That was the case with HEILUNG

September 19, 2024, Cologne, Palladium

Would you like to escape our stressful world for a while, do something good for yourself and slow down? Then you’ve come to the right place. Because we were too when we visited Heilung ‘s current tour. We were already aware that going to concerts can be balm for the soul. But the rituals of Heilung take you into a wondrous parallel world.

Refreshing start

On the way to the Palladium in Cologne, we noticed the not-so-typical music lovers. We noticed all sorts of braided pigtails, fur headdresses, elaborately painted faces and small antlers or flower arrangements that had previously been draped on headbands. Many English-speaking fans mingled with the slightly excited audience. No distracting music awaited us during the wait in the sold-out concert hall. Instead, the twittering of birds and the gentle babbling of a stream from the tape provided a pleasant atmosphere.

Mythical Special Guest

We met Zeal & Ardor as the tour’s special guest supporting act. The sextet recently released their brand new studio album “Greif”. Inspired by an imaginative hybrid of bird and lion that parades through Basel (the hometown of singer Manuel Gagneux) in an annual ceremony, the newcomer presents itself as proud, majestic and versatile as the griffin itself. While the band was previously known for its ingenious mix of black metal and gospel elements, it now enriches its musical range with blues, electronic sounds, pure rock and even hardcore elements.

Rapid rise

At 8 p.m. on the dot, the singers’ three microphone stands shone in the fog. The band’s logo adorned a huge backdrop that was dotted with LEDs. The opener “The Bird, the Lion and the Wildkin” kicked off the eventful evening. Just like at the parade in Basel, the opening was accompanied by enthusiastic drum rhythms. A mystical melody and melodious guitars were joined by the warm voice of Manuel Gagneux. Wide hoods covered the faces of the five musicians, who were dressed in black and positioned next to each other in front of the drummer at the edge of the stage. After the quiet start, things got down to business. The cloaks gave way and Zeal & Ardor belted out their “Götterdämmerung” with full force and beastly screams. Only the crystal-clear chorus allowed us to get a grip on our own tense breathing again. While some fans had traveled especially for the Swiss and were visibly celebrating their band, the rest of the audience watched quietly but with interest.

Deliver instead of talking

Tuskegee” presented themselves with full heaviness but also contrasting guitar melodies. Growls and sharp screams made their way through the packed hall. A young man with a fur cape and bone crown was inevitably carried away by the voluminous sounds. The rest of the crowd suddenly joined in the clapping. It was the ideal time for Manuel to greet the 4,000 visitors: “Have a good evening. We’re Zeal & Ardor and we’re not very good at talking. That’s why we’re playing music now.” With the poetic song “To My Ilk”, Manuel created an ode to an oppressed people. With a deep sadness in his voice, the singer created accusing moments. The title “Devil Is Fine” is the band’s most successful song to date. Numerous scoops were swung to the smash hit “I Caught You” before Zeal & Ardor bid farewell with “Clawing Out”, the heaviest track of their career to date. While the polyphonic chorus repeated like a mantra, Manuel’s voice sounded so determined and terrifying that it sent shivers down your spine. The accompanying rearing sound also had a spooky effect. You can’t make a concert finale any more thrilling!

Attunement

In complete contrast to the harshness just experienced, the busy bird calls and calming sound of the water resumed during the 30-minute break. In no time at all, an impressive stage backdrop was created behind the mysterious curtain. Numerous trees, micro-stands fitted with antlers, ancient structures and huge drums created a look from a bygone era. The founder of Heilung, Kai Uwe Faust, was the first to enter the venue. He wore an elaborately designed robe with lots of different narrow, fluttering lengths of fabric. With the help of a branch, he generously dispersed the vapor of incense to set the mood for the ancient prayer to come. Alongside Maria Franz and Christopher Juul, the Healing Collective slowly walked along. Together they formed a circle and together with the audience they spoke the words of their meaningful opening ceremony: “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.”

A feast for the eyes

Christopher blew a powerful horn to open the first track: “In Maidjan”. In the background, two drummers set to work with their full bodies. At the same time, they beat their huge instruments to the beat. Kai Uwe joined in vocally with his impressive overtone singing, reminiscent of Mongolian lutes. The fascination began. For “Alfadhirhaiti”, Maria was initially the focus of the action. Her snow-white dress was trimmed with white strings and feathers under her arms, reminiscent of a dreamcatcher, as she folded her arms in a circle in front of her body. As always, Kai Uwe and Maria’s faces were covered in fringes and they wore decorative antlers on their heads. The singer gleefully raised his drinking horn and the crowd of fans promptly responded with a unified “skål”. He greeted the audience with a stately wolf call and they responded in kind. The band and fans were already united in thought. Numerous warriors with spears and shields positioned themselves in the middle of the stage to support Kai Uwe by stomping and singing.

Endurance

From then on, the fighters formed a circle and removed their shields. The free upper bodies of the men and women were simply covered in dark war paint. As they moved in unison, Maria’s voice rang out to “Asya” in her typically ethereal high notes. A murmur went through the crowd as “Krigsgaldr” followed. Various sounds were created with bones, drums and metal objects. The dedicated drummers continued to swing their arms far into the air to set the striking tone with all their might. Kai Uwe and Christopher fought a vocal duel before the song ended with a stick hitting the floor. During the song “Tenet”, the delicate singer with the copper-colored dreadlocks incessantly swung a horn rattle. The warriors’ torsos were adorned with individual runic symbols in neon letters. Her choreography was accompanied by steady rhythms and hypnotic chanting.

Hot phase

Kai Uwe turned his attention to a female warrior in the title “Traust”. He tied her backwards to her spear with a rope and then tightened the noose around her neck with a jerk. The young woman immediately fell to the ground. But Maria took heart. She approached the fallen woman with determination, brought her back to life and freed the young fighter from her weapon to release her. To “Anoana”, the frontman took his place on the floor with two female singers. They gracefully moved their arms around while Maria sat on a pedestal in the background playing an ancient string instrument. Suddenly Kai Uwe lit a torch. While they drummed themselves into ecstasy to “Elddansurin”, the leader beat his source of fire on a shield to the beat. There was now a lot of movement in the audience. It was impossible to stand still during this spectacle. Passionate dances were also performed on stage. Hymnal female singing began. With two flaming antlers, a dancer captivated us with her sensual movements.

Exhilarating finale

The wild piece “Hamer Hippyer” transformed the stage into a large dance floor. Detached, the entire collective got moving. The atmosphere was at its absolute peak. The euphoric togetherness inevitably spread to the audience. They danced themselves into a frenzy on and in front of the stage. Beaming faces were the result and thunderous applause was guaranteed for Heilung. The Danish-German-Norwegian band bid farewell to their fans in Cologne’s Palladium with a farewell ceremony. As at the beginning, Kai Uwe lit his incense in a bowl. This time, however, everyone on stage formed a circle and the singer fanned not only the audience with the strong scent, but also the entire band. Reverently and happily at the same time, the collective bowed to each other and to the enthusiastic crowd. This concluded the great ritual of the evening.

Side effects?

Customs and traditions are not forgotten thanks to a band like Heilung. They skillfully aroused the necessary awareness, but also interest in a bygone era. Does the spectacle of this special dimension still have an effect? But yes. At first, all the unfamiliar impressions had to settle. But then a truly pleasant relaxation set in. Although there was so much going on on stage, the audience was able to be at peace with themselves during these two hours. The regular rhythms and mantra-like singing created an inner contentment that left you feeling thoughtful and happy at the same time. And what could be nicer than escaping the demands of everyday life in this magical way?

Setlist ZEAL & ARDOR:
“The Bird, the Lion and the Wildkid” – “Götterdämmerung” – “Ship on Fire” – “Tuskegee” – “Blood in the River” – “Kilonova” – “To My Ilk” – “Death to the Holy” – “Sugarcoat” – “Devil Is Fine” – “I Caught You” – “Clawing Out”

Setlist HEILUNG:
“Opening Ceremony” – “In Maidjan” – “Alfadhirhaiti” – “Asja” – “Krigsgaldr” – “Hakkerskaldyr” – “Svanrand” – “Tenet” – “Traust” – “Anoana” – “Galgaldr” – “Elddansurin” – “Hamer Hippyer” – “Closing Ceremony”

Text: Nadine Kloppert
Photos: Michael Gamon