Heilung don’t just play music – they create a world. From the moment the scent of burning herbs filled the venue and bird calls echoed softly through the space, it was clear this would be something special. The stage looked more like a forest altar than a concert setup, with branches, soft yellow lighting, and a slow-moving procession led by founding member Kai Uwe Faust, who carried incense like a priest preparing for ceremony.

This wasn’t a typical gig. It was a ritual – and that’s exactly what Heilung call it.

The group draws on ancient texts and languages from early northern Europe, performing songs in Old Norse, Latin, Gothic, and Icelandic. They use traditional instruments like bones, bells, and drums – one even painted with human blood – to recreate a time long before electricity and amps.

And yet, it’s loud. It’s powerful. It’s hypnotic.

There are warriors on stage, clad in furs and paint, clashing spears and shouting battle cries. There are moments of stillness too, where the music becomes a soft chant or lullaby, drawing the audience into a trance.

At the centre of it all is Maria Franz, whose presence is nothing short of magnetic. Dressed in white, face covered, antlers rising from her head, she looks like something out of myth. Her voice is haunting, beautiful, and completely commanding.

The show is as much theatre as it is music – a fully immersive experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the modern world. It’s a powerful reminder of humanity’s ancient roots and connection to nature, spirit, and story.

One downside? The setting didn’t always match the atmosphere. As the performance came to a close with a quiet, final blessing, some audience members shouted for an encore or talked over the moment. It broke the spell.

Still, Heilung delivered something rare: a show that felt timeless and deeply human. For those open to it, it was more than entertainment. It was transformation.