More than a performance, this is an ancient rite—Heilung brings the past to life with thunderous drums, ritual, and raw energy.
Tonight, we return to something ancient. This is an experience, an awakening of the senses – a remarkable piece of musical theatre, a spiritual ritual which will consist of elements of ancient Pagan practices told via song, dance and stunning visuals which arc back to a forgotten time. Come with me on a journey and bear witness to Heilung…
Formed in 2014 in Copenhagen, the collective’s name means ‘healing’ in German. There is much inspiration taken from the Vikings, Norse people, Northern Europeans as well as Bronze and Iron Age cultures. The elaborate costumes and primitive yet melodic rhythmic drumming beats, carrying along sweet vocalisations are as soothing as they are mysterious. The group use traditional handmade instruments, authentic in their construction. The band play drums made from deer and goat skin, splattered with human blood and clay rattles with human ashes entombed inside as well as a whole host of horns and drums constructed out of animal bones. To say this event is as exciting as it is fascinating is an understatement! The anticipation of tonight is palpable as fans flock to join in on this musical and theatrical experience.
The Usher Hall is a magnificent building and has stood as a focal point on Lothian Road, Edinburgh since 1914 when it was constructed. The capacity is 2,200 and I have no doubt that every inch of the venue will be taken up tonight, going on the queue of people outside, waiting to get in. The venue was upgraded from the city’s O2 Academy to meet the ticket demand.
The opening band tonight are EIVOR, a four- piece group from the Faroe Islands who set the tone with a mixture of drumming and superb singing by the band’s namesake, Eivor, all accompanied via synth-style waves of electronic keys. Occasional electric guitar accented the rhythm of the songs. This is my first time seeing Evior live and they were an exceptional opening band who share the same spiritual wavelength as Heilung. The haunting melodies and furious drumming captivated the audience. What an outstanding performance!
Once can’t feel but feel close to nature as the auditorium is filled with the sounds of birds tweeting and the soothing sounds of the natural world. The gentle murmur from the audience subsided and the air fell silent as the lights dimmed, signalling the start of Heilung’s performance. Over 2,200 people watched in silence, in anticipation of what was about to come. The venue was so quiet that when one of the band members walked out onto the stage, their bare feet pressing on the planks of the stage made an audible squeaking sound. That’s how quiet over 2,200 people can be. I have never heard silence like that in such a venue! If you pardon the oxymoron.
A man stands drenched in green light, waving a smouldering clump of organic material. The smoke and smell waft across the front of the stage and into the ether. The incense was lovely and calming which added to a sense of tranquillity. As the opening ceremony began, from the shadows people wove their way across the stage and joined hands in a circle, giving the audience a glimpse into a Paganistic style ritual. As the lights changed hue and people took up their instruments and positions, the night was approaching its climax as Heilung were set to perform their stunning show!
The essence of the visuals is a key part of Heilung and there is a feel that’s primitive, a hunter-gatherer, organic and natural vibe which compliments the hypnotic, rich music which also has a feel of being at one with nature. Vocalist, Kai Uwe Faust, masked by darkness occasionally catching flashes of light gives an impressive vocal performance, hinting at a taste of medieval, folklore storyteller vibe with his presence. The singing/chanting draws you in and climaxes as the drumming gets louder. Maria Franz gives an awe-inspiring performance as her vocals pierce the silence, accompanied with her hand drumming. She looked magnificent, bathed in light as her antler headgear stood proud for all to see. Straight off the bat, this performance was simultaneously mesmerising and calming.
It is impossible to estimate how many people were on stage as everywhere I looked, I could see something else, coming towards the light from the darkness of the back of the stage/set. This is a theatrical experience, carefully choreographed and timed with immaculate precision. As singer Maria, bacthed in light, stands out against the fantasy landscape that’s behind her. Her costume and stag antlers, synonymous with the image of Heilung, draws in and fascinates all who gaze upon her. Songs such as In ‘Maidjan’ and ‘Alfadhirhaiti’ are personal favourites of mine, not to mention ‘Hamrer Hippyer’ which marked the beginning of the closing ceremony. Each song feels unique and is accompanied with eye-catching choreography from the many talented participants on stage, yielding spears, shields and weaponry.
Heilung are on tour right now, so check their socials for details and get along and see them live at a venue near you. This is not just music, it’s a spiritual, immersive experience that will make you hungry for more.
Words and pictures: Stevie Oi!