Few, if any, possible entries for Eurovision 2019 have gained more attention than the BDSM infused techno-band Hatari from Iceland. Before they even competed in the Icelandic semi-finals, they had already taken the fandom by storm, and people have been predicting Iceland’s first-ever Eurovision victory should Hatari win Söngvakeppni.

The band is known for a lot of things. Their interesting choice of wardrobe is one of their in-your-face signatures. We’re talking chains, leather, latex and face masks. Think steampunk-influenced dungeon masters, if you will.

Their music goes beyond materials — it conjures feelings and senses, from anger to sheer rage. It’s a heady mix of underground techno with a heavy beat that flirts with dubstep, punk and goth depending on the day — or even the verse. That combo of sounds and genres is rarely, if ever, heard at the song contest.

What do we know about Hatari so far?

Well, they’ve challenged Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s divisive prime minister, to an “honest fight in Icelandic trouser-wrestling” on Magen David Square. Provocative, eh?

The PM has not yet responded — he’s busy dealing with corruption charges — but the band is hopeful, because according to them, no honourable man will avoid the challenge of a wrestling match.

They’re clearly fond of challenges. If Mr. Netanyahu wins, Israel will be given full economic and political hold over the South Icelandic Island municipality of Vestmannaeyjar. But if Hatari wins, they want to form a liberal BDSM colony within the borders of Israel. Seems like a fair term to us. If y’all don’t believe me, you can read the full statement here.

Hatari’s interests are another matter of interest. There are no unicorns and rainbows emanating from their orifices. Instead they ooze the darkest form of dark. Death. Demands for an overhaul of capitalism. Disdain for consumerism and society’s pretensions. Doomsday. An antagonism for fake news guided by their political leanings. Disgust at the discrepancy of income, rights and more at home and abroad. “We want to uncover and destroy the everyday routine, for it is a scam,” Hatari recently told Icelandic web media visir.is.

Okay, so they’re against capitalism. Or are they? “You can’t actually be anti-capitalistic if you are born into a world where everything is controlled by capitalism and consumerism. So, we want to obliterate all that…and maybe sell a few T-shirts along the way,” Hatari says.

Wait, what? How can you be against capitalism, yet still participate in a modern-day society where said capitalism rules?

“We declared once that we would not engage on social media. But we also declared that we would sell ourselves for the right amount. And break every single promise. Everyone and anyone is for sale if the price is right.”

Alrighty then. The best way to fight capitalism is to give in, sell your soul but be aware of that fact at all times and be relentless and unafraid to point it out to society. The world is a cesspool of consumerism and we’re all slaves. Got it!

Hatari wants to destroy the glossy image of modern life point out the lies we face — and sometimes embrace — every single day. They want to show us that what we see is not reality. It’s merely a thinly woven veil of deceit, wrapped in a fancy and glittering package in order to seem more appealing. So, why enter Eurovision, which, due to its endless confetti and glamorous image, is exactly the thing Hatari should despise most?

They explain, “We don’t hate it. Far from it. Eurovision is a certain platform and the people decide what goes on it. Eurovision is our first milestone towards ending capitalism.”

So, Hatari has done their research regarding the power of Eurovision. The way the contest reaches millions and millions of people all over the world. And their song, “Hatrið mun sigra” would indeed leave its mark on Eurovision for all eternity. But why give a damn about the song? Why not just go on stage and do whatever? Why compose a song that is lowkey conquering Europe and Australia more and more each day? The answer comes easy: It was the only way to reach the public.

“We researched other composers that have won the contest, and there it was. Our Everest. The overused concept of ‘the Eurovision bridge’ (the key change in the middle of the song). Once we figured it out, this beautiful composition was born and thus we have written our name in musical history for good”.

Hatari show their softer side

And wanting to succeed in Eurovision music-wise is not all, for Hatari might be wanting to clean up their image just a wee bit as well. For a postcard for Söngvakeppni, Hatari will be filming in a local school in Reykjavík, where they’ve asked children between eight and ten years of age to participate by wearing the Hatari outfit. And before you choke on your tea and biscuits, we’re talking about the blue tracksuits, not the whips and chains.

“We’re going to show our softer side, play with the kids, bake a cake and let the love surround us all before hate finally takes over. We want to show Icelanders that underneath the harsh shell, we’re soft and kind individuals,” says Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, the lead singer of Hatari. Aww, so they really are just sweet and caring….for the most part.

So far Hatari has managed to rock the boat so much that they’re on the verge of creating a tsunami. They’ve managed to spark endless amounts of love among both fans of Eurovision as well as the people that claim they want nothing to do with it.

They’ve also sparked A LOT of controversy and even deep hate among people who believe that they’re an unhealthy role model for today’s youth and that they’re only doing this to promote themselves and will put Iceland to shame, should they win Söngvakeppni. They’ve been accused of being rude, vulgar and arrogant towards media and the Icelandic nation.

However, they have also been praised for daring to be different and true to themselves. And they somehow always seem removed from the fact that they’re the most talked-about band in Iceland today. Or are they?

That’s the thing about Hatari. We’ll never truly know wether they’re being serious or if they’re all just yanking our chains and silently giggling behind their stoic appearance. And maybe it’s best not to know, and simply come along for the ride, regardless of where it takes you.

Love Hatari or hate them. Either way, you have an opinion about them, and let’s just face it. No matter what y’all do, they’ll always win. They call themselves Hatari. Their song is called “Hate will prevail”. Do the math. There is a very thin line between love and hate, and Hatari is not only crossing that line, they’re doing a wild dance on it while being completely unapologetic about the whole thing.

Are you loving Hatari and their song? Do you think they should win in Iceland? And how would they fare at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments box below.