Mínus
| Mínus | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Iceland |
| Genres | Post-hardcore, alternative rock, hardcore, noise rock |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Smekkleysa, Victory Records |
Mínus is an Icelandic alternative rock/hardcore band from Reykjavík. They are signed to the record label Smekkleysa. Mínus have shared the stage with, among others, Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Members
- Krummi - vocals (1998-Present)
- Bjarni - Guitar (1998-Present)
- Bjössi - drums (1998-Present)
- Siggi - Bass (2007-Present)
Former Members:
History
"The first great rock 'n' roll gang of the 21st century" (Kerrang!) - has supported acts like Metallica, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. Since their first UK tour of January 2002, Minus have been lighting fires across mainland Europe and America. Following the 2003 release and 2004 re-release of Halldor Laxness they spent most of 2003 and 2004 touring Europe, both as a supporting band as well as several of their own Headlining tours, as well as playing the Main Stage at the 2004 Leeds Festival in the UK. The past years has seen them making friends and sharing stages and with the likes of Muse, The Distillers, Amen, Biffy Clyro, Hundred Reasons, Hell Is for Heroes, The Eighties B-Line Matchbox Disaster, and the already mentioned; Metallica, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. Minus saw a breakthrough with their second album 'Jesus Christ Bobby' released 2001 on The Sugarcubes' Smekkleysa label. the music was full of white noise and aural extremities. It introduced Minus to the world and was recognized by the likes of NME, Metal Hammer, Terrorizer and Kerrang!, whose 5/5 review frothed that Minus are - " the most important noise band to emerge in years". Their 3rd release: 'Halldor Laxness' - titled in tribute to Iceland's Nobel Prize-winning author (1908–98) - contained a sound with less screaming and heavy instrumentals, and a softer more melodic approach. This album was also well received by the critics.
Minus released their latest offspring in Iceland, named "The Great Northern Whale Kill", on May 23, 2007. In March 2008 the album then became available in Europe, including the UK. In September 2010 it was reported on the Official Minus Myspace page that they have finished their Fifth Full Length album 'KOL', the follow-up to 2007's The Great Northern Whalekill. However, there is no current release date set, now making it a long-delayed release and it is now unknown if and when the album will be released.
Since 2005, the band have kept a considerably lower profile, with less touring, fewer updates regarding band activity, Side Projects amongst some of its members, and longer periods of time between new releases, and are now presumed semi-active.
Reviews
"the coolest sounding left-field rock band around. KKKKK" Kerrang!
"one of the Hot 50 Bands You Must Hear in 2004 - 'Halldor Laxness' is the record Queens of the Stone Age would have produced had they come from the Arctic tundra rather than the desert wastes" Metal Hammer
"every track is strong - 4/5" The Independent
"They might just be the rock 'n roll band the world has been waiting for" 5K- Kerrang! live review
"Minus are a welcome blast of March- fresh air, their maelstrom of thrash guitars and magisterially tortured vocals enough to leave cheeks burning and throats gasping for breath an icicle sharp album" Q 4*
Albums
- Hey Johnny! (1999)
- Jesus Christ Bobby (2000)
- Halldór Laxness (2003)
- The Great Northern Whalekill (2007)
References/Links
- Mínus official Myspace page
- Mínus on discogs.com