Stafrænn Hákon

Stafrænn Hákon

Stafrænn Hákon is an Icelandic instrumental and post-rock project that begins in 2001 as a lo-fi experimental act and then develops into a full band. Its sound is rooted in post-rock but also moves into melodic, ambient and rock-or-pop territory, with a later emphasis on vocals, harmonies and more subtle dynamics.

History and releases

The project releases its eleventh album, Aftur, after an earlier 2017 instrumental album, Hausi, which is self-released. Before that, it issues the Darla full-length albums Eternal Horse and Sanitas. After Hausi, the group shifts further towards melody, harmonised singing and quieter instrumental detail.

Sound and style

Aftur is described through electric guitars, vocals, atmospheric textures and acoustic elements such as harps and piano. The music keeps its post-rock foundations but places more weight on melodies and vocal arrangements than on distortion-heavy crescendos. The record contains 10 songs and is presented as a more refined and mature stage in the band’s development.

Line-up and collaborators

The core line-up consists of five members: guitarists Ólafur Josephsson and Lárus Sigurðsson, bassist Árni Þór Árnason, drummer Róbert Már Runólfsson and main vocalist Magnús Freyr Gíslason. Magnús Freyr Gíslason is also described as the main vocalist on the album. The Dutch musician Minco Eggersman appears on one track, and the Icelandic singer-songwriter Benni Hemm Hemm appears on another.