Sietse Bakker: no plan in case Ukraine wins

Road to Vienna: Serbia As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Serbia   Lavina: Serbia’s Metal Force Heading to Eurovision 2026 Lavina is a six-member metal band from Niš, Serbia, formed in 2020. The lineup includes vocalist Luka Aranđelović, guitarists Pavle Samardžić and Andrija Cvetanović, bassist Nikola Petrović, keyboardist Pavle Aranđelović, and drummer Bojan Ilić. Known for blending heavy riffs with melodic and emotional elements, Lavina has quickly become one of Serbia’s most talked-about modern metal acts. Early Years and Formation From the beginning, Lavina focused on crafting a distinct sound rather than rushing into the spotlight. Their music combines progressive metal influences with accessible songwriting and modern production. This careful approach helped the band establish a strong identity within the Serbian music scene. Breakthrough with Odyssey In November 2022, Lavina released their debut album Odyssey. The record introduced their powerful and emotional style to a wider audience and marked a major milestone in their career. Early tracks like “Id” further showcased their musical direction and helped expand their reach beyond Niš. Growing Reputation Through Live Performances Between 2023 and 2024, Lavina built a solid reputation as a live act by touring across Europe. They performed in countries including Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, and Poland. These shows played a key role in growing their international fanbase and establishing their presence beyond the local scene. New Music and Evolution Lavina continued evolving with new releases such as “In Your Absence” (2024), “IRON WILL” (2024), and “this, too, will pass.” (2025). These tracks highlight the band’s artistic growth, combining heavy soundscapes with deeper emotional and atmospheric elements. Eurovision 2026 Breakthrough In 2026, Lavina won Serbia’s national selection, Pesma za Evroviziju, with the song “Kraj mene.” Performing in Serbian added authenticity and emotional depth to their entry. With this victory, Lavina will represent Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, marking a historic moment as one of the country’s first metal acts on the Eurovision stage. Kraj Mene: A Powerful Song About Unrequited Love Kraj Mene (“Next to Me”) is an emotional track about unrequited love. The song explores feelings of longing, heartbreak, and vulnerability, making it highly relatable for listeners who have experienced one-sided love. The Tension Between Love and Reality At its core, the song highlights the struggle between desire and reality. The narrator seeks closeness but faces emotional distance and rejection. This contrast creates a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has loved without equal return. Minimalist Sound, Maximum Impact The music enhances the emotional depth of the track. With soft instrumentals and a minimalist arrangement, the focus remains on the vocals. This allows every emotion—hope, pain, and sadness—to stand out clearly, drawing listeners deeper into the story. A Message of Self-Awareness and Strength Beyond heartbreak, “Kraj Mene” also reflects self-awareness and resilience. The narrator recognizes the one-sided nature of their love and begins to accept it. This adds emotional depth and transforms the song into a story about personal growth. Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest Serbia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 16 times since its debut as an independent nation in 2007. The country achieved its best result in its debut year, winning the contest with Marija Šerifović‘s “Molitva.” Serbia continues to showcase a diverse range of musical talents on the Eurovision stage.​    The bookmakers Serbia is currently sitting in 24th place; it’s getting tense. Will they fall short in the semi-final again, just like last year, or can they pull in enough points to make it to the final?