Photography and words: Dan Maynard

Some might think that the severe storm that passed over Brisbane tonight was a bad sign, where in fact it turned out to be the best mood setter in Riverstage history. With two Nordic based bands serving as tonight’s line up, the lightning and rain only added to the atmosphere.

Foroe Island nature Eivor was the only support act for tonight and that is all we needed. She fits perfectly into the theme of the night. With the crowd screaming in joy each time lightning struck above in the night sky over Eivor’s mesmerising electronic Nordic folk music, the scene has been set perfectly.

As the crowd sit patiently, we are blessed with the Heilung ritual, which without having been there is incredibly hard to describe other than being an incredibly spiritual feeling. Even for those who don’t identify as spiritual, it is hard to not be absolutely magnetised to the overwhelming ancient spirituality that this masterpiece creates.

Their attention to detail, their passion and thought that goes into everything about this show is nothing short of incredible. As I said before, the show is a masterpiece and it’s not by accident. Heilung takes their job seriously. Their wish to enrich the world with their Nordic ancestors’ traditions is true in all forms and storytelling is high on that list.

The music is as enchanting and spiritual as the show itself, everyone on stage playing a part in the sound. The crowd dances the night away as it rains and thunders over top, only adding to the darkness of the stage presence.

The band go on an indefinite hiatus after the rest of the world tour, so don’t catch yourself missing out on a show. Get along and witness firsthand the phenomenon that is Heilung.