Heilung - ‘The Call Of The Wild’
One of the most fascinating virtues of the wonder that is the astonishing neo-folk outfit Heilung is their connection to nature. Their “rituals” are motivated by the luminous living world we are beyond fortunate to exist in, and this unique ceremonial collective utilise language from medieval northern European origins as their poetic force.
‘Krigsgaldr’, the second track from their debut album Ofnir conceivably presents the lyric: “Swimming in the drift of the land of shining meadows”; those who are familiar with Heilung would wholeheartedly understand the notion of “conceivably” in the aforementioned statement. Maria Franz (vocals), Christopher Juul (music, production) and Kai Uwe Faust (vocals), who essentially guide and conduct these breathtaking compositions, are at times uncertain of the exact translations of the historic language they embrace in their art.
Undeniably though, the wild is their healing.
“Nature is our healer, for all in the group.” – Maria, Chrisopher and Kai all announce proudly in unison.
“It’s varied how each member approaches their recharging. Some will walk and hike in areas they are possibly unfamiliar with, some will just sit with nature and lose track of time; others even try activities like bouldering.” Maria Franz elaborates with an infectious elation.
Even if the statement: “Swimming in the drift of the land of shining meadows” is not entirely accurate, it is an articulation that would be beyond therapeutic for humankind if we were to appreciate the beauty of our Earth.
“Heilung” via a German translation means “healing” and that is what the group’s intention is for their following, the world and themselves. In March 2023 Australia had their premiere experience of these remarkable rituals and as was reported by this very publication, the ceremonies were: “euphorically hypnotic and those who were watchers of the experience had their minds altered to a brighter echelon.”
What was the experience like for the collective though?
“What I remember very vividly was when one of our Aboriginal friends came in, and that was nothing that the audience could see, but he did a ceremony for us.” Kai Uwe Faust recalls in an adoring temperament – “He had to ask the elders for permission, and all that is involved with the traditions; that was very special for us, especially the use of the native flora - the leaves and everything. Of course, when he and his friends did the very first couple of minutes of one of the performances (‘Welcome To Country’ or ‘Acknowledgement Of Country’) I watched it from the side, that was absolutely amazing. Very, very strong; walking the power of the land and welcoming everyone, that was a very, very strong moment. I always enjoy these moments when we have guests of that culture for the first five-to-ten minutes to welcome us, it is very beautiful.”
Kai pauses for a moment in an emotional appreciation and remembrance before continuing – “This is something I only knew from, like documentaries and books, so they came to this event with dancing and traditional instruments and everything I enjoyed, it was a lot and left me immeasurably happy.”
Were you able to connect with our culture, nature and history?
Maria: “Yeah absolutely! Meeting the people, seeing the lands, seeing the animals; it was a phenomenal place for us to be in. And personally, I have had a huge love for fruit bats for a long time. I only got to see one from quite a distance. So really hoping to see one up close.”
This introductory tour of Heilung to Australia in 2023 incorporated only three shows, all of which occurred and sold out in Melbourne and Sydney (our Melb review and gallery here). This return expedition happening in November though, includes Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Assuredly there is an immeasurable gratefulness from the devotees in our historically rich and beautiful island for the further adventuring the collective is undertaking on this journey. However, if further insight is desired prior to the ceremonies, the group have recently released a live full-length and film recording entitled Lifa lotungard (via Season Of Mist). A showcase and documentation of their performance at Red Rocks outside of Denver, Colorado, tucked between two giant sandstones in October 2021. This breathtaking location was once home to indigenous tribes and when Heilung performed, they recognised this history by inviting Natives to join the prayer that opens all of their rituals.
“The live productions we do are snapshots of where we are and different parts in our process, because our show and ritual evolve naturally over time. Right now, we are working on a second part. So, this one is like the first part of this cycle and then we did a lot a few years later in London. So, you can really see how it develops over time.” Christopher Juul explains in detail about the collective’s evolution before continuing – “This show was in Red Rocks and was done in a very interesting time for us. Because it was a time of lockdown, as you know, it's very complicated getting anywhere. And I think this snapshot is a lot about release, and it's also about inclusivity with the local tribes. So, there's a lot of things that comes together in a very sacred space. So, it means a lot to us, especially that time, which was still in the era of the pandemic, and the incredible location.”
Heilung recently acquired a snapshot in their own history that amplified their memories infinitely. While in Budapest, the group was joined by the momentous heavy vocalist titan Atilla Csihar from Mayhem and Sunn O))) who helped create a ‘Great Work Of Ages’ in Galgaldr.
“It was so it was a special occasion indeed!” Maria Franz responded excitedly at the utterance of the once-in-a-lifetime event.
Kai Uwe Faust then added further euphoric details: “IT WAS A BLAST! I always say that people ‘grow like trees’. They still have these childish and teenager identities somewhere inside of them. For me, I had this little fluffy beard, I am 17 years old, I have some kind of Mayhem shirt, you know, and then he joined us on stage. He’s a very beautiful person to be around and performance-wise, absolutely amazing to work with.”
Heilung have grown like trees artistically with Atilla Csihar; now it is Australia’s turn to grow spiritually in their rituals.
Interview by Will Oakeshott @TeenWolfWill
Heilung's live album/DVD LIFA | Iotungard available through Season of Mist here
Limited Tickets for the Australian rituals available here
Heilung – Australian Tour 2024
with Eivør
October 30 @ Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
November 2 @ AEC Theatre, Adelaide
November 4 @ Palais Theatre, Melbourne - FINAL TICKETS
November 6 @ Palais Theatre, Melbourne - SOLD OUT
November 8 @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney - SOLD OUT
November 10 @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney - LOW TICKETS
November 13 @ The Riverstage, Brisbane
November 16 @ Kiri Te Kanawa, Auckland - SOLD OUT
November 18 @ Kiri Te Kanawa, Auckland
