From the introductory growl that Matth\u00edas Tryggvi Haraldsson emits without warning, followed by martial rhythms that are no laughing matter, it\u2019s clear that Hatari is aptly named: it means \u201chateful\u201d in Icelandic. This bellicose aspect catches one\u2019s attention immediately. However, the band gradually reveals its complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lascivious voice and presence of the band’s other singer, Klemens Nikul\u00e1sson Hannigan, blurs this initial perception. More restrained than Haraldsson’s, whose approach increases the aggression tenfold, Hannigan’s voice brings sensuality to this battle-ready bomb. In addition to the drummer, the group also includes three dancers with robotic expression and erotic choreography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their dazzling moves extend far beyond their BDSM aesthetic, into bold political stances. They presented the track \u201cHatri\u00f0 mun sigra\u201d (\u201cHate will triumph\u201d), which was released the same year and which is featured in an extended version on this album, at Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv, and they waved the Palestinian flag during the scoring. During a concert in Moscow last November, one of the three dancers and choreographers, Andrean Sigurgeirsson, appeared on stage wearing huge rainbow-coloured wings in support of the LGBTQ community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Added to this already motley cocktail are four collaborative tracks that are odd at first listen, but all ultimately successful. \u201cKlefi\/Samed\u201d, with queer Palestinian artist Bashar Murad, was first released a few days after their performance at Eurovision. On \u201cHlauptu\u201d, with the Icelandic female rap trio CYBER, the magic still works, between the more swaying beats, Haraldsson\u2019s grunts and Hannigan\u2019s lyrical leaps. The same goes for the disturbing \u201cHelv\u00edti\u201d with the rapper Svarti Laxness, and then for the ample and captivating \u201cNi\u00f0url\u00fat\u201d with R&B singer GDRN. Not to forget \u201cSpectavisti me mori\u201d, a solo interlude masterfully conducted by violinist P\u00e9tur Bj\u00f6rnsson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With its arch and eclectic theatricality, Neyslutrans<\/em> is one of this year’s must-have albums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n