Solstafir

Sólstafir is an Icelandic metal band, formed in 1995.  Their name translated in Icelandic means "radiating sun beams".  Sólstafirs music certainly lives up to their obscure name.  While their early work featured a heavier sound, along the lines of traditional viking metal and black metal, it has evolved to include more dynamic elements of progressive metal and post-metal.  Their most recent release, Svartir Sandar, uses some unconventional instruments and techniques to create Sólstafirs unique sound, including xylophone, saxophone, female backup vocals, and even a childrens choir.  Breaking the musical mold is something Sólstafir does well, and while their music has been difficult for critics and fans alike to define, praise for their unique sound is certainly not hard to find.