Sigur Rós to release orchestral collaboration titled Odin’s Raven Magic in December

It’s been more than seven years since Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós released their last album, 2013’s Kveikur. Since then, the band has been rocked by scandals: the four-piece turned into a trio when keyboardist Kjartan Sveinsson left the group, then they turned into a duo after sexual assault allegations against drummer Orri Páll Dýrason came to light in 2018. The group–now only composed of Jónsi Birgisson and Georg Holm–has also been accused of tax fraud, leading to a lengthy legal battle with the Icelandic government. In between that, their output has been minimal, mainly relegated to releases of ambient music and a CBD tincture line.

Today, however, Sigur Rós announced a re-release of old material, titled Odin’s Raven Magic, out December 4th. Originally premiering in 2002, the orchestral collaboration honors an ancient Icelandic poem composed in the 14th or 15th century. “The poem recounts a great banquet held by the gods in Valhalla while they were absorbed in their feasting, ominous signs appeared that could foretell the end of the worlds of the gods and men,” the group’s Bandcamp page reads.

Although Sigur Rós fans are still eagerly awaiting new music, re-releases of older material are always welcome. Pre-order Sigur Rós Odin’s Raven Magic here.