Iceland | Find out how Hatari's First Rehearsal went down in Tel Aviv

Yesterday we saw the first nine participating countries in semi final one take to the Eurovision stage in Tel Aviv for their first rehearsals! Today, join us as we take a look at the second full day of rehearsals where the eight countries who drew the second half places for Tuesday 14th's first semi final. Here at Eurovoxx we'll be bringing you all the latest rehearsal updates and reviews so keep an eye on our website, YouTube channel & social media!

Image Credit: Íris Dögg Einars (Eurovision.tv)

We've had our lunch break and now next on stage is one of the fan favourites - Iceland! Iceland haven't managed to qualify for the final since 2014 which happens to the countries worst streak in the history of their participation. This was topped off last year after Ari Ólafsson unfortunately placed last in the semi final securing Iceland their worst ever placement at the contest. They needed something big to get them out of their slump and they've really gone for it!! Techno punk-rock band Hatari will be representing Iceland at this years Eurovision Song Contest with their anti-capitalist track 'Hatrið mun sigra'.

Hatari consists of vocalists Klemens Nikulásson Hannigan and Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, and producer and drummer Einar Hrafn Stefánsson. Despite announcing the dissolution of the band in December 2018, citing the reason of failing to topple capitalism, the band was soon after confirmed as one of the participating acts at Icelandic national final 'Söngvakeppnin'. They impressed audiences and jurors alike with their fetish-themed performance and won the ticket to Tel Aviv - where they have already challenged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a wrestling match.

Image Credit: Thomas Hanses (Eurovision.tv)

ICELAND - FIRST REHEARSAL

The stage starts off very dark and red with plenty of flashing lights. The Hatari gang, and their accompanying backing singers/dancers, are all kitted out in the same outfits as the national final. They're also joined on stage by a large metallic cage with saw-like edges around the outside.

Overall the performance is as you would expect - somewhat frantic but it works very well. The second run through threw a lot more at it - with sparks and a lot of pyro effects. The backdrop includes chains which are illuminated by the shades of red and red pulsating lights.

Vocally, Matthias is sounding great and his voice really fills the arena. Klemens still needs some work and the strength of the vocal is a touch disappointing - similarly to Eurovision in Concert. He definitely needs more backing to really make it work but all in all a fantastic package delivered by Iceland and one that should probably see them back in the final for the first time since 2014.