The video deals with the uncomfortable, and oftentimes destructive relationship the band has had with the media. It features frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barât torturing replicas of themselves in a viewing box as a cycle of audience members pay to watch the self-destruction unfold. Doherty feeds himself crack then progresses to heroin, while Barât abuses cocaine and whiskey, smashing the bottle in a bloody finale (referencing a time he almost blinded himself in 2003). Bandmates John Hassall and Gary Powell can only watch on as their friends abuse themselves to the entertainment of strangers.

You can watch the video below:

‘Anthems for Doomed Youth’, released earlier this month (11th September), marked a comeback for the group as their first album in 11 years. The band had split amidst controversy surrounding Doherty’s addiction to heroine and crack, exacerbated by intense media scrutiny.

Talking to NME the music video’s director Roger Sargent explained the concept of the video saying:

“The Libertines have never been a band to lack candour or bravery… almost to a fault. Their honesty, their friendship, has played out in the public domain often with catastrophic consequences. In “Heart Of The Matter,” Peter and Carl reflectively talk about the damage and abuse they have caused themselves over the years, openly mystified that they have survived thus far.”

He went on to say “It’s a catharsis, a bleak, bold and brave one. To that end, when we talked about making the video for the song we all felt it had to be similarly honest. The unsettling subjects could not be shied away from. On the contrary, these had to be faced head on.”

The Libertines are on tour in January 2016, with tickets available 9am on Friday (25th September) or right now through O2 Priority.

Tour dates: