Dead Skeletons, a psychedelic rock trio from Reykjavík, Iceland, formed in 2008 when Jón Sæmundur Auðarson, Henrik Björnsson, and Ryan Carlson Van Kriedt recorded "Dead Mantra" for an art installation at the Reykjavik Art Museum. The song became an underground hit, leading to a record deal with A Records and its release as a single in November 2010. Their debut album, Dead Magick, followed in 2011. In 2012, they released the singles "Om Mani Peme Hung" and "Buddha-Christ". The band performed at the All Tomorrow's Parties Iceland festival in June 2013. Dead Skeletons' ethos was deeply influenced by Auðarson's HIV-positive status, reflecting a philosophy of accepting life and death equally. Notable reviews praised their ability to create dramatic pacing and confronting themes of mortality.
