Kiasmos is an Icelandic electronic music duo made up of composer Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen. The group forms in 2009 and is based in Reykjavík. Its sound sits within electronic music, with associations to IDM, microhouse and minimal techno, alongside experimental elements.

Members and background

Ólafur Arnalds is known for combining minimal piano and string writing with electronic sounds, and he is a BAFTA-winning composer. Janus Rasmussen is from the Faroe Islands and is also known for his work in the electro-pop project Bloodgroup. Before Kiasmos develops, Arnalds works as a sound engineer, often on Rasmussen’s other projects. Through that work, the two musicians discover a shared interest in minimal and experimental music and become close collaborators and friends.

Recordings

Kiasmos begins releasing music in 2009, when Erased Tapes issues the tracks “65” and “Walled”. The duo then shares the split 12-inch/download release “65/Milo” with label colleague Ryan Lee West, who records as RIVAL CONSOLES. In September 2012, Kiasmos releases the Thrown EP, which includes the title track “Thrown”, “Wrecked” and remixes of both pieces. Their self-titled album follows in 2014, with “Looped” surfacing online in December 2013 and “Burnt” promoted ahead of the album release.