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Kveikur
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Kveikur Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 100 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh full-length studio release for the Icelandic band is its first on XL Recordings and as a trio (Kjartan Sveinsson left in 2012).
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Paste Magazine
    Jun 18, 2013
    90
    Though Kveikur is more anxious and busy than a lot of their past output, it still possesses the heavenly quality all their other records so admirably held on to as well.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 10, 2013
    90
    Kveikur is a record you play for the sheer catharsis of it--a work of art to plug into when grey buildings and greyer skies tower too densely around you, and you wish for nothing more than to close your eyes and feel the terrible greatness of nature swallow you up.
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 18, 2013
    83
    For Sigur Rós, Kveikur is their most gloves-off release to date and they land the punch.
  4. DIY Magazine
    Jun 13, 2013
    80
    The result feels less like accidentally walking into David Attenborough's funeral and more like some incredible, unrealised score for an immersive, imagined Icelandic crime drama.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Jun 14, 2013
    80
    If the intuitive, star-gazing Valtari served as the rediscovery of Sigur Rós's signature sound, then the instinctual, sober Kveikur is its compulsive reinvention.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Jun 18, 2013
    70
    Kveikur has structure and, hello, grit like never before.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 17, 2013
    40
    The trouble is, much of it still sounds about as vital as Coldplay Babelfished into Icelandic.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  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 infinitelyFar 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.… Expand
  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
  4. 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, butSigur 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
  5. 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 30The 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
  6. 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 leanYou 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.… Expand
  7. 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    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.    … Expand
  8. 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 thatFor 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.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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