The O2 Apollo Manchester became a sacred grove for an unforgettable evening as Heilung, the enigmatic experimental folk collective, brought their transcendent ritual to a captivated audience. Supported by the ethereal Eivør, the night was a mesmerizing blend of ancient melodies, shamanic rhythms, and raw, visceral performance art that blurred the lines between concert, ceremony, and time travel. With your intrepid photographer capturing the spectacle, the event was a visual and sonic feast that left attendees spellbound.
The evening began with Eivør, whose haunting vocals and magnetic stage presence set a mystical tone. Known for her Faroese roots and genre-defying sound, she wove tales of Nordic lore through songs like “Falling Free” and “Tides,” her voice soaring effortlessly over minimalist instrumentation. Fans on platforms like Songkick have described her as “pure magic,” and her warmth and storytelling prowess were evident, creating an intimate connection with the crowd. Her set, lasting roughly 45 minutes, was the perfect prelude, priming the audience for the primal energy to come.
Heilung took the stage at 8:00 PM, transforming the Apollo into a living tapestry of “amplified history.” Draped in elaborate, archaic costumes adorned with bones, antlers, and furs, the collective—led by Kai Uwe Faust, Maria Franz, and Christopher Juul—evoked a Viking-age ritual. Their setlist, drawing from albums like Ofnir, Futha, and Lifa Iotungard (Live), included fan favorites such as “Anoana,” “Krigsgaldr,” “Alfadhirhaiti,” and “Traust.” Each song was a journey, blending throat singing, percussive bone rattles, and ambient natural sounds with a massive, pulsating drumbeat that reverberated through the venue. The performance was as much theatre as music, with choreographed movements, fire-lit aesthetics, and a troupe of warriors enacting scenes of battle and reverence.
The Apollo’s intimate setting amplified the experience, allowing the audience to feel every chant and drumbeat. Heilung’s ability to merge past and present was palpable, with tracks like “Norupo” and “In Maijan” invoking a spiritual cleansing that gave attendees “goosebumps,”
The production was flawless, with intricate lighting and smoke effects enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere. Your photographer likely captured stunning moments, from Faust’s intense throat-singing poses to Franz’s ethereal vocal delivery and the warriors’ synchronized movements. However, some fans noted the seated nature of the Apollo restricted the audience’s ability to fully engage in the reciprocal energy Heilung thrives on, a sentiment echoed in a Songkick review of a Portland show where bolted seats limited expressiveness. Despite this, the Manchester crowd was anything but subdued, rising to their feet by the finale in a wave of applause and cheers.
Photo Copyright © Gary Mather
Eivør’s opening act and Heilung’s main performance complemented each other perfectly, creating a cohesive narrative of Nordic and pagan heritage. The only minor critique, mentioned by a few attendees online, was the desire for a longer set from Eivør to fully showcase her catalog. Heilung’s set, clocking in at nearly two hours, left no such complaints, delivering a marathon of intensity and emotion. The collective’s commitment to authenticity, coupled with their charitable contribution to Savage Lands via a £1 ticket donation, added depth to the experience.
Heilung’s Manchester Apollo performance was a triumph of art, music, and ritual, cementing their reputation as one of the most unique live acts today. With Eivør’s enchanting opener and Heilung’s earth-shaking ritual, the night was a profound journey into humanity’s ancient roots.
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