Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men
Name	Of Monsters and Men
Origin	Reykjavík, Iceland
Genres	Indie rock, Folk rock, Indie pop
Years active	2010–present
Labels	Republic Records, Universal Music Group
Associated acts	Múm, Sigur Rós, Kaleo (band), Jónsi, Björk

Of Monsters and Men Of Monsters and Men is an Icelandic indie rock band formed in Reykjavík, Iceland. The group rose to international prominence after winning the Músíktilraunir competition and releasing their breakthrough album that achieved commercial success in United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Their career has intersected with festivals such as Coachella, Glastonbury Festival, and Lollapalooza while working with labels including Republic Records and producers who have collaborated with artists like Florence and the Machine and The National.

History

The band's origins trace to the Músíktilraunir competition in Reykjavík, where members connected with Reykjavík's music scene alongside acts like Sigur Rós, Björk, and Kaleo (band). Early years involved performances at local venues associated with Iceland Airwaves, leading to attention from European festivals such as Eurosonic Noorderslag and promoters linked to Sziget Festival and Primavera Sound. Their debut single circulated on stations influenced by programmers from BBC Radio 1, NPR Music, and KEXP, which helped propel them onto charts in United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Subsequent albums saw collaborations and touring circuits shared with bands like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Arcade Fire, and Of Montreal. Lineup changes and side projects involved members working with Icelandic studios connected to producers who have credits with Coldplay, Florence Welch, and The National.

Musical style and influences

Their sound blends indie rock and folk rock with arrangements reminiscent of Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire, and The Decemberists. Vocal interplay recalls duets found in catalogs of Fleet Foxes, Regina Spektor, and Clannad, while instrumentation echoes textures heard in works by Sigur Rós, Björk, and Múm. Lyrical themes align with storytelling traditions similar to Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen, and production choices nod toward studios used by Radiohead, The National, and Arcade Fire. Their melodic construction has been compared to songwriters like Sufjan Stevens, Ben Howard, and José González.

Band members

Core members include individuals who have participated in Reykjavík's scene alongside collaborators from acts such as Kaleo (band), Múm, and artists who have toured with Sigur Rós. Touring and recording personnel have overlapped with musicians affiliated with Mumford & Sons touring crews, session players tied to Florence and the Machine sessions, and guest appearances by artists related to Jónsi and Björk projects. Membership evolution mirrors patterns seen in bands like Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes, with stable songwriting partnerships comparable to Marcus Mumford/Ted Dwane dynamics and vocal duos akin to Zack de la Rocha/Serj Tankian collaborations in other genres.

Discography

Their catalog includes albums released through labels such as Republic Records and distribution partners within Universal Music Group. Releases garnered playlisting on platforms tied to BBC Radio 1, NPR Music, and KEXP, and charted alongside records by Florence and the Machine, The National, and Arcade Fire. Singles received airplay on stations that also promoted songs from Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Vampire Weekend. Special releases and deluxe editions paralleled marketing strategies used by Radiohead and Coldplay, with vinyl pressings distributed through networks shared with Sigur Rós and Björk.

Tours and live performances

Touring history encompasses headline tours in North America, Europe, and Australia and festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury Festival, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Iceland Airwaves. Support slots and co-billing have placed them on bills with Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Arcade Fire, Florence and the Machine, and The National. Live production values and stage designs drew on visual collaborators who worked with Radiohead and Coldplay, while promotional partnerships linked them to agencies that represent artists such as Björk and Sigur Rós. Benefit concerts and televised performances included programs associated with BBC and NPR broadcasts.

Awards and recognition

Awards and nominations came from institutions including national Icelandic ceremonies like the Icelandic Music Awards and recognition from international media outlets such as BBC Radio 1, NPR Music, and Rolling Stone. Chart placements put them alongside artists like Florence and the Machine, Arcade Fire, and The National on rankings administered by organizations similar to Billboard and Official Charts Company. Critical acclaim referenced comparisons to Fleet Foxes, Sigur Rós, and Mumford & Sons, and they received invitations to curated events alongside acts such as Björk and Kaleo (band).

Category:Icelandic musical groups