Árstíðir has been active since 2007 and has enjoyed considerable success over the years, performing in over 30 different countries and earning international awards.

Ever since the band’s viral performance of the hymn Heyr, himna smiður at a train station in Germany in 2013— which gained massive popularity on YouTube—listeners have challenged them to release an album of purely vocal music in a similar style. VETRARSÓL is the band’s response to that challenge.

The band will be celebrating the release of VETRARSÓL with a string of concerts around Iceland between April 4th and April 13th.

Vetrarsól is the band’s ninth album and their first-ever fully vocal release, performed a cappella without instrumental accompaniment. It features 12 Icelandic songs, most of which were either composed or arranged by Icelandic composers for vocal ensembles and choirs.

At the concerts, attendees will hear songs from the new album alongside older material from Árstíðir’s repertoire. Joining the band on stage will be bass singer Pétur Oddbergur Heimisson, who performs on all the tracks of the album. Pétur has an extensive background in classical music and has worked with vocal groups such as OLGU Vocal Ensemble, M’ANAM, and KYRJA.

Unlike previous Árstíðir albums, VETRARSÓL is not available on streaming services but can be purchased exclusively through the band’s online store:

 https://arstidir.merchstore.nl

It is also available digitally on Bandcamp:

 https://arstidir.bandcamp.com/album/vetrars-l-2

The album will also be available on CD and vinyl at the concert.

At the concerts doors open 30 minutes before the show, and tickets will also be sold at the door.