Kælan Mikla soars through the worlds of legends, fairy tales, magic and mysticism. Extraordinary soundscapes conjured by synths, dreamy vocals, screams and droning bass lines dominate and pull the listener ever deeper into their mythical world.
The band, consisting of Sólveig Matthildur, Margrét Rósa, and Laufey Soffía, lets the complex interplay of musical and visual experience play a key role in their stagings, captivating audiences with a unique blend of post-punk, goth, and dream-pop influences, evoking a moody, otherworldly atmosphere inspired by the darkened landscapes of their native Reykjavík.
The band first gained attention after winning a poetry slam competition, which led to them transforming their literary explorations into music. Their debut album, “Mánadans” (2014), introduced their signature atmospheric sound, and their subsequent albums, “Kælan Mikla” (2016), “Nótt eftir nótt” (2018), and “Undir Köldum Norðurljósum” (2021), showcased their progression into a darker, more refined sonic space.
Kælan Mikla’s ethereal live performances have earned them a dedicated international following, and they have embarked on several major tours with artists such as Ville Valo, Alcest, and Chelsea Wolfe, whose audiences resonated deeply with Kælan Mikla’s atmospheric and intense stage presence. Their tour with Ville Valo was particularly significant, as it introduced them to a wider audience of gothic and rock enthusiasts whilst touring with Chelsea Wolfe also aligned them with similarly dark, evocative acts, creating a synergy that made for unforgettable live experiences.
A key milestone in their career was the BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session in 2023, which served to showcase their evocative sound to a broader audience and highlighted their growing international appeal. This milestone underscored their position as a key force in the darkwave movement, bringing Icelandic gothic soundscapes to the global stage.
On their upcoming album, the forces of nature will play a key role and the personification of their powers will shine through, “We look at Iceland’s nature in the form of female figures who dominate the rugged landscape of lava, fog and cliffs. A powerful feminine energy ties the stories together in a balanced yet provocative way”.
The elegant lyricism of their poetry builds mountain peaks shrouded in mist and mystery. Kælan Mikla’s otherworldly force continues to profoundly inspire audiences through a cathartic realm of emotional exploration.