Multi-award-winning Icelandic performance art collective HATARI continues redefining the dystopian music landscape. Since its inception in 2015, the collective has harnessed the raw energy of industrial, techno, punk, and pop, all with the audacious goal of dismantling the capitalist order—an endeavour backed by their publisher, SVIKAMYLLA EHF.
The core trio includes “The Popstar” Klemens Hannigan (vocalist & producer), “The Gimp” Einar Stef (drummer & producer), and Davíð Þór Katrínarson, also known as “Svarti Laxness” or “Big D” (vocalist). HATARI skyrocketed to international fame during the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019 with their provocative entry “Hatrið mun sigra,” captivating audiences with a theatrical performance rich in provocative visuals and biting social commentary.
A Dystopian Anthem for the Digital Age
HATARI’s aesthetic is infamous for delving deep into dystopian narratives, characterized by intricate costumes and a satirical critique of political and societal constructs. Known for their experimental soundscapes, the collective pushes music’s boundaries, often blending audacity with a stunning visual presence.
“Breadcrumbs is a blistering manifesto for humanity’s desperate quest to feel something—anything—in a world meticulously engineered to keep us scrolling, swiping, and spiraling into oblivion. Draped in a chaotic symphony of doom-ridden techno and existential dread, it seduces you with the promise of connection, only to leave you questioning your self-worth. It’s both a siren song and a warning flare, inviting you to dance on the edge of the abyss, whispering ‘follow the breadcrumbs.’”
– HATARI
Origins and Unconventional Personalities
Once conceived as a choir, HATARI’s evolution into an electro-industrial phenomenon has been extraordinary. Each year, they orchestrate a clandestine concert in an abandoned geothermal power plant in Iceland—an event shrouded in mystery and allure. Rumour has it that the members share an intriguing passion for astrophysics, often threading cosmic themes through their music and performances. A recent stunt saw them attempt to perform on the edge of an active volcano, riveting audiences with a breathtaking blend of music and danger.
Even amidst their intense artistic persona, the band has a softer side; HATARI members are keen birdwatchers, frequently taking breaks during tours to dive into local avian sanctuaries. Now, as they make waves with their latest single “Breadcrumbs,” they continue to innovate, creating a unique line of synthesizers crafted from lava.
“We’ve created a space where anything goes and nothing is too much. It’s a bold fusion of opposites, melding dark, gritty basements with glossy pink apartments in a fast-paced and steamy journey.”
– KAKSI AGENCY
“Breadcrumbs” – A Provocative Return
After a two-year hiatus, “Breadcrumbs” emerges as a biting satire enveloped in hypnotic techno beats. The track artfully intertwines sharp humour and raw sensuality, tackling contemporary themes of desire, connection, and the perils of power in our digital reality. With provocative lyrics and a pulsating chorus that demands attention, “Breadcrumbs” serves as a chaotic anthem, ushering listeners into HATARI’s uniquely dystopian realm.
Written & produced by HATARI.
Mixed by Friðfinnur Oculus.
Mastered by Glenn Shick.
Single artwork created by María Guðjohnsen. @mariagudjohnsen
Photos by Axel Sigurðarson @axelsig
The music video is a collaboration with KAKSI.AGENCY @kaksi.agency viewers into an anarchist dreamland.
“Collaborating with KAKSI.AGENCY to create this AI-generated music video for Breadcrumbs felt like the perfect extension of the song’s themes. The fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence mirrors the interplay of connection and detachment that defines our digital age.”
– HATARI
Looking ahead, HATARI is gearing up to satisfy the rising demand for their music and merchandise, with their second full-length album slated for release in 2025—assuming the world doesn’t end before then.
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Bandcamp: vikamylla.bandcamp.com/album/breadcrumbs
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@SvikamyllaEhf
