The first track from Valtari, entitled "Ekki múkk," is now streaming on the band's website – www.sigurros.com.

Valtari – whose English translation is "steamroller" – is Sigur Rós's first studio album since 2008's acclaimed Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, marking the end of their indefinite hiatus. It is either the album they always wanted to make, or the album they almost didn't make, depending on how you look at it. Taken together, the eight songs on this 54-minute album feel like an alternative musical path the band didn't take after 2002's untitled ( ) album. Frequently bereft of formal structures, and for large stretches of time more atmospheres than songs, the work – which the band has described as sounding "like an avalanche in slow motion" – offers a counterpoint to Sigur Rós's steady yet unconscious migration towards public acceptance. Drawing from pieces of music that were began as far back as 2002, as well as long hours spent experimenting in the studio, Valtari is a work of incredible depth, grace and cohesion – and from Sigur Rós, we would expect nothing less.

Following a tour as a core four-piece at the end of 2008, the upcoming shows in North America will feature up to eleven people on stage, creating what are certain to be some of the summer's most magical musical moments.

Tour dates:
7/30/12 Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at The Mann
7/31/12 Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn)
8/1/12 Toronto, ON @ Echo Beach at Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/3/12 Montreal, QB @ Osheaga Festival Musique Et Arts
8/4-5/12 Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
8/8/12 Seattle, WA @ The Paramount Theater
8/9/12 Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Amphitheatre
8/12/12 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Sigur Ros Tour Dates/Tickets Sigur Ros CDs, DVDs and MP3s Sigur Ros T-shirts and Posters Sigur Ros CDs, vinyl and rarities

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