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The depths of Hell have alas converted to modernism and developed a rather stygian soundtrack, written and recorded by none other than the avant-garde Icelandic interlopers, Sigur Rós. The first track on this morose album is recognized as Brennisteinn, eagerly flooding the landscape surrounding mythology's deadly river, Styx, with the sooty prospect of eternal damnation. Flickering shadows adorn the catacombs as the gelid atmosphere roars, commencing with a static rumble in the distance to symbolize the presence of fierce friction. Culminating in an episode of spontaneous combustion, a pounding drum inundated with tingly bass mimics the sensation of a frigid wave greeting the cyan-tinged flames of turbulence - anxious to soul-swallow and suffocate. Telephone lines crash down in an electroshock of sparks as cymbals bare their pearly white teeth and hiss beneath the moonlight, inciting both fear and aesthetic pleasure within the listener. Amidst pandemonium and bitter chaos, the angelic vocal chords of elvish lead singer, Jonsi, ironically juxtapose the rather sinister veneer of Hell and serve to be the only location of sonic salvation throughout the song's 7:40 running time. Even though Jonsi's verses are infused with obfuscation (unless you are fluent in the art of Icelandic linguistics - if so, good for you!), the emotion injected into the track proves to be so raw and visceral that the listener is automatically rendered both the artist and pioneer of the song's meaning, even just for a solid seven minutes. Brennesteinn's auricular aura established within such a short time frame transcends the earthly concept of the hour, proving to be fuelled by the Sigur Rós inspired mechanics of emotion: Jonsi's swelling cello bow against his custom Bird guitar, incessant determination, and acquired Icelandic quirkiness. Without such a powerful elixir of molecular noise, the hypnotic soundbath of the avant-rock band would cease to exist - rendering the universe eternally bleak, akin to the bloodshot lair of Hell. So, if Sigur Rós is truly the soundtrack of Hell, does the infamous realm actually exist? I suppose we shall only find out when our individual time arrives...
