If you go into “The Blood” expecting some type of glacial soundscapes from this Icelandic group, then be prepared to have both your mind and ears blown. On their second full-length, Reykjavik! firmly establish themselves as a loud rock juggernaut, building on the explosive post-hardcore sounds that bands like Refused and At the Drive-In were crafting a decade ago. But Reykjavik’s sound is a more uncommon hybrid of amped-up rock gestures. Take the curiously titled “Kate Bush”, where the group’s chugga chugga metal riffs and bloodcurdling screams vie for space with garage rock hand claps or the group harmonies that provide the backdrop to the emo-esque “Repticon”. On “Aeji Plis”, they play mechanical surf rock before the chorus launches into total hardcore mayhem. Even when the group plays it fairly straight, as on the title track, they sound like some sort of amphetamine-crazed Mudhoney. It’s definitely not for the faint-of-heart or for those prone to anxiety attacks. But it sure sounds great played at maximum volume. I can only imagine the shitstorm this band would kick up in a live setting. 7/10 -- David Perron (22 September, 2009)