The infamous Icelandic low is defined as a large and persistent atmospheric low-pressure centre that forms between Iceland and Greenland and is often the cause of strong winter winds over the North Atlantic. Katla artistically translate this meteorological depression into dark doom-infused metal and deep musical emotion. An urgent sense of darkness and inner turmoil drives "Allt þetta helvÃtis myrkur" ("All this damn darkness"), the second full-length of the Icelandic duo. The soul crushing heaviness fueling this record makes Katla's melancholic debut album "Mó?urástin" appear nearly light-hearted by comparison. Some of this album's core composition reach back in time for more than a decade and were born out of spontaneous rehearsal room-sessions that were only now given final shape. The result is a cinematic musical stream of consciousness, in which many of the songs intertwine and flow into each other. Katla are the conceptual and musical brainchild of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Einar Thorberg Gu?mundsson (FORTÃÃ, POTENTIAM) and former SÓLSTAFIR-drummer and visual artist Gu?mundur Óli Pálmason. The duo deliberately took their name from one of the most active and feared Icelandic volcanoes to manifest that the external part of their inspiration relates to the islands ever-changing landscapes and subpolar climate. "The outer landscapes are as important to us as the inner darkness", tells Einar. "Katla is as much a product of our environment as derived from our state of mind." Katla take their art very personally even beyond musical aspects. Cover art, photography, and the handwritten booklet - everything about "Allt þetta helvÃtis myrkur" has either been created by the duo or by their relatives and close friends. "We like to keep things in the family", Gu?mundur points out. "Everything is homemade yet up to our high standards." This DIY-approach also applies to production as Einar was responsible for all recordings, mix, master, and cello-samples. The result proves the Icelanders right: "Allt þetta helvÃtis myrkur" is an emotional tour de force - cinematic, dark, heavily emotional, and utterly mesmerizing. "Allt þetta helvÃtis myrkur" is available as Digipak CD, 2CD artbook (hardcover, 48 pages, 28x28cm, with lush art photography by Gu?mundur Óli Pálmason and four bonus tracks), gatefold 2LP (180g, black and ltd. White vinyl) and complete box set (with hotfoil-embossed lid, incl. 2CD artbook, gatefold 2LP on exclusive black-white marble vinyl, bonus 12", four art prints and a patch; 300 copies available).
Release date:
November 13, 2020
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Wet Leg moisturizer
Domino Record Co
July 11, 2025 -
Nico Georis Music Belongs to the Universe
Leaving Records
April 25, 2025 -
Senna Stranger to Love (Crystal Clear)
Sharptone Records
May 23, 2025 -
Love Psychedelico 7 Titles Set [10xLP]
Urban Discos
April 4, 2025 -
Rigoberta Bandini Jesucrista Superstar (Red & Pink) [2xLP]
Satelite K
May 2, 2025 -
Armory Show Dead Souls (Wedgewood Blue)
Last Night Glasgow
April 4, 2025 -
Anna Howie Good For Roses
Universal UK
April 25, 2025 -
The Walters Good Company (Candy Corn)
Alternate Side
May 2, 2025 -
Max Wareham Daggomit!
Max Wareham
May 2, 2025 -
Grateful Dead LIve At The Cow Palace-New Years Eve 1976 Audiophile [5xLP]
Friday Music Two
May 9, 2025 -
Tossia Corman Here
Jazzsick Records
April 25, 2025 -
Blood Abscission I I
Debemur Morti Productions
April 18, 2025 -
Ezra Furman Goodbye Small Head (Sea Blue)
Bella Union
May 16, 2025 -
Blake Shelton For Recreational Use Only (Transparent Blue; Amazon Exclusive)
Bmg
May 9, 2025