Heilung @ Red Rocks Amphitheater

Even with years of concert experience, there’s few words for my experience watching the runic rituals of Heilung. All this during a full moon at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 23rd, 2024. Theatric? No doubt. Unique? Understatement. Experience? Once-in-a-lifetime.

Eivør

The night kicked off with Faroese singer-songwriter, Eivør. With the help of the hand drum & guitars, it set the mood for the sold-out crowd. Her mix of electronic & folk features in beloved video games like The Last Kingdom & God of War, which has brought in a loyal fanbase. During her set, the crowd was very respectful to a surreal point compared to the typical screaming crowd. She wrapped up to a standing ovation from the sea of people.

Heilung

Setting the scene

Once they began setting the scene for the main act, the crowd began howling in unison to the full moon. During which, Kai Uwe Faust, masked like a shamanic priest, entered to bless the stage before the rituals began. Cheering came in waves as the audience was very quiet & respectful to what they were watching. More people began entering to give their version of blessings to the chanting before the group circled together. After a stretch, Maria Franz graced the stage in all-white & blood red hair. With her was the lamp that seems to be the center of their rituals.

With their message of “amplifying history,” they did exactly that with a theatrical rollercoaster that’s unlike any show I’ve witnessed. The interpretation of ancient Iron Age ceremonies features pulsating lightning drums, torches crafted from deer skin ablaze, eerie primal melodies resonating throughout the space, performances of cherished classics alongside unreleased material, and a troupe of warriors adorned in war paint.

The Show

We witnessed a variety of standout performances. From the blessings of Nizhoni Ellenwood at the start of the show to the rhythmic dancing of Annicke Shireen. The thunderous drums of Nicolas Schipper & Jacob Hee Lund to the locked in gaze of warriors like Ēad Weard & Надя Каламєєць. It was really fascinating to watch so many walks of life come together to pay homage to native roots that are so important to people.

Wrapping Up

As the night drew to a close & the final echoes of the performance faded into the night, it was clear that the Heilung concert was more than just entertainment. It was a transformative experience that left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance. In a world often characterized by division and discord, events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of music, art, and shared humanity.

This Heilung concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that defied description. It was a celebration of ancient traditions, a testament to the enduring power of music, and a reminder of the boundless potential of human creativity. For those who were lucky enough to bear witness, it was an evening that will be cherished and remembered for years to come.