Description

TRACKLISTING

I Myself the Visionary HeadNature StrutterBloodsoaked VelvetLux FareGhosts of LightRitual of FireNáttfari

An Icelandic post-metal outfit with roots in progressive, black, and Viking metal, Sólstafir were founded in 1995 by longtime friends Aðalbjörn ‘Addi’ Tryggvason (guitar, vocals), Halldór Einarsson (bass), and Guðmundur Óli ‘Gummi’ Pálmason (drums).After cutting a series of demos, Sólstafir scaled down to a duo (Tryggvason and Pálmason) and began work on their debut full-length. After recruiting Svavar Austmann to replace Einarsson, they set about laying down tracks for what would become their debut album Í Blóði og Anda. A series of setbacks kept the LP from being released until 2002. By that time, Sólstafir were operating as a quartet with the addition of second guitarist Sæþór Maríus Sæþórsson.In 2004 Sólstafir inked a deal with the Spinefarm Records, with whom they issued their sophomore long-player, Masterpiece of Bitterness, in 2005. The album became a landmark of sorts, marking the beginning of the Icelander’s steep ascent to international fame and recognition as the originators of Nordic post metal.