Kveikur
by Sigur Rós
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Jun 18, 2013
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 100 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 100
  3. Negative: 1 out of 100
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  1. Nedloh94
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Far and away the most intense of any Sigur Rós album. Huge climaxes swoop in, and just wash over the ears. Very thick and rich and infinitely rewarding. This ranks among the group's best work.
  2. Entertainment97
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Kveikur" is definitely Sigur Rós' most ambitious album yet! It draws on features from many of their previous works, especially "Takk...", and yet shows more of a rocky influence in certain songs, such as "Rafstraumur". I see this as a bold new adventure for Sigur Rós, whose ambient, soulful music has become increasingly aggressive over the years. "Kveikur" was worth the wait and the more aggressive edge has certainly paid off.… Expand
  3. dan_abnormal
    Jun 28, 2013
    10
    The most intense Sigur Rós album so far, not only is the most intense, but changes the Dream-pop to a more definite Dark-ambient. The first 30 seconds are led to believe that the album will be like the first, ie, repetitive and lacking in soul, to hear the drums, make you throw those thoughts to drain. Definitely a pretty awesome album. Something that also defines it, is that it alsoThe most intense Sigur Rós album so far, not only is the most intense, but changes the Dream-pop to a more definite Dark-ambient. The first 30 seconds are led to believe that the album will be like the first, ie, repetitive and lacking in soul, to hear the drums, make you throw those thoughts to drain. Definitely a pretty awesome album. Something that also defines it, is that it also sounds like post-metal, something that had never been seen in a Experimental rock band.… Expand
  4. uabab
    Jun 26, 2013
    7
    For my US ear that still sounds fresh even having heard like 5 hrs of it already. I'm glad they still use Icelandic (or whatev it is) and that might be the reason.
  5. vriskasawesome
    Jul 27, 2013
    10
    In Kveikur Sigur Rós has finally gone beyond their superficial, pseudo-uplifting music of Ágætus Byrjun et al. and ventured into the realm of dirty, ugly and terrifying music. To me, much of Sigur Rós' past work has been either inconsistent (Von), meaningless (Ágætus Byrjun) or too short (Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do, and I felt like they hadn't quite reached the level of emotional impact to theirIn Kveikur Sigur Rós has finally gone beyond their superficial, pseudo-uplifting music of Ágætus Byrjun et al. and ventured into the realm of dirty, ugly and terrifying music. To me, much of Sigur Rós' past work has been either inconsistent (Von), meaningless (Ágætus Byrjun) or too short (Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do, and I felt like they hadn't quite reached the level of emotional impact to their listeners that they were capable of. Kveikur fulfils these past failures tracks like Brennisteinn and Isjaki overwhelm you with the darkness of human nature, and on completing the album there is a great sense of calm. Favourite Sigur Rós album… Expand
  6. jimmypowder
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    I like bands that take a few chances and Sigur has without question done that with this album .

    A little mix of black metal with their signature sound makes for an interesting listen and for what
    i believe is their best album since their early years.
  7. Ricko
    Jun 24, 2014
    7
    After the ambient Valtari and equally chilled out Riceboy Sleeps collaboration, Kveikur sees Sigur Ros not only return to their trademark epic sound but go a step further and unleash an album that is heavier and darker than anything they have previously released. The melodies are melancholic, the percussion borders on industrial rock and the swirling vocals mixed with backward harmonyAfter the ambient Valtari and equally chilled out Riceboy Sleeps collaboration, Kveikur sees Sigur Ros not only return to their trademark epic sound but go a step further and unleash an album that is heavier and darker than anything they have previously released. The melodies are melancholic, the percussion borders on industrial rock and the swirling vocals mixed with backward harmony tracks give the record quite an eery and at times sinister feel. While Jonsi's vocals make Kveikur instantly recognisable as Sigur Ros, it is the darkest record they have released in over a decade and explores previously uncharted territory for the band. Stormur, at the heart of the album is the standout track for me. Kveikur is a captivating listen and in its own way is another beautiful album from Sigur Ros, however it lacks the warmth or range of some of the bands other work.… Expand
  8. JohnnyBoy87
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    You know for all the aggression that people say this album has, it certainly has a bit for everyone. Some of the tracks certainly lean towards that black metal sound (i.e. the opening track and title track), but some others hearken back to typical Sigur Ros that you've come to expect. All in all though it is a fantastic album that will challenge you to take new darker roads with the bandYou know for all the aggression that people say this album has, it certainly has a bit for everyone. Some of the tracks certainly lean towards that black metal sound (i.e. the opening track and title track), but some others hearken back to typical Sigur Ros that you've come to expect. All in all though it is a fantastic album that will challenge you to take new darker roads with the band while still holding your hand and letting you know that they haven't gone anywhere.… Collapse
  9. SpacedSkunk
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    Sigur Rós have always had their own unique sound, but one that is euphoric, relaxing, chilling and emotional. This album is all of those, but louder; more intense and so much darker. If you are the kind of person who looks for music with true musical quality, this should be up there in your library or at least shortlist.

    It is beyond awesome, I don't speak Icelandic, you don't need to.    Sigur Rós have always had their own unique sound, but one that is euphoric, relaxing, chilling and emotional. This album is all of those, but louder; more intense and so much darker. If you are the kind of person who looks for music with true musical quality, this should be up there in your library or at least shortlist.

    It is beyond awesome, I don't speak Icelandic, you don't need to. Sigur Rós is a rare band where their music and lyrics welcome all, the story is told with all the instruments not just the vocalist, it's pure genius.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Beats Per Minute
    Jul 29, 2013
    84
    Kveikur is the band’s noisiest and most muscular record yet. The variety of experience it offers not just from Valtari, but from the band’s entire catalogue, means that it stands among their best.
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  2. Magnet
    Jul 17, 2013
    80
    It sounds like a band getting down to business, adjusting its identity to account for downsizing while consolidating its many strengths. [No. 100, p.51]
  3. No Ripcord
    Jul 3, 2013
    70
    Kveikur is a strong album, one with no low-lights and an intriguing progression of sound.
    Read full review
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