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> On 2 November 2012, Georg Hólm confirmed that the band had already started work on a new album, due to be released some time in 2013. He described it as a dramatic change of direction, "an anti-Valtari".<ref>{{cite news|date=2 November 2012|title=Endurnýjuð Sigur Rós |newspaper=[[Morgunblaðið]]|page=44|url= http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?pageId=6031863}}</ref> The band performed a new song, entitled "[[Brennisteinn]]" ('brimstone'), in Reykjavík on 4 November at the [[Iceland Airwaves]] 2012 festival, to favourable reception.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2012/11/video-sigur-ros-debuts-new-song-brennisteinn/|title=Sigur Rós debuts new song, "Brennisteinn"|last=Roffman|first=Michael|date=4 November 2012|magazine=Consequence of Sound|access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> On 12 November 2012, the band announced a new North American tour, to take place in March and April 2013. The band also announced that every ticket purchased will include a new digital copy of a three-track EP, containing new and unreleased music, made available to ticket holders on 22 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151288246684124&set=a.468604884123.265909.6187954123&type=1 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/6187954123/10151288246684124 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited|title=2013 North American Tour|date=12 November 2012|work=Sigur Rós (official page)|publisher=Facebook|access-date=13 November 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/tour//|title=upcoming tour dates|publisher=sigur-ros.co.uk|access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> === 2013–2019: ''Kveikur'' and departures of Kjartan and Orri === [[File:Sigur ros live 2013 wolves civic hall.jpg|thumb|Sigur Rós performing live at the [[Wolverhampton Civic Hall]], England, in 2013]] On 24 January 2013, Sigur Rós announced in a Q&A on [[Reddit]] that Kjartan had left the band, feeling it was time "to do something different".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/sigurros/posts/462223910506932 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/6187954123/462223910506932 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Reddit Q&A Announcement|date=23 January 2013|work=Sigur Rós (official page)|publisher=Facebook|access-date=23 January 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They announced their seventh studio album, ''[[Kveikur]]'', on 22 March. On the same day, they also released the album's first single: "Brennisteinn". The album was released on 14 June (releasing two days earlier in Japan, and four days later in the US) and marked both a musical and thematic change for the band, providing a more aggressive sound, compared to their previous albums. The album was well received by critics, scoring 80 on Metacritic,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/kveikur/sigur-ros/critic-reviews |title=Critic Reviews for Kveikur |website=Metacritic |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> with several reviewers praising for the band's new musical approach, as well as a lack of commercialism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cottingham |first=Christian |url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/17694/reviews/4146512 |title=Album Review: Sigur Rós – Kveikur / Releases / Releases // Drowned In Sound |publisher=Drownedinsound.com |date=11 June 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-date=17 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617014527/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/17694/reviews/4146512 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/sigur-ros/14519 |title=NME Album Reviews – Sigur Ros – 'Kveikur' |publisher=Nme.Com |date=17 June 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> The release was marked, by the band, with a new tour, as well as an interactive musical experience, where fans could live stream a concert, taking control of the camera.<ref>{{cite web|author=eighteen seconds before sunrise |url=http://sigur-ros.co.uk/kveikurlive360/ |title=sigur rós – kveikur live 360 |publisher=Sigur-ros.co.uk |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> The band later performed at the [[iTunes Festival]], on 2 September 2013,<ref>{{cite web|author=eighteen seconds before sunrise |url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/tour/2013/20130902-london/ |title=sigur rós live – roundhouse (itunes festival), london, united kingdom (2nd Sep 2013) |date=2 September 2013 |publisher=Sigur-ros.co.uk |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> where selected portions of their concert were later released on 21 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/itunes-festival-london-2013/id727106338?l=da |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318101404/https://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/itunes-festival-london-2013/id727106338?l=da |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 March 2015 |title=iTunes – Musik – iTunes Festival: London 2013 af Sigur Rós |date=21 October 2013 |publisher=[[iTunes]] |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> The band provided original music and a rendition of "[[The Simpsons Theme|''The Simpsons'' Theme]]", as well as a brief cameo, for the ''[[The Simpsons|Simpsons]]'' episode "[[The Saga of Carl]]", which aired on 19 May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/news/2013/sigur-ros-scores-an-upcoming-episode-of-the-simpsons/ |title=eighteen seconds before sunrise – sigur rós news » blog archive » sigur rós scores an upcoming episode of 'the simpsons' |publisher=Sigur-ros.co.uk |date=4 May 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> The band appeared in the HBO TV series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' episode "[[The Lion and the Rose]]" on 13 April 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52226-sigur-ros-to-appear-on-game-of-thrones/ |title=Sigur Rós to Appear on "Game of Thrones" | News |website=Pitchfork |date=10 September 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Ryan Reed |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/sigur-ros-share-gloomy-game-of-thrones-cover-20140414 |title=Sigur Ros Share Gloomy 'Game of Thrones' Cover 'The Rains of Castamere' | Music News |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=14 April 2014 |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> They also covered the song "[[The Rains of Castamere (song)|The Rains of Castamere]]", which was originally recorded by [[The National (band)|the National]] for the earlier episode "[[Blackwater (Game of Thrones)|Blackwater]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/54643-sigur-ros-will-cover-the-rains-of-castamere-for-game-of-thrones-soundtrack/ |title=Sigur Rós Will Cover "The Rains of Castamere" for "Game of Thrones" Soundtrack | News |website=Pitchfork |date=3 April 2014 |access-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> Georg and Orri worked with Georg's brother Kjartan Dagur "KD" Hólm and the composer [[Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson]] on the [[soundtrack]] to ''[[The Show of Shows: 100 Years of Vaudeville, Circuses and Carnivals]]''. This was released as an album, ''Circe – Music Composed for The Show of Shows'', on the Krunk label in the UK on 28 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/circe-music-composed-for-the-show-of-shows |title=Circe – Music Composed For The Show Of Shows|publisher=Music OMH|author=Sam Shepherd |date=26 August 2015}}</ref> A reissue of the band's second album, ''[[Ágætis byrjun]]'', was announced in early 2015. It was announced to feature previously unheard studio and live recordings as well as photographic and documentary material from their personal archives.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} On 31 January 2017 it was announced that the band would be touring later in 2017, playing concerts in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sigur-ros.co.uk/|title=Sigur Rós Official Website|publisher=Get To The Front}}</ref> The band, in collaboration with [[Alex Somers]], produced two instrumental pieces, "End" and "Match", for the ''[[Black Mirror]]'' season four episode "[[Hang the DJ]]", aired on 29 December 2017.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-sigur-ros-two-new-songs-from-black-mirror-w515304|title=Hear Sigur Ros' Two New Songs From 'Black Mirror'|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=22 January 2018}}</ref> On 8 May 2018, the band released a new multimedia project called ''Liminal'', which they described as an "endless mixtape" of ambient music which will be continuously added to over time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://consequence.net/2018/05/sigur-ros-liminal/|title=Sigur Rós launch "endless" digital playlist Liminal: Stream|last=Young|first=Alex|date=8 May 2018|work=Consequence of Sound|access-date=11 May 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> In addition, Jónsi, Somers, and frequent collaborator Paul Corley announced a series of "live soundbaths," where the music would be played in front of an audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sigur-ros-are-hosting-soundbaths-now/|title=Sigur Rós Are Hosting Soundbaths, Release "Endless" Mixtape: Listen {{!}} Pitchfork|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|date=8 May 2018|website=pitchfork.com|language=en|access-date=11 May 2018}}</ref> In September 2018, Orri was accused of [[sexual assault]] by artist Meagan Boyd.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/09/drummer-of-sigur-ros-accused-of-sexual-assault.html|title=Sigur Ros Drummer Orri Páll Dýrason Accused of Sexual Assault |magazine=Paste Magazine|access-date=28 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sigur_r_s_drummer_orri_p_ll_d_rason_accused_of_sexual_assault|title=Sigur Rós Drummer Orri Páll Dýrason Accused of Sexual Assault |magazine=Exclaim!|access-date=28 September 2018}}</ref> On 1 October 2018, he announced that he had decided to leave the band "in light of the scale of this matter".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=696716870695087&id=100010703409957 |access-date=1 October 2018|title=Ég vil byrja á því að þakka vinum og vandamönnum…|last=Dýrason |first=Orri Páll|website=facebook.com}}</ref> In March 2019, Sigur Rós were charged with [[tax evasion]], accused of having submitted incorrect tax returns from 2011 to 2014, evading 151 million [[Icelandic krona]]. The band members blamed their former accountant and said they were co-operating with the authorities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/28/sigur-ros-band-members-charged-with-tax-evasion-by-icelandic-authorities|title=Sigur Rós band members charged with tax evasion by Icelandic authorities|last=AP|date=28 March 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=8 April 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The case was dismissed in October 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icelandreview.com/news/sigur-ros-tax-evasion-case-dismissed/|title=Sigur Rós Tax Evasion Case Dismissed|date=5 October 2019|work=Iceland Review|access-date=10 October 2019|language=en-GB}}</ref> but this decision was later overruled by an appellate court. Three members were cleared, but the charges against Jónsi and his company Frakkur proceeded.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icelandreview.com/news/public-prosecutor-to-continue-case-against-jon-thor-birgisson-of-sigur-ros/|title=Public Prosecutor to Continue Case Against Jónsi of Sigur Rós|date=9 November 2022|work=Iceland Review|access-date=19 November 2022|language=en-GB}}</ref> On March 24, 2023, all charges were dismissed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ruv.is/frettir/innlent/2023-03-24-songvari-sigur-rosar-laus-allra-mala|title=Söngvari Sigur Rósar laus allra mála|date=24 March 2023|work=RÚV|access-date=14 June 2023|language=is-IS}}</ref> === 2020–present: Kjartan rejoins and ''Átta'' === In October 2020, the band announced that a new album, ''[[Odin's Raven Magic]]'', an orchestral work that was debuted live in 2002, would be released on 4 December 2020. This album is a live recording of the orchestral piece being performed in Paris in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hussey |first1=Allison |title=Sigur Rós announce new album Odin's Raven Magic, Share Song: Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sigur-ros-announce-new-album-odins-raven-magic-share-song-listen/ |access-date=23 October 2020 |agency=Pitchfork |publisher=Condé Nast |date=23 October 2020}}</ref> On 14 February 2022, Sigur Rós announced that Kjartan had rejoined them.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 February 2022 |title=Kjartan Sveinsson Rejoins Sigur Rós |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kjartan-sveinsson-rejoins-sigur-ros/ |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> The following week, they announced their first world tour in nearly five years. In addition to the tour, it was announced that the band are in the process of writing and recording a new album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Back in the studio & World Tour |url=https://sigurros.com/news/2022/back-in-the-studio-world-tour/ |website=sigurros.com |date=22 February 2022}}</ref> On 16 June 2023, Sigur Rós released "Blóðberg", the first single from their eighth studio album, ''[[Átta]]'' (eight in Icelandic).<ref>{{cite web| title= Sigur Rós Unveil "Blóðberg", First New Song in Seven Years |url=https://consequence.net/2023/06/sigur-ros-blodberg-single-stream/amp/|website=consequence.net |date=12 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Sigur Rós Releasing New Album Átta Tomorrow |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/sigur-ros-releasing-new-album-atta-tomorrow/ |date=15 June 2023}}</ref> The self-produced album was recorded at [[Sundlaugin|Sundlaugin Studio]], on the rural outskirts of Reykjavík.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sumerel |first=Ashley Bissette |date=June 23, 2023 |title=Sigur Rós Announce First New Album in 10 Years: Átta |url=https://eulaliemagazine.com/209/sigur-ros-announce-first-new-album-in-10-years-atta/ |website=Eulalie Magazine}}</ref>
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