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Hatari (band)
Hatari (band)
Hatari (band)
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Hatari (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈhaːtarɪ]; lit. 'Hater')[1] are an Icelandic techno, industrial and punk rock band and performance art group from Reykjavík.[2][3] Their public image incorporates elements of anti-capitalism and BDSM attire.[4] The band currently consists of Klemens Hannigan, Einar Stefánsson and Davíð Katrínarson, the latter of whom replacing original member Matthías Haraldsson in 2023.[5][6] They have released an album and an extended play, encompassing several singles. Hatari represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 with their song "Hatrið mun sigra", finishing tenth.

Key Information

History

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Early history (2015–2018)

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Hatari was formed in mid-2015 by cousins Klemens Hannigan and Matthías Haraldsson.[2][7][8] At the time, Klemens had begun writing electronic music that Matthías would provide screaming vocals for.[7] Klemens later presented the songs to Einar Stefánsson, who joined the duo as their drummer.[7][9][10] Klemens and Einar, together with drummer Sólrún Mjöll Kjartansdóttir, had previously also formed the band Kjurr in late 2012; in the band, Klemens played the guitar and provided vocals, while Einar played the bass.[11] Throughout 2016, Hatari performed five times, including appearances in Reykjavík, at Eistnaflug, at LungA Festival, and at Norðanpaunk, prior to their break-out performances at Iceland Airwaves, held at Kex Hostel in Reykjavík, on 31 October and 6 November 2016.[8][12] The band's debut extended play (EP), named Neysluvara, was released through Svikamylla ehf. via Spotify and Bandcamp on 31 October 2017.[13] Leading up to the EP's release, the band also released music videos for two songs from the EP, "Ódýr" and "X".[13][14] In December 2017, Hatari was featured on the song "Hlauptu", released on the album Horror by Cyber.[15]

On 21 December 2018, Hatari announced that the board of directors of Svikamylla ehf. had passed a resolution to dissolve the band.[16] However, Hatari did not dissolve as they appeared at Eurosonic Noorderslag, a music event held in the Netherlands, shortly after that.[17] Simultaneous to the dissolution announcement, Hatari released the music video for a new single, "Spillingardans".[16]

Eurovision Song Contest (2019)

[edit]

In January 2019, Hatari was confirmed as one of the ten acts competing in Söngvakeppnin 2019, Iceland's national selection for its entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, with their new song "Hatrið mun sigra".[18] Hatari won Söngvakeppnin 2019 in March that year, and thus represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest in May.[2]

In the lead-up to the competition, Hatari made headlines with a number of political statements over the Israeli occupation of Palestine and other matters, resulting in Jon Ola Sand, the executive supervisor of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), warning them that they had reached the limit of the EBU's patience, and would be disqualified should they choose to bring its political statements to the stage.[19] However, when Iceland's televote score was announced at the end of the final, members of Hatari held up banners displaying the flag of Palestine.[20] As a result, the EBU imposed on RÚV the minimum possible fine of €5,000.[21] Overall, Hatari received 232 points in the final, finishing in 10th place.[22]

Subsequent releases and tours (2019–present)

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On 23 May 2019, the day of their homecoming concert, Hatari released "Klefi / Samed", a single featuring Palestinian musician Bashar Murad, with a music video.[10][23] The video was filmed in the desert by Jericho, Palestine, and the song features lyrics in Icelandic and Arabic.[10] A further single, "Klámstrákur", was released that October.[24][25] Hatari's first album, Neyslutrans, was released on 17 January 2020, also featuring the four prior singles.[26] A remix album, Neyslutrans Remixed, was released on 19 February 2021.[27]

On 17 July 2019, Hatari announced their 2020 "Europe Will Crumble" tour, with Cyber as their supporting act.[28][29] On 29 January 2020, a few hours before their concert at the Copenhagen venue Vega, a fire broke out, but nobody was hurt.[30] The second of two tour legs was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was replaced by the "Dance or Die" tour, which was announced in November 2020 and advertised with a "post-human experience".[31]

Members

[edit]

Hatari primarily consists of musicians Klemens Hannigan, Davíð Katrínarson, and Einar Stefánsson, as well as several contributors.[2][5]

Klemens Hannigan

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Klemens Hannigan with Hatari at The Dome in Tufnell Park, London

Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan (born 20 December 1994)[32] is the group's vocalist and is the cousin of Matthías.[2][9] He is the son of Nikulás Hannigan, the head of the trade office division at Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and Rán Tryggvadóttir, a lawyer for legal firm LMB Mandat.[33] Klemens has three daughters and married Ronja Mogensen on April 3, 2020.[9][34][additional citation(s) needed] He graduated from Tækniskólinn as a furniture maker.[9]

Davíð Katrínarson

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Davíð Þór Katrínarson (also known as David Thor, born 23 March 1993) is a vocalist for the group who joined in 2023, following the departure of Matthías Haraldsson.[5] He has performed with the group since 2017, and appeared as the lead vocalist on the song Helvíti on the band's 2020 album Neyslutrans, credited under his stagename Svarti Laxness.[35] He was announced as a member via social media, and made his first appearance with the band as a member at the 2023 edition of Iceland Airwaves.[5] He is also an actor,[36] and has appeared in shows such as Trapped.[37]

Einar Stefánsson

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Einar Stefánsson with Hatari at Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Einar Hrafn Stefánsson (also known as Einar Stef, born 1 September 1992) is the drummer and producer for the group.[2][38] He is the son of Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, the Icelandic ambassador to Japan, and former ambassador to the United Kingdom.[33] Outside Hatari, he is also the bassist of Vök, an Icelandic indie pop and electronica group formed in 2013.[9] Einar married Sólbjört, a dancer for the group, on 30 July 2023, and they have a daughter together.[9]

Matthías Haraldsson

[edit]
Matthías Haraldsson with Hatari at The Dome in Tufnell Park, London

Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson (born 17 February 1994)[32][39] is a former vocalist for the group and is the cousin of Klemens.[2][9] He is the son of Gunnhildur Hauksdóttir, an artist, and Haraldur Flosi Tryggvason, the owner of LMB Mandat and brother of Klemens' mother, Rán.[33] Outside of Hatari, Matthías is a playwright; he graduated from the Iceland University of the Arts with a one-man play entitled Griðastaður (transl. Sanctuary), which was later shown at the Tjarnarbíó theatre in Reykjavík.[9][40] Matthías subsequently won the "Newcomer of the Year" award at the Grímuverðlaunin 2019.[41] He also acted as a news reporter for Icelandic broadcaster RÚV.[9] He married Brynhildur Karlsdóttir on 19 August 2023.[citation needed] They have 2 daughters. He announced his departure from the group in March 2023.[6]

Contributors

[edit]

Contributors for Hatari include Sólbjört Sigurðardóttir, Sigurður Andrean Sigurgeirsson, Ástrós Guðjónsdóttir, Ronja Mogensen and Birta Ásmundsdóttir, all of whom are considered part of Hatari.[9][42] All five act as choreographers and dancers for the group, while Sólbjört and Ástrós also provide backing vocals.[9][38] Sólbjört first joined the group as a dancer in 2016, acting alongside Ronja, who had previously done the group's make-up.[7] The backing line-up changed several times; the line-up with Sólbjört, Andrean and Ástrós was arranged by Sólbjört in the preparations for Söngvakeppnin 2019.[7] Andri Hrafn Unnarsson and Karen Briem are costume designers for Hatari, and Ingi Kristján Sigurmarsson acts as their graphic artist.[7] In 2022, Íris Tanja Flygenring joined Hatari as a touring dancer, filling in for Ástrós who could not participate in the tour due to pregnancy, while Andrean did not participate in the tour for personal reasons.[43]

Discography

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Albums

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Title Details
Neyslutrans

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
Neysluvara
  • Released: 31 October 2017
  • Label: Svikamylla ehf.
  • Format: CD, digital download

Remix albums

[edit]
Title Details
Neyslutrans Remixed
  • Released: 19 February 2021
  • Label: Svikamylla ehf.
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
SCO
[44] 		UK
Down.
[45]
"Spillingardans" 2019 — — Neyslutrans
"Hatrið mun sigra" 92 85
"Klefi / Samed"
(featuring Bashar Murad) 		— —
"Klámstrákur" — —
"Dansið eða deyið" 2022 — — Non-album singles
"Breadcrumbs"[46] 2024 — —
"Quantity Control"[47] 2025 — —
"—" denotes a release that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2017 Grapevine Music Awards 2017 Best Live Performance Hatari Won [48]
2018 Grapevine Music Awards 2018 Best Live Performance Hatari Won [49]
Icelandic Music Awards Song of the Year – Rock "Spillingardans" Nominated [50][51]
Performer of the Year Hatari Won
2020 Grapevine Music Awards 2020 Singer of the Year, Male Klemens Hannigan Nominated [52][53]
Song of the Year "Hatrið mun sigra" Won
Lyricist of the Year Hatari Nominated
Composer of the Year Nominated
Musical Event of the Year Hatari at Eurovision Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hatari (band)

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from Grokipedia
Hatari is an Icelandic techno, industrial, and punk rock band and performance art group from Reykjavík, formed in 2015 by core members Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson (vocals), Klemens Hannigan (vocals), and Einar Stéfánsson (backing vocals and instrumentation). The group blends electronic music with dystopian themes, self-identifying as an anti-capitalist collective incorporating BDSM aesthetics and multimedia elements to critique societal structures. Hatari gained international prominence by winning Iceland's national Eurovision selection, Söngvakeppnin, and representing the country at the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv with the song "Hatrið mun sigra" ("Hate Will Prevail"), which earned 232 points and a tenth-place finish in the grand final. Their Eurovision appearance sparked controversy when members displayed Palestinian flags during the live results broadcast, violating the event's apolitical rules and resulting in immediate disqualification from the announcement segment and a 5,000-euro fine from the European Broadcasting Union. Subsequent releases and tours have sustained their domestic following, including a 2025 single "MORE" via their associated label Svikamylla, while maintaining a focus on provocative performance art over mainstream commercial success.

History

Formation and early career (2015–2017)

Hatari was formed in 2015 in , , by vocalist Klemens Hannigan, vocalist Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, and drummer Einar Stefánsson. The trio, who had prior musical collaborations including in the band Kjurr, shifted toward electronic and performance-based elements, with Hannigan initiating compositions that Haraldsson enhanced with vocals. Their project incorporated multimedia art, drawing on themes of and dystopian critique through rhythms, industrial sounds, and theatrical staging. The band's initial output included the track "Ódýr" (translated as "Beast"), featured on the 2015 Myrkramakt II by the collective Hid Myrka Man. Live performances commenced late that year, but 2016 marked their emergence in the underground scene with five shows, including appearances at the Eistnaflug metal festival, LungA art festival in , Norðanpaunk punk event, and a local goth party during Airwaves week. These sets featured elaborate steampunk-inspired costumes, masked drumming, guttural vocals, and ritualistic atmospheres that blended electronic beats with punk aggression, often leaving audiences unsettled. A standout at Airwaves 2016's KEX Hostel side event solidified their reputation for transgressive energy. By 2017, Hatari had released their debut EP Neysluvara (meaning "Consumer Products") via their own Svikamylla label, expanding their recorded material amid growing local acclaim. The group received the Best Live Band award at the Reykjavík Grapevine's Fifth Annual Music Awards, recognizing their impact despite a limited discography of primarily one initial track online at the time. Their shows continued to evolve as spectacles, emphasizing authoritarian imagery and high-energy confrontation to critique societal norms.

Rise to domestic prominence (2018)

In 2018, Hatari elevated their status within Iceland's scene through relentless touring and visually intense live shows that emphasized their anti-capitalist themes and BDSM-inspired aesthetics. Their performances, often featuring leather-clad members engaging in choreographed acts of simulated domination and industrial beats, drew growing crowds and critical acclaim for blending with punk provocation. This period marked a shift from niche art collective to a more recognized act, building on prior EP releases like Neysluvara (2017) by prioritizing stage presence over widespread recordings. A pivotal moment came during their set at the on November 9, 2018, at Gamla Bíó in , where they performed tracks including "X," "Tortimandi," and an early version of "Spillingardans." Critics hailed the show as dominating the festival's penultimate night, with the band's high-energy delivery and thematic intensity setting them apart from more conventional acts. Toward year's end, on December 21, 2018, released the music video for "Spillingardans" ("Dance of Corruption"), a track critiquing consumerist excess through dystopian lyrics and pulsating electronics, which garnered over 1.6 million views and amplified their domestic buzz. The band also announced a mock disbandment that day, citing failure to dismantle , a satirical move covered by local media that underscored their performative activism and further cemented their notoriety in Reykjavík's cultural circles.

Eurovision Song Contest 2019

Hatari was internally selected by Icelandic broadcaster RÚV to compete in Söngvakeppnin, Iceland's national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, held on 2 March 2019. Performing their song "Hatrið mun sigra" ("Hate Will Prevail"), which critiques capitalism and predicts societal division leading to hatred's dominance, the band won the contest with 57.71% of the public televote despite receiving fewer jury points than some competitors. The victory qualified Hatari to represent Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel, with the techno-industrial track featuring lyrics in Icelandic emphasizing anti-capitalist themes. At the contest, advanced from the first semi-final on 14 May 2019, placing third with 221 points from a combination of and televoting scores. In the grand final on 18 May 2019, their performance—characterized by leather-clad, BDSM-inspired aesthetics and synchronized choreography—earned 232 points, resulting in a tenth-place finish out of 26 entries. The song's provocative message aligned with Hatari's , though the band had initially considered boycotting the event over Israel's hosting amid geopolitical tensions but opted to participate for greater visibility. During the grand final's voting sequence, escalated controversy by displaying Palestinian flags on camera, a action against Israel's policies that violated Eurovision rules prohibiting political statements. This led to the (EBU) fining RÚV approximately 5,000 Swiss francs for failing to prevent the breach, marking a rare sanction in the contest's history. The incident drew widespread media attention, with supporters viewing it as principled and critics decrying it as disruptive to the apolitical spirit of Eurovision.

Post-Eurovision releases and tours (2019–2022)

Following their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on May 18, 2019, Hatari released the single "Klefi / Samed" featuring Palestinian musician Bashar Murad on May 23, 2019, coinciding with their homecoming concert in Reykjavík. The band continued touring in 2019 with dates including July 19 in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, at the LungA festival, August 27 in London at The Dome, and August 28 in Berlin. On July 17, 2019, Hatari announced the "Europe Will Crumble" tour for 2020, comprising 18 cities across with Cyber as the supporting act, scheduled to begin January 26, 2020, in , . The tour's first leg proceeded with performances such as February 2, 2020, in , , at Bahnhof Pauli. However, the second leg was canceled due to the , with individual shows like the February 17, 2020, date in also affected. Hatari released their debut studio album, Neyslutrans, on January 17, 2020, via Svikamylla ehf., featuring 13 tracks including "Engin Miskunn" and "Spillingardans," totaling 48 minutes and addressing themes of betrayal and dystopia. In response to the tour disruptions, the band announced the "Dance or Die" tour in November 2020 as a replacement. A , Neyslutrans Remixed, followed on February 18, 2021, featuring reinterpretations by artists such as . Hatari resumed live performances in 2022, including July 15 and 16 shows at in . On September 3, 2022, they released the single "Dansið eða deyið" ("Dance or Die") accompanied by a .

Hiatus and recent revival (2023–present)

In March 2023, core member Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson departed to prioritize family responsibilities, including fatherhood, marking a transitional period for the group following their post-2020 releases. This exit prompted a lineup adjustment, with Davíð Þór Katrínarson joining as a new performer and contributor later that year. The band maintained a low profile during this shift, with no major releases or tours immediately following, though member Einar Stefánsson served as Iceland's spokesperson at the in , delivering a single-word announcement of "." Hatari resumed live performances in November 2023 at the Iceland Airwaves festival in , where they debuted remixed versions of earlier tracks, signaling their return to after the lineup change. This appearance was followed by festival sets, including Infest in , , from August 23–25, 2024, amid preparations for a second full-length album, though no such release materialized by late 2025. Instead, the group issued sporadic singles, beginning with "Breadcrumbs" on November 29, 2024, featuring the new configuration and described as their first output in years. Subsequent releases included "MORE" on September 19, 2025, and "Quantity Control" on June 6, 2025, maintaining Hatari's industrial and techno-infused sound while aligning with ongoing European tours. Live activity intensified in 2025, encompassing dates at G! Festival, Subkult, and venues such as Spillestedet Stengade in on June 27, alongside earlier stops in cities like , , and . These efforts reflect a revitalized focus on and anti-capitalist themes, without a confirmed full album as of October 2025.

Musical style and performance

Genre influences and songwriting

Hatari's music synthesizes with elements, featuring pounding electronic beats, metallic synth textures evoking machinery, and raw, confrontational vocals that underscore dystopian themes. The band's sound resists strict categorization, incorporating underground electronic influences alongside aggressive rhythms that echo and goth undertones in tracks like those from their 2017 EP Neyslusmjór. This fusion creates a performative style emphasizing sonic abrasion over melodic accessibility, aligning with their self-identification as a "techno-dystopic" entity. Key influences span industrial and punk acts such as Ministry, , , and , which inform the band's mechanical aggression and political edge; electronic producers like , Peaches, and contribute to the synth-driven propulsion; Icelandic contemporaries and add experimental layers, while shapes the anti-establishment fury in their lyrical delivery. Broader inspirations include satirical or ideological sources like Die Antwoord's theatricality and Naomi Klein's critiques of , reflecting Hatari's integration of music with socio-political commentary. Songwriting originated in summer as a collaboration between cousins Klemens Hannigan and Matthías Matthíasson, with Hannigan producing initial electronic demos and Matthíasson overlaying screamed, poetic probing paradoxes of Western modernity, such as environmental hypocrisy amid consumer excess. This process evolved into group dialogue, incorporating drummer Stefánsson's input for rhythmic drive, yielding nihilistic, repetitive structures suited to live chants—evident in "Hatrið mun sigra" (composed primarily by Hannigan with lyrical contributions from , released January 27, 2019), which satirizes and societal division through Icelandic verses prophesying "hatred will prevail." prioritize ideological provocation over narrative coherence, often drawing from demagoguery critiques to foster audience complicity in performance.

Live shows and visual aesthetics

Hatari's visual aesthetics draw from and dystopian themes, featuring black leather outfits, harnesses, platform boots, metal chains, and masks such as Stefánsson's spiked face covering. This style blends militaristic and fetishistic elements, inspired by groups like , to create provocative imagery critiquing and . The costumes, crafted by designers Andri Hrafn Unnarsson and Karen Briem, debuted during an off-venue performance at Airwaves in 2016, incorporating bondage gear and dictator-like jackets to reinforce the band's hierarchical narrative. Early iterations featured military uniforms, which evolved into the group's signature aesthetic by emphasizing spectacle and irony. Live performances emphasize theatrical , with Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson delivering dictatorial shouts, Klemens Hannigan providing emotional contrast, and Stefánsson maintaining a stoic, masked presence amid techno-industrial soundscapes. Shows integrate dynamic interplay of sincerity and , often augmented by props like grinding gear mechanisms resembling grenades during Eurovision 2019 rehearsals in . The band's May 18, 2019, Eurovision appearance with "Hatrið mun sigra" showcased this aesthetic internationally, featuring intense presence without additional dancers in the final broadcast. Post-Eurovision tours, such as the planned 2020 Europe Will Crumble tour following the Neyslutrans album, sustained these elements in club and festival settings like Airwaves and KEXP sessions.

Members and contributors

Core members

Hatari's core members consist of the founding trio: Klemens Hannigan, Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, and Einar Hrafn Stefánsson. The band was established in Reykjavík in mid-2015 by cousins Klemens Hannigan and Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, who provided the initial electronic music foundation and vocal performances characterized by contrasting styles—Haraldsson's aggressive growls and Hannigan's higher-pitched delivery. Einar Hrafn Stefánsson joined shortly thereafter as the live drummer, adding percussive intensity to their industrial techno sound. Klemens Hannigan, a British-Icelandic , , performer, and carpenter based in , has been central to Hatari's songwriting and stage presence, often embodying one of the group's masked, leather-clad personas in live shows. His contributions extend to broader elements, drawing from his background in electronic music production. Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson served as a key vocalist, lyricist, and conceptual leader, portraying the authoritarian "dictator" figure in Hatari's dystopian performances while also contributing as a and copywriter outside the band. He departed in March 2023 to prioritize family responsibilities, including fatherhood. Einar Hrafn Stefánsson, the son of a former Icelandic ambassador, handles drumming and has additional ties to the indie electronica band as bassist; he married dancer Sólbjört Sigurðardóttir, a frequent collaborator, enhancing the group's interdisciplinary aesthetic. His masked appearances underscore the band's emphasis on anonymity and .

Supporting and former contributors

Hatari's supporting contributors have included dancers and backing vocalists who contribute to the band's theatrical live presentations, emphasizing synchronized choreography and ensemble performances. These individuals, often drawn from 's contemporary dance community, have appeared in key events such as the band's entry and subsequent tours. Prominent supporting performers include Sólbjört Sigurðardóttir, Ástrós Guðjónsdóttir, and Sigurður Andrean Sigurgeirsson, all of whom trained in at the Icelandic Academy of the Arts and have established careers in Iceland's dance scene. Sólbjört and Ástrós, for instance, provided backing vocals and movement alongside the core members during the 2019 Eurovision semi-final and final in on May 14 and 18, respectively, amplifying the band's dystopian aesthetic through physicality and group dynamics. Additional contributors such as Mogensen and Birta Ásmundsdóttir have participated in earlier live shows and recordings, supporting vocal harmonies and stage elements prior to the band's international breakthrough. No major departures among supporting contributors have been publicly documented, though lineup adjustments occurred amid the band's 2023 hiatus resolution and revival, with potential shifts in ensemble roles to accommodate new core member Davíð Katrínarson.

Ideology and activism

Anti-capitalist framework

Hatari, formed in 2015, positions itself as an explicitly anti-capitalist collective, framing its and aesthetics as a direct confrontation with the excesses of and market-driven . The band's core members have articulated that emerged as a "logical response to the rising across and the rampant growth of ," viewing societal overindulgence in material goods as a symptom of systemic by consumerist forces. This permeates their synth-techno sound and dystopian visuals, which critique power structures through themes of repression, , and economic alienation, often symbolized by BDSM-inspired elements representing bondage to capitalist norms. Central to Hatari's framework is a performative rejection of 's contradictions, including their own participation in commercial platforms like the , which they entered in 2019 with the track "Hatrid mun sigra" ("Hatred Will Prevail") as a vehicle for anti-capitalist messaging. Band members have openly acknowledged these hypocrisies, stating in interviews that while they aim to "destroy ," they might "sell some t-shirts along the way," highlighting an ironic immersion in the system they oppose. This self-aware approach extends to owning a for-profit merchandise company, which they juxtapose against their stated goal of overthrowing capitalist enterprises, using such tensions to underscore the inescapability of market logic in modern . Hatari's critiques often link to broader dystopian visions, portraying as fueling hatred and division, as implied in their Eurovision performance where they vowed to leverage visibility to dismantle economic dominance. Despite these pronouncements, the band has not issued a formal , relying instead on interviews and live declarations to propagate their views, which emphasize amid hopelessness through resistance rather than prescriptive . This framework, while rhetorically radical, remains performative, with members noting the challenges of genuine opposition within a capitalist .

Queer identity and social advocacy

Hatari's performances frequently incorporate aesthetics, including leather harnesses and bondage motifs, which draw from subcultural traditions while symbolizing resistance to exploitation rather than explicit . The band's members have described their work as "queer-adjacent," emphasizing political provocation over personal orientation, with vocalist Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson stating in May 2019 that while they explore themes like power dynamics and alienation, they do not position themselves as a " band" per se. This framing aligns with their broader critique of how can be commodified under , prioritizing systemic analysis over individualistic labels. In terms of social advocacy, has engaged in targeted support for LGBTQ individuals facing repression. During a , 2019, performance at the VK Arena in —amid Russia's laws restricting "gay "—the band displayed messages of , with Haraldsson dedicating the show to queer Russians and urging the audience to "spread wings and love" despite local bans on such expressions. They framed this as an against authoritarian control, tying it to their anti-capitalist by linking homophobia to state and corporate power structures. The band extended through collaborations with marginalized artists, notably partnering with Palestinian singer Bashar Murad, who identifies as and resides in . Following their May 2019 Eurovision appearance, released the single "Hatar's Hate" featuring Murad on June 5, 2019, blending Icelandic industrial sounds with elements to highlight shared struggles against occupation and cultural erasure. In 2020, co-launched the tRASHY x HATARI clothing line, directing proceeds to aid individuals in the (MENA) region persecuted for their or , explicitly aiming to counter both political oppression and economic exclusion. These efforts underscore 's selective, politically inflected approach to , often intersecting with international rather than domestic Icelandic LGBTQ institutions.

Positions on international conflicts

Hatari has primarily articulated positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, framing it through their anti-capitalist and anti-oppression lens as an instance of "the strong preying upon the weak." Prior to the 2019 hosted in , the band criticized Israel's participation, initially arguing that should boycott the event due to the country's policies, which they described as apartheid-like. Despite boycott calls from Palestinian activists aligned with the BDS movement, Hatari opted to participate to stage protests from within, challenging Israeli Prime Minister to a traditional Icelandic wrestling match and stating that a potential win would allow them to "settle within your borders" to highlight the conflict. During the Eurovision grand final on May 18, 2019, Hatari members displayed scarves bearing Palestinian flags in the green room while public voting results were announced, violating the European Broadcasting Union's rules against political propaganda. This action resulted in Iceland's public broadcaster being fined €5,000 by the EBU, with the band defending it as a deliberate act to draw attention to Palestinian rights amid the contest's location in . Hatari also visited Palestinian territories, including , , and , during their time in the region, using these experiences to underscore their critique of the occupation. In January 2024, Hatari renewed their call for Israel's exclusion from the , then hosted in , citing ongoing conflict as justification in an shared on . Their stance drew mixed reactions, including criticism from some Palestinian groups for participating in the 2019 event despite appeals, which they argued undermined solidarity efforts. No public positions from Hatari on other international conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have been documented in available sources.

Controversies and criticisms

Eurovision political protest

During the grand final on May 18, 2019, in , Hatari members displayed scarves bearing Palestinian flags as televote results were announced, in a deliberate act protesting 's hosting of the event. The band had previously articulated intentions to use their participation as a platform against what they described as Israeli policies, framing the contest as incompatible with their anti-capitalist and solidarity-driven ideology. This gesture contravened Eurovision rules prohibiting political , as stipulated by the (EBU), which enforces the event's apolitical nature. The EBU immediately condemned the action as a violation, stating it breached commitments made by participating broadcasters to avoid political statements. Despite the incident occurring post-performance, Hatari received 232 points entirely from national juries but zero from the televote, placing tenth overall; however, the EBU pursued formal repercussions separately from the scoring. On September 21, 2019, Iceland's public broadcaster was fined €5,000—the minimum penalty—by the EBU for failing to prevent the breach, with contesting the sanction as disproportionate. Hatari defended the protest as "civil disobedience" aligned with Eurovision's purported values of and expression, asserting that silence on perceived injustices equated to complicity. The act drew polarized responses: supporters praised it as a bold stand against oppression, while critics, including Israeli officials and pro-Israel groups, decried it as hate-incitement violating the contest's spirit. Additionally, footage of the flags was excised from the official Eurovision DVD release, underscoring the EBU's enforcement of content neutrality.

Backlash against performative activism

Pro-Palestinian activists criticized Hatari's participation in the 2019 in as undermining calls for a of the event, arguing that their onstage —displaying Palestinian flags during the voting reveal on May 18, 2019—constituted performative rather than substantive . By performing in a contest they publicly condemned as complicit in Israeli policies, the band was accused of seeking personal visibility and media attention while inadvertently legitimizing the event's proceedings, which pro-boycott advocates viewed as hypocritical engagement with a capitalist and politically sanitized platform. This perspective held that true anti-occupation required , not disruption from within, rendering Hatari's actions a symbolic gesture detached from effective resistance. Further scrutiny arose from the band's roots, which blend anti-capitalist with theatrical elements like aesthetics and ironic posturing, prompting questions about the sincerity of their ideological commitments. Critics within and Eurovision commentary noted that Hatari's deliberate ambiguity between earnest critique and entertainment—exemplified by and visuals portraying dystopian "hate" as a provocative —fueled perceptions of as a marketable to enhance their commercial appeal. The 2021 documentary A Song Called Hate, which follows the band's Eurovision preparation, explicitly interrogates this tension, questioning whether their protests represent genuine radicalism or "performative flirtation with social " for provocation and audience engagement. These critiques extended to broader accusations of inconsistency, as Hatari's anti-capitalist stance clashed with profiting from , tours, and major contests; for instance, their selection for Iceland's national Eurovision final on March 2, 2019, via public broadcaster positioned them within a state-funded, audience-voting system critics deemed incompatible with dismantling systemic power structures. While Hatari defended their approach as infiltrating and subverting dominant systems from within, detractors maintained it exemplified virtue-signaling over structural change, prioritizing artistic notoriety over ideological purity.

Debates over artistic sincerity

Hatari's performances and rhetoric have sparked discussions on the boundary between earnest ideological critique and ironic detachment, with the band members themselves framing their project as a hybrid. In a February 2020 interview, vocalist Matthías Tómasson described as a "logical response to rising and rampant ," influenced by the Slovenian industrial group Laibach's ambiguous deployment of authoritarian aesthetics to simultaneously mock and interrogate power structures. Drummer Klemens Nikulásson similarly characterized the band's formation as a "ridiculous idea" that originated in casual conversations but grew from genuine apprehensions about and ecological collapse, admitting it began as "a that went too far." This self-aware origin story underscores Hatari's intentional navigation of sincerity and satire, where BDSM-infused visuals and anti-capitalist manifestos serve as both provocative art and hyperbolic commentary on societal absurdities. Critics have questioned the depth of this commitment, highlighting perceived inconsistencies that suggest performative elements overshadow substantive action. Matthías acknowledged internal tensions, such as the irony of receiving music awards or commercial sponsorships—like their satirical partnership with the soda brand SodaDream—within the very capitalist framework they condemn, prompting reflections on whether success dilutes their message. In the realm of international , their 2019 Eurovision appearance drew accusations of insincerity from advocates; despite displaying Palestinian flag scarves onstage, Hatari's decision to participate in the Israel-hosted contest was lambasted as undermining genuine solidarity, with the gesture framed as a superficial that crossed Palestinian-led lines without forgoing the platform's visibility. , writing for , argued this amounted to "scabbing" on the (BDS) movement, prioritizing personal exposure over collective discipline against perceived complicity in occupation. Defenses of Hatari's approach emphasize selective instances of unadorned engagement as evidence of underlying authenticity. Their for "Klefi/Samed," released in May 2019 and featuring queer Palestinian artist Bashar Murad, eschewed satire in favor of direct confrontation with Israeli apartheid themes, including footage from occupied territories and a narrative of isolation versus . This , alongside pre-Eurovision visits to Palestinian communities like , has been cited as demonstrating commitment beyond irony, contrasting with more stylized works and positioning Hatari as capable of sincere when unmediated by performance tropes. Nonetheless, the band's persistent layering of exaggeration—evident in dystopian and hyperbolic stage personas—sustains ambiguity, inviting ongoing scrutiny of whether their art prioritizes provocation over unalloyed conviction.

Reception and legacy

Critical assessments

Hatari's music, characterized by aggressive techno-pop infused with industrial and electronic elements, has garnered praise from niche critics for its raw energy and provocative staging, particularly in live settings. At the 2018 Iceland Airwaves festival, reviewers highlighted the band's "relentless, anarchic techno-pop" designed to "punish and provoke," crediting their motocross-inspired visuals and for dominating performances. Similarly, their sets have been lauded for blending high-octane beats with dystopian themes, creating an immersive experience that aligns with their ethos. Critics have offered mixed evaluations of Hatari's integration of political messaging into their work, with some questioning the coherence between their anti-capitalist rhetoric and commercial engagements like Eurovision 2019. Icelandic commentators argued that entering a mainstream contest contradicted their , suggesting the act prioritized visibility over principled boycott, while their song's emphasis on "hate" was seen as counterproductive to advocacy goals. The band's leather-clad, BDSM-inflected aesthetic, while visually striking, has been critiqued as reveling in spectacle that occasionally overshadows substantive critique, blurring lines between earnest and theatrical excess. Assessments of their debut album Neyslutrans (2020) emphasize its thematic depth, portraying tracks as nihilistic explorations of consumption and collapse through dense, dark production, though professional reviews remain sparse outside alternative outlets. Overall, Hatari's reception underscores a divide: acclaim for sonic innovation and stage presence among underground scenes, tempered by skepticism toward the authenticity of their ideological provocations amid high-profile controversies.

Commercial impact and fanbase

Hatari's commercial footprint remains niche, with primary success in and limited international penetration despite Eurovision exposure. Their Eurovision entry "Hatrið mun sigra" achieved peak positions including number 66 on the iTunes chart and entered the Official Singles Downloads Chart, reflecting modest digital sales amid global viewership. On , the track garnered significant streaming peaks post-Eurovision, charting in multiple European countries, though overall artist metrics indicate sustained but not blockbuster appeal, with approximately 47,500 monthly listeners as of 2025. Albums like Neyslutrans (2020) earned user acclaim but lacked prominent chart dominance or sales data signaling mainstream breakthrough, aligning with their emphasis on artistic provocation over broad marketability. The band's fanbase centers on a dedicated, cult-like cohort drawn to their theatrical live shows and ideological messaging, with early growth in through festival wins and Grapevine Music Awards for best live performance in 2017 and 2018. Eurovision amplified international reach, fostering expansion among global enthusiasts, particularly women and those aligned with and anti-capitalist themes, though retention appears tied to performative edge rather than sustained pop crossover. Post-2019, fan growth has stabilized at a devoted scale, evidenced by consistent but moderate streaming and sold-out domestic shows, underscoring appeal to niche audiences over mass .

Discography

Studio albums

Neyslutrans, Hatari's debut studio album, was released on 17 January 2020 through One Little Indian Records. The full-length record consists of 13 tracks spanning and electronic styles, with a total runtime of 48 minutes. It incorporates earlier singles like "Hatrið mun sigra", Iceland's Eurovision entry, and "Klámstrákur", alongside new material exploring dystopian themes, betrayal, loss, and anti-capitalist critique. The album's tracklist is as follows:
  1. Engin Miskunn
  2. Ógleði
  3. Hatrið mun sigra
  4. Niðurlút
  5. 10 (fyrir átta)
  6. Nokontrol
  7. Ræfill
  8. Þráhyggjuþráður
  9. Eistli
  10. Nunquam Iterum, Op. 12 (feat. Friðrik Margrétar)
  11. Alþjóðlega velferðarkerfið
  12. Hæimsluskort
  13. Klámstrákur
As of October 2025, Neyslutrans remains Hatari's only full-length studio , with subsequent releases limited to singles and EPs such as the 2025 single "MORE".

Extended plays and singles

Hatari released their debut , Neysluvara, on 31 October 2017 through the independent label Svikamylla ehf. The EP comprises four tracks—"X", "Tortímandi", "Ódýr", and "Þræll"—characterized by the band's aggressive industrial sound and themes of societal critique. Prior to their full-length album, Hatari issued several standalone singles that built anticipation and aligned with their provocative aesthetic. "Spillingardans" was released on 4 January 2019, featuring lyrics addressing consumerist excess. This was followed by "Hatrið mun sigra" on 1 February 2019, selected as Iceland's entry for the after winning the national final Söngvakeppnin; the track's anti-capitalist message garnered international attention despite finishing tenth in the contest. "Klámstrákur", critiquing toxic masculinity, appeared as a single on 8 November 2019. Subsequent singles include "Klefi / صامد" (featuring Bashar Murad) in 2019, "Dansið eða deyið" in 2022, and "Breadcrumbs" in 2024, reflecting the band's continued output amid lineup changes and sporadic activity. These releases often preceded or complemented album tracks, emphasizing Hatari's focus on digital distribution over physical formats beyond the initial EP.

Awards and nominations

Hatari won the Icelandic national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, Söngvakeppnin, on March 2, 2019, with their entry "Hatrið mun sigra", securing 57.71% of the public vote. At the Icelandic Music Awards in 2019, the band received the Act of the Year award in the pop category. They also won Performer of the Year at the same ceremony.
YearAwardCategoryResult
2017Grapevine Music AwardsBest Live BandWon
2018Grapevine Music AwardsBest Live BandWon
2020Grapevine Music AwardsSong of the Year ("Hatrið mun sigra")Won
2020Icelandic Music AwardsMusic Video of the YearWon
2020Icelandic Music AwardsMusic Event of the YearWon
The band received seven nominations at the Icelandic Music Awards in 2020, including for Song of the Year with "Hatrið mun sigra". No further major awards or nominations have been reported beyond domestic Icelandic recognition.

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