Icelandic band Umbra has been hailed by critics as “one of the most interesting bands” in Iceland especially for their musical ambition and “excellent arrangement” in the field old and traditional music.

The band has created its own musical world with a clear and unique sound delivery. The band’s repertoire includes sacred and secular medieval tunes from Iceland and continental Europe, as well as traditional songs based on the band’s original songs and arrangements. In addition to this, they have performed contemporary Icelandic music some of the country’s most famous composers.

Umbra has performed in numerous concerts and festivals all over Iceland and Europe. They have also regularly collaborated with improvisational artists, visual and dance artists basis.

Umbra doesn’t just research, arrange and perform music, they have a passion for sharing their music knowledge and methods, especially regarding Icelandic folk music heritage. They are doing workshops for both younger and adults, but all band members are experienced music educators, choir directors and workshop leaders.

The first album Out of Darkness was released in 2018. The second album Solstitium, in a same year won the record of the Year 2018 at the Icelandic Music Awards. “With the album Solstitium Umbra takes the audience on a transcendent musical journey through the dark winter days. The songs, some well known and others less so, are arranged magnificently and it’s performed by this wonderful band of female musicians. The album is exceptionally high quality.”

The third album Llibre vermell was released in 2019. The latest album; Bjargrúnir – Icelandic folk songs and ballads, released in May 2022 and distributed by the German label Nordic Notes for 10 European countries.