20th anniversary edition of Sigur Ros' seminal Agaetis Byrjun. Their sophomore LP released in 1999 saw the Icelandic 4-piece move further away from the traditional rock influences which defined the sound of Von into something new entirely. The lyrics sung in the made up 'Hopelandic' language and Jónsi Birgisson's bow-strummed guitar playing quickly became a recipe for "epic," lending new meaning to the term and soon becoming their signature which would be deployed to even greater effect on their next album. But while that record depicted a rather bleak, snowy, apocalyptic scenario, there's some joy to be gleaned from Agaetis Byrjun, even some groove. Includes the extraordinary "Sven-g-englar" but "Ný Batterí," "Olsen Olsen" and the title track are also favorites. This edition includes the full original album on black double vinyl housed in special edition jacket with alternate artwork, plus a digital download of the full record as well as a ton of bonus material and a full live concert recording. Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• limited 20th anniversary edition w/ alternate artwork
• includes digital download for entire album plus 13 demos + rarities and 90 minute Live at íslenska óperan, 1999
• music label: Krunk 2019

reviewed by Rake Yavick 06/2019