1) The Result
Unfortunately, someone has to come last at Eurovision, and in 2022 for the third time in the last seven contests, it was Germany. Malik Harris’ “Rockstars” was assigned the slot right after eventual winners Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine, so his fairly straightforward if heartfelt song was swallowed up.
2) The Process
Sticking to the national selection format of Unser Lied für…, the field was expanded to 9 contestants, including a wildcard selected via TikTok. In the end, one of the acts had to withdraw due to illness, so 8 entries competed in the final. Despite placing only 5th in the jury vote, metal band Lord of the Lost won the televote by a large enough margin to hold off the other acts.
3) The Artist
One of the more experienced performers in this year’s selection, Lord of the Lost were formed in 2007 in Hamburg and have released eight studio albums since then, alongside a collection of live albums and performances recorded with an orchestra. They are not the type of metal band to stick to one genre, incorporating industrial, glam and classical elements in their songs.
4) The Song
In my opinion metal bands have it a bit tougher at Eurovision, because their instinct is usually to write songs which are longer than 3 minutes. However, looking at Lord of the Lost’s back catalogue, they are no stranger to a shorter format, and structurally this song manages to follow a familiar pattern in order to meet that 3 minute limit. The song’s title suggests a combination of the macabre and the glamorous, something which plays out in the lyrics as well as in the video clip and the live performance of the track. In a similar vein, the music has elements of glam and industrial mixed together.
5) The Verdict
I’ll venture one prediction: Germany won’t finish last. In fact, I’d be surprised if they finished in the 20s. Sure, there are people who loathe this song, but also those who love it, and that’s what you need to start picking up points. Songs that don’t stir anyone’s emotions in a particular direction are prime candidates for the infamous nul points. I have no doubt that the band will put on a stage show which is engaging and memorable. Personally, I much prefer the synth elements of the song to than the growls, but Chris Harms’ vocals in the verses remind me of someone else in a good way, I just can’t remember who. (I’ll return and edit this if I ever work it out).
My ranking: 19th
EUROVISION, SERIOUSLY 