Icelandic anticapitalist BDSM-inspired techno group Hatari have never shied away from social and political topics in their music. And they keep on with the social commentary in their new music video “Klámstrákur” (“Filthy boy”), with commentary on “toxic masculinity, self-image and mental illness”.
“Klámstrákur” is already part of Hatari’s live repertoire and has become a fan favourite. Now fans have had their wish come true with not just a studio recording of the song but also a provocative music video.
In an interview with Metro.co.uk, vocalist Klemens Hannigan explained that the track, “raises questions about toxic masculinity, self-image and mental illness. For me, as the lead vocalist on this song, it’s me confronting shame about not necessarily fitting in, questioning the role that a man in the 21st century is placed into.”
While the song title “Klámstrákur” literally translates to “Porn Boy”, Matthias Tryggvi Haraldson explained that “Filthy boy” is a more fitting translation. “Porn in Icelandic is a broader term, it can be interpreted in different ways. Filthy is more in spirit with the track.”
The music video features Klemens as the titular “filthy boy”. He spends much of the video clad in only his trademark leather BSDM gear and delivers some impressive pole-dancing moves. Contrasting with Klemens is Matthias, who portrays what he describes as the “screamingly repressed masculine counterpart”.
The two play with a similar dynamic that they brought to the Tel Aviv stage, but with heightened differences inspired by the gender-themed lyrics. As Mattias explained to Metro, “We’re always working with the contrasts between Klemens and I. Our two characters work as if they’re coming from the same personality, but on a spectrum — two side of the same coin.”
The “Klámstrákur” single will be released next week on Friday 8 November. Hatari will also perform that day at the Iceland Airwaves music festival. Later in November, Hatari will resume their extensive Europe Will Crumble tour, set to continue into April 2020.
Been watching Eurovision since 2016 and so far these guys are pretty much the only act that I’ve followed long after the show ended. Clearly for a good reason.
Same (along with AWS).
Their repertoire is stellar!
Since Eurovision Hatari have not realesed a bad track. It is amazing and I am glad that they are going on tour!
Love this, it’s like Britney walked straight out of her Womanizer video and joined Hatari. Klemens is a very naughty boy.
I’m usually not impressed with the new music Eurovision artists make, but this is actually really good.
Great video, unique sound and a thought-provoking message about an important contemporary issue. Hatari keeps broadening my music horizons and I learned to love it.
The lyrics are thought provoking but it’s a worthy art form at the same time
In real life Klemens is a family man with two daughters. I would like them to talk about toxic masculinity, more about those guys who hunt animals (knowing H a tari are vegans). Them in bdsm clothes, trying to hunt whales.
“Icelandic anticapitalist BDSM-inspired techno group”… they insist that are also AWARD WINNING GROUP. (lol)
I like their music style. So unique. Especially how they combine raw and soft elements. For me one of the highlights of ESC 2019
Equally as entertaining as it is disturbingly accurate. Quite an achievement.
Best Hatari video i’ve seen and catchy song with important message.
Hatari are amazing, I’m loving this track and video. We need more acts like them in Eurovision next year.