Ágætis byrjun

Sigur Rós's breakthrough with no hit single, spreading by word of mouth and setting the band's signature sound.

Recorded in Reykjavík in 1998 and 1999, Ágætis byrjun became Sigur Rós's international breakthrough with no hit single and barely any marketing behind it, spreading instead through word of mouth…

The rest is in Icelandic Music, a members' issue.

Where to start with Icelandic Music

Sigur Rós's 1999 breakthrough carried Icelandic post-rock to an international audience, built around 'Hopelandic' — invented vocals chosen for sound rather than sense — and vast, slow-moving atmosphere.

The rest is in Post-Rock, a members' issue.

Where to start with Post-Rock