Review: Heilung at Red Hill Auditorium

Heilung at Red Hill Auditorium
w/ Eivør
Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Nordic folk collective Heilung ascended to Red Hill Auditorium on Wednesday night, bringing their world-renowned live show to Western Australia on a national tour.

The opening act for the evening was nothing short of perfectly curated, with Eivør from the Faroe Islands captivating the audience as they filled the venue. Her presence was mesmerising, blending elements of folk, jazz, classical, and electronic influences; her performance was a seamless expression of her cultural heritage and the stunning natural surroundings she hails from. Eivør's voice, a haunting instrument of emotive power, navigated effortlessly between Faroese, Icelandic and English as each song drew listeners into realms both familiar and otherworldly.

It was the first chapter of what was to be a transcendent journey, one that felt like venturing deep into an ancient world of sound and ritual. Heilung took to the stage, and from the very first note of the Opening Ceremony, the atmosphere at Red Hill Auditorium was charged with an almost mystical energy, and a golden light emanated from the stage that seemed to fill the entire space.

The concert opened with a ritualistic welcome, incorporating the burning and saging of native plants, enhancing the ethereal ambiance. The deep, resonant beating of drums echoed through the venue, enveloping the audience in a sensory embrace. The harmonisation of varied vocals, mixed with chanting, humming, and howling, created a soundscape both theatrical and time-transcending.

As the second song In Maidjan began, the stage came alive with a skin drum adding an earthy depth. The sound throughout the concert was remarkably clear and crisp, each note demanding attention.

String instruments then seamlessly blended with the powerful drumming. The fusion of beautiful vocals and raw, feminine guttural growls was executed with an impressiveness that left a strong impact. Each song’s introduction was made unique by her incredible voice, drawing the audience in, as if witnessing a high priestess conducting a grand ritual.

Lighting and smoke effects enriched the performance further, making the centre drum glow rhythmically like a beating heart. Every detail, from the reverberating percussion to the beckoning horns, contributed to an experience that felt sacred and ancient. The harmonies ranged from chanting to hauntingly beautiful female hums and cries, interwoven with animistic howling, growling and grunting.

The visual performers, stage decor, and lighting created a deeply moving and unique experience that demanded immersion, where all senses are engaged to fully appreciate its trance-like beauty. Despite the language barrier, the emotional intensity and artistic expression communicated universally, making it something not only heard and seen but also profoundly felt.

They concluded with a cleansing ceremony for each band member on a golden-lit stage. The scene was so stunning that many in the audience were visibly moved.

Overall, the combination of Eivør’s ethereal performance and Heilung’s ancient soundscape made the evening an unforgettable experience.

SARA WHITE

Photos by Adrian Thomson