Heilung returns to the United States for one show, one show only, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado October 5th, 2021

 

 

This past Tuesday, the experimental folk music band Heilung, brought their musical magic to the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With the venue opening at 6pm on this comfortable fall evening in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, fans made their way in. From around the country and from overseas they came to experience this night of magic. The air was electric this night as fans dressed up in their own creations like the garments the band members would wear or their own creations as they flowed into the venue. As always, I arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere at this venue. On stage there was a large circular black and white rug with a variety of symbols surrounding the center design. Behind the rug were 3 sets of drums with trees set around them. The microphone stands also looked like tree branches. The sound of birds could be heard about. Also very noticeable were a number of film cameras in front of the stage and at the sound board.  

A few minutes after 8pm, the lights went down and the sold out venue erupted with a roar, and then fell silent. A man appeared in costume with a bowl in one hand and feathers in the other. He walked across the front of the stage sweeping the smoke of incense and sage out into the venue. Behind him dressed in bright colored outfits were native Americans moving about in a slow dance. This was to prepare for a spiritual, musical journey which at times could be turbulent. This was followed by members of the band which moved to the center of the stage in a circle. Together they spoke the following:

“Remember, that we all are brothers
All people, beasts, trees and stone and wind
We all descend from the one great being
That was always there
Before people lived and named it
Before the first seed sprouted” 

 

The band members then took their places and started the evening with the song, “In Maidjan” from their 2015 album Ofnir. Unlike a rock or metal concert where a band would explode into a song to to excite their fans, Heilung was creating a spiritual atmosphere peaceful and relaxing. Their songs are not short and can go on for 8 to 10 minutes or longer. But, as you listen and watch the interaction between the band members you do not think about time, only what is happening on stage. Soon the warriors came on stage barefoot with painted faces and bodies. Each carrying a shield and spear. Kai Uwe Faust in his traditional outfit with antlers on his head piece, would interact with each of the 1o warriors. This was not just a concert but a production that had meaning, spirit and more as the band moved through the power of their music. The vocals of Maria Franz are very mesmerizing and captivating. When she is singing, it is easy not to hear anything else. 

Coming toward the end of the evening, the warriors returned to the stage. But this time there was a frenzy that was happening with everyone on stage moving about, playing an instrument, singing, chanting and dancing wildly. Some of the warriors left the stage and ran out into the crowd. When they returned, they gathered in a circle and danced. When they were done, everyone on stage faced each other and bowed, then turned to the crowd and bowed to them. The roar from their fans was incredible to hear. You leave this show feeling relaxed, I know I did. In my 50 plus years going to concerts, there has never been anything like the performance I experienced this night. And this was my second time seeing Heilung.

 

Heilung are:

  Christopher Juul
Kai Uwe
Maria Franz

 

 

Setlist:

   1.) Opening Ceremony
2.) In Maidjan
3.) Alfadhirhaiti
4.) Krigsgaldr
5.) Hakkerskaldyr
6.) Svanrand
7.) Norupo
8.) Othan
9.) Traust
10.) Galgaldr
11.) Elddansurin
12.) Hamrer Hippyer

 

 

 

 

 

Follow Heilung here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA