Live Review: Heilung Live Brisbane 2024

ARTIST: HEILUNG
DATE: AUGUST 13TH 2024
VENUE: RIVERSTAGE, BRISBANE
REVIEWER: MERT TYSON
PHOTOGRAPHER: MERT TYSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Heilung’s music is an ancient ritual brought to life, merging the primal pulse of history with the ethereal magic of modernity.”

Prepare to be transported to another realm. Heilung’s live performance—it is like stepping into a Viking saga with a modern twist! Despite the severe thunderstorm and rain in Brisbane, the show must go on, and a bit of water never hurt the locals. The Scandinavian trio, known for their “amplified history” approach, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that blends ancient rituals with contemporary artistry. Picture this: a stage adorned with greenery, antlers, and rune-carved instruments, while the band, dressed in shamanic garb, leads the audience through a hypnotic journey.

Before diving into Heilung’s enchantment, let us acknowledge the incredible Eivor, who mesmerized River Stage with her haunting performance. It is like watching a sorceress weave a spell on stage—she’s got the charisma of a rock star and the soul of a poet. Her stage presence is magnetic, drawing the audience into her world with every move. Dressed in dark, mysterious attire, she commands the spotlight with effortless grace.

Her voice was truly haunting, effortlessly transitioning between Faroese, Icelandic, and English, conveying tales of love, nature, and the human experience with poetic depth. Whether hitting high notes with operatic precision or diving into guttural growls, Eivor’s vocal range is nothing short of impressive. Witnessing her live at River Stage on a stormy night added to the ambience of the performance.

The energy she brings to the stage is electric, with a raw, emotional intensity that resonates with the crowd. Her skill as a multi-instrumentalist, playing everything from drums to electric guitar, adds another layer of awe to her performance. Watching Eivor live is like witnessing a masterclass in musical artistry, leaving you both enchanted and inspired. It was truly emotional and heartwarming to witness, and I am so glad I had the privilege to be there.

Enter Heilung—their performance is a sensory overload, featuring throat singing, layered harmonies, and primal percussion that resonates through your very bones. The audience is swept up in a trance-like state, experiencing a fusion of neofolk, industrial, and otherworldly sounds. It is not just a concert; it’s a cultural séance that connects you to the Iron Age in a way that’s both familiar and utterly alien.

A beautiful welcome to country and opening ceremony paid respects to the event and all attendees, which was truly moving. The stage was transformed into a mystical realm with greenery, antlers, and rune-carved instruments. The lighting and smoke effects created an ethereal ambiance, transporting the audience to a different time and place.

A condemned figure led to the stage, beginning the mystery, and one by one the ritual began to take place with figure after figure arriving from the darkness. After a short circle and prayer, the story began. The music can only be described as a fusion of neofolk, industrial, and otherworldly sounds, featuring throat singing, layered harmonies, and primal percussion. Each performance is like a cultural séance, connecting the audience to the Iron Age. The crowd drenched and damp were not even worried in a trans like state dancing and immersing themselves within the performance.

The visuals of this ritual were stunning. The band, dressed in shamanic garb, performed alongside dancers and percussionists, creating a captivating visual experience. This was truly a feast for the eyes. The combination of historical instruments and modern elements made for a unique and immersive show. I truly stood transfixed to everything that was happening which made it difficult to focus on just one aspect of this beautiful event.

This was truly a heartwarming show unlike any other I have witnessed. The pure emotion conveyed through Heilung’s music transcends language, conveying emotions through music, movement, and expression. From menacing war chants to hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies, their performances evoke a range of feelings.

This was a privilege to attend and something like nothing else I have ever witnessed. Outstanding. truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Mert.

Setlist:

• Opening Ceremony
• In Maidjan
• Alfadhirhaiti
• Asja
• Krigsgaldr
• Hakkerskaldyr
• Svanrand
• Tenet
• Traust
• Anoana
• Elddansurin
• Hamrer Hippyer