- Feature image: Alive87 via Wikimedia C.C.
About the Album
Odin’s Raven Magic — which follows the 2013 album Kveikur — is an orchestral work which premiered in 2002 at the Barbican Centre in London. It is now finally being released via Krunk/Warner Classic. The release date is set for December 4th.
The album is based on an Icelandic poem believed to be composed in the 14th or 15th century. It recounts a grand banquet held by the gods in Valhalla. While feasting, ominous signs appear that foretell the end of the world.
- Get to know Icelandic history and culture by visiting a Museum or an Exhibition
The album is a collaboration between Sigur Rós, and musicians Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Steindór Andersen and Maria Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir. Additional performances are Conservatoire de Paris Orchestra and Schola Cantorum Choir.
Maria Huld is a noted film score composer, a member of the band Amiina, and has worked with heavy hitters such as Spiritualized and Lee Hazlewood. Aside from being a composer, Hilmar Örn is an ordained pagan leader, and Steindór Andersen is one of Iceland’s most respected chanters of traditional epic narrative.
Since their last album, Sigur Rós has been involved in various projects. These include an art installation, a dance performance, music for soundbaths, and two new songs for the TV show Black Mirror.
Earlier this month, singer Jónsi released his first solo album in 10 years, titled Shiver.
New Song & Track Listing for Odin’s Raven Magic
The first taste of Odin’s Raven Magic is the seven-and-a-half minute song “Dvergmál”. The gorgeous and climatic number encompasses the softness and otherworldliness we’ve come to expect from the band but is definitely not just a typical Sigur Rós song. You can listen to Dvergmál here below.
You can preorder the album now here. Below is a track listing of Odin’s Raven Magic:
- Prologus
- Alföður orkar
- Dvergmál
- Stendur æva
- Áss hinn hvíti
- Hvert stefnir
- Spár eða spakmál
- Dagrenning
