I've shot some incredible shows in my life but this would be top 3 all time.


Photos & review by James Gough


I had no idea where to start when writing this review and if you’ve seen Heilung in the past week in Sydney or in Melbourne you might understand where I’m coming from in saying there really isn’t words to describe how incredible they are.


I had plenty of people across socials ask me this week who on earth are there guys? So let’s get that out of the way right here.

Since its inception in 2015, the enigmatic ritual collective HEILUNG has been paving melodic paths to the past with their unique and mystifying sound. Evading all conventional genre tags and the confines of any specific labels, the group aptly self-describes their sound as “amplified history,” emphasizing their ability to connect modern society with the rudiments of humanity’s beginnings through music. Taken from Seasons of the Mist. Heilung have released three records to date. Their debut Ofnir in 2015. 2019’s flawless Futha & last year’s Drif. Along with the live record Lifa in 2017. All released via Seasons of the Mist. I already had a fondness for the genre of folk before Heilung came to my attention in 2016 but once they did my love for their music and this genre grew tenfold.


I was fortunate enough to see them twice this past week in Sydney & in Melbourne after being contacted by one of the collective directly (Did I think this was a joke… you bet I did) Thankfully I was sharing the pit with Nathan Goldsworthy aka Odin Imaging. So while nerves were creeping in a bit for this one I wasn’t alone. For us this was our super-bowl show and it was great to share it with a friend.


Diverse would be one word to describe the punters who poured into both shows. With everyone from metal heads, LARPers, the young & old-er. People who were bought along by a partner who’d never listened to Heilung but were interested to see how it translated on stage & just about everyone in-between. Instead of the usual background soundtrack of music everyone was met with the sounds of the forest & birds. A stage filled with calming green light & foliage collected by the group prior to the show. With a hour and a half wait between doors and their set starting there was not a set empty or space free on the floor with a calm aura I’d never felt before at any form of live show.


Both sets begin with beautiful welcome to country ceremonies performed by local Aboriginal performers. Heilung have been synonymous with connecting with indigenous communities where ever they go.


I simply just don’t have the words to describe how life changing these performances after with an ebb & flow that keeps you entranced for the entire two hour set. Founding members Kai Uwe Faust, Maria Franz & Christopher Juul are a mesmerising force on stage with their movements, voices something to truly behold. Singers Annicke Shireen & Mira Ceti are able to stand out on their own with their enchanting voices & graceful movements across the stage. Nicolas Schipper & Jacob Lund bring ferocious, infectious energy with drums that can be felt to the very core of your soul & the warriors including our new friend Ruben Terlouw bring an energy that is unmatched in any live performance I have ever seen.


When Heilung return hopefully in the very near future. Do not miss these performances they are something you will not forget.