2011 saw the release of the highly acclaimed and successful Svatir Sandar, scoring highest rating and umpteen times named “album of the year”. An album that left the fans wondering where SÓLSTAFIR might develop from there.
But that those 4 Icelandic gentlemen would be able to make such a great leap forward, releasing a stunningly awesome masterpiece, resounding throughout the world and taking the charts by storm, was not really to expect. And when frontman Aðalbjörn Tryggvason states in an interview: “We just made another album...” then that is the understatement of the century.
Seeing all this excitement around, so what is the band’s fifth album Ótta about?
Musically nothing has changed so much. Ótta sounds unmistakably like SÓLSTAFIR. But Ótta is much more Rock-like, has outgrown the Metal genre completely. Ótta sounds wider, more epic and influences and inspirations take significantly more effect. The nonchalant Western style for example, or the use of a banjo that reminds me especially at the title-track of Postrock icons Crippled Black Phoenix. Nón again makes me think of Anathema at Alternative 4 times.  Also the stronger use of an e-bow adds such a fascinating and unique note. String ensembles and a piano (Miðaftann) underline the majestic widescreen-sound. This musical uniqueness, this very special sound and the passion for their country make me lift SÓLSTAFIR on the same level as Sigur Rós. The love for their home also reflects in the cover artwork, a photo contributed by famous Icelandic photographer Ragnar Axelsson (Andlit Norðursins, 2004).
Ótta is also a little discovery-trip into the old days of Iceland. Ótta names the eykt (an eighth) from 3:00am to 5:59am. Eykt is a time measurement, where the day in Iceland was split up to eight eyktir and did each and every one of them count around three hours. 8 eyktir = 24 hours, and thus every track on Ótta represents one eykt. By the way, a very comfortable time management if you ask me ;)
Of course, every single member of SÓLSTAFIR shows incredible skills and passion on Ótta, but it is singer Aðalbjörn Tryggvason who shines most, as he is vocally diversified and emotional than ever before.
Ótta is not just a masterpiece that once again scores full rating. Ótta is a milestone, second to none, unequaled. This album is an epic! This album is mesmerizingly beautiful, melancholic, mystical and captivating. That is widescreen cinema for senses and imagination.