Shock entries are nothing new to the Eurovision Song Contest; the televised talent show was previously won by bearded drag act Conchita Wurst, and swiped by Swedish super band Abba in 1974. Anything is possible at the global TV event which is being hosted in Tel Aviv, Israel on May 18. One act to raise eyebrows this time around is Iceland’s entry Hatari. The self-styled anti-capitalist techno group are a far cry from Eurovision’s usual poppy acts.
Who is Hatari?
Hatari is an Icelandic punk band from Reykjavík.
Hatari has three main members, cousins Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan, Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson and Einar Hrafn Stefánsson.
Hatari describe themselves as an “anti-capitalist BDSM techno performance art group.”
Since they formed in 2017 they have performed at festivals in Iceland and released their debut EP in 2017.
Some believe they could use their Eurovision performance to criticise Israel’s conflict with Palestine.
Band member Haraldsson told the Independent: “You sign up to a contract that says you’re not allowed to be political in the competition, but if anyone thinks they’re going to Tel Aviv without a political message they couldn’t be more wrong.
“It’s a paradox because all of the songs that make it to that stage will offend the sensibilities of many people by virtue of the context of where the contest is taking place, and the legitimate criticisms many people have.”
Their song choice for Eurovision is titled Hatrid Mun Sigra (Hatred Will Prevail) is bound to ruffle some feathers.
The song’s lyrics include the lines: “The revelry was unrestrained/The hangover is endless/Life is meaningless/The emptiness will get us all.”
And in later verses, the song says: “Hate will prevail/Europe will crumble/A web of lies/Will arise from the ashes.”
How have Hatari brought BDSM to Eurovision?
The mullet-sporting crew are rarely seen out of leather BDSM (bondage and discipline, sadism and masochism) harnesses they wear onstage.
The drummer wears a fierce spiky mask while the others favour full-body harnesses.
While the band has previously pledged to topple capitalism, ahead of Eurovision they challenged Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to a traditional Icelandic wrestling match.
The band say the wrestling match would take place in Israel the day after Eurovision.
They demanded that if they were to win they should be allowed to establish “the first ever Hatari sponsored liberal BDSM” colony on the coast of Israel.
Could Hatari win Eurovision?
The odds on Hatari to win Eurovision are currently 14/1, so it might just happen.
Ladbrokes currently has the UK as the most likely nation to finish last with odds of 100/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Michael Rice joins a long list of UK acts more likely to finish Eurovision in last place with nil points than winning the whole show.”
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final is on Saturday 18 May on BBC One from 8pm.
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