Reykjavík Grapevine - 21.09.2012, Page 28

A one-day festival event, Rokkjötnar, featured
Iceland’s “Giants of Rock,” as the festival name
suggests (…although “jötnar” is also an old
word for “troll,” so you might alternatively call it
“The Trolls of Rock”). In any case, if you missed
it or really have no idea who these giants or
trolls may be, we’ve prepared a short primer
on the eight bands—the purported highlights of
Iceland’s rock and metal scene, if you will—who
performed on September 8 and are getting
up to one interesting thing or the other in the
coming months.
Words
Philippe Beck
Photos
Philippe Beck
CONCERT
R E V I E W
ERT
R I E W S
28 The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 15 — 2012MUSIC
Rokkjötnar 2012
The cream of Iceland's rock crop
Kaplakriki
Hafnarfjörður8
SEP
Rokkjötnar
www.facebook.com/Rokkjotnar
Endless Dark
This young band from Snæfellsnes has an obvious nu-metal
heritage and a solid stage presence. Their yet untitled first full-
length album should be out by the end of the year, as the new-
est band member and singer Rúnar Germundsson was excited
to tell us in Hafnafjörður.
Founded 2005 From Grundafjörður, Ólafsvík, Reykjavík Style
Post-hardcore Influences Pennywise, Rise Against
Discography ‘Made Of Glass’ (EP, 2011) Internet www.
facebook.com/endlessdarkband
Momentum
Certainly one of the most underrated bands on this island,
Momentum has roots in the black metal act Afsprengi Satans
(“Satans Offspring”) from 2003. The offspring of the Dark Lord
eventually indulged themselves in psychedelic progressive
rock with a good balance between technical and atmospheric
aspects of their songs.
Founded 2004 From Greater Reykjavík area, Ísafjörður Style
Progressive psychedelic metal Influences Neurosis, Mast-
odon Discography ‘Fixation, At Rest’ (2010) Internet www.
facebook.com/momentumiceland
Bootlegs
Along with HAM, Bootlegs are the elder statesmen of Icelandic
metal. The band had different periods of inactivity and come-
backs. This year they reunited after a break of five years to start
a new era and bring their good ol’ thrash metal back.
Founded 1986 From Reykjavík Style Old style thrash metal
Influences Voivod, Metallica, Slayer Discography ‘WC Mon-
ster’ (1989), ‘Bootlegs’ (1990), ‘Live’ (2007) Internet https://
www.facebook.com/pages/Bootlegs/
The Vintage Caravan
These talented youngsters (they’re barely 18!), who will repre-
sent Iceland at the Battle of the Bands in London this Decem-
ber, proudly presented “Voyage,” their second full-length album
at Rokkjötnar. Feminist activists shouldn’t listen too closely to
the lyrics (unless they feel like ragin’).
Founded: 2010 From: Álftanes
Style: ‘70s rock Influences: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jimi
Hendrix Discography: ‘The Vintage Caravan’ (2011), ‘Voyage’
(2012) Internet: www.facebook.com/vintagecaravan
Brain Police
What is there left to say about a band that has shared the stage
with Metallica, Alice Cooper and Mastodon? Every concert
stones you to death as singer Jens Ólafsson puts on his freaky
smile and drummer Jón Björn Ríkarðsson sets his sticks afire,
which of course was the case at Rokkjötnar. They will be caus-
ing mayhem in Europe this October. So watch your brain!
Founded: 1998 From: Reykjavík Style: Stoner rock Influenc-
es: Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Monster Magnet Discography: “Glacier
Sun” (2000), “Brain Police” (2003), “Electric Fungus” (2004),
“Beyond The Wasteland” (2007) Internet: www.facebook.
com/BrainPoliceIceland