Iceland’s metal scene is relatively small due to the country’s population, but it has developed a distinct and highly respected identity, especially in the extreme metal underground. While heavy metal began to appear in Iceland in the 1980s, mostly through cover bands and hard rock influences, it was not until the 2000s and 2010s that the island’s scene gained significant international attention.
The most famous Icelandic metal band is Sólstafir, formed in 1995. Initially rooted in black metal, they evolved into a unique blend of post-metal, atmospheric rock, and Icelandic folk influences. Another major force is Skálmöld, who combine melodic death metal with Viking and folk metal themes, often singing in Icelandic and drawing on Norse mythology.
In the realm of extreme metal, bands like Misþyrming, Svartidauði, and Sinmara have positioned Iceland as a hotspot for innovative and dissonant black metal, often characterised by an atmospheric and chaotic sound that has earned comparisons to the French and Polish avant-garde scenes. Iceland has also produced doom and death metal acts such as Beneath and Dynfari, further diversifying its output.
Despite its small size, Iceland hosts the annual Eistnaflug Festival in Neskaupstaður, which has become a central gathering for the local scene and a destination for international metal fans.
CITIES
FAMOUS METAL BANDS FROM ICELAND
Angist
Auðn
Beneath
Dynfari
Kontinuum
Misþyrming
Sinmara
Sólstafir
Svartidauði
The Vintage Caravan
Zhrine
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