Immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Nordic culture, groundbreaking collective Heilung are a musical force unlike any other.
Entwining theatrical rituals with mesmerizing sonic undertones, Heilung have quickly powered to the upper echelon of global performers with a look and sound difficult to describe and even more difficult to behold.
But try turning away from it.
Utilising a unique fusion of ancient traditions and modern innovation, Heilung effectively immerse audiences into a realm of primal energy and mysticism, invoking the spirits of ancestors through haunting vocals and featuring authentic traditional instrumentation that ranges from rattles and ritual bells to human bones and throat singing.
Australian and New Zealand audiences got their first taste early last year with sold out shows in Sydney and Melbourne, but this October and November people in every capital city will get the opportunity to be swept up into the visually destructive world in which Heilung is lord and master.
HEAVY sat down with the three central band members Kai, Maria and Christopher to venture beyond the black curtain.
"It's really epic to be invited back for such a cool round trip," Maria began. "We're excited to see more of the country. We had a wonderful time in Sydney and Melbourne last time, and it felt like we came home in many ways. Some of our listeners knew us well enough to sing along to the tracks, and it was amazing to feel the energy."
In the full interview, we discussed Heilung's current European tour and their excitement for the upcoming Australian tour, reminiscing about the warm reception and meaningful experiences from their previous visits, particularly their interactions with the Aboriginal community. They highlighted their strong connection with Australian audiences, noting their quick return within 18 months. The conversation shifted to the immersive and transformative nature of Heilung's performances, which are rooted in pre-Christian rituals and aim to create unique experiences influenced by venue and audience energy.
The band elaborated on the spiritual and unscripted essence of their shows, detailing their initial journey from a studio poetry project to live performances, and the balance they strive to maintain between ancient traditions and modern innovations. They emphasized the physical and emotional demands of their performances, which necessitate a schedule of performing every second day, and the significance of using ancient instruments to forge a connection to humanity's roots, plus more.