Heilung’s Pink Moon ritual at Red Rocks 2024

For Heilung, the long road of touring Vinland (North America) came to a dramatic conclusion in Morrison, Colorado under full light of the pink moon on the ‘Rocks. The dichotomy between a long touring schedule coming to a close and a full moon signaling the blossoming spring flowers and new beginnings felt bittersweet in closing one chapter and hopeful in opening the next. Believing the timing was coincidence is simply not giving credit to the mindfulness and very intentional nature of Heilung.

Opening the ritual was fellow Season of Mist artist Eivør, a powerhouse vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from the distant cliffs of Faroe Islands. Her voice cut through the high altitude with a force that immediately focused the attention of the gathering audience and locked them into the night. With Nordic roots and a very simplified production that fits neatly inside Heilung’s massive spread, I couldn’t think of a more-perfect opener.

Soon after, Heilung took the stage with their beautiful opening ceremony that was again accompanied by IndigeCorp 5280, a local group of Indigenous peoples representing 10 different western tribes. Pointing towards Heilung’s awareness and mindfulness, their ability to connect with local history and honor it is unparalleled in today’s disposable “plastic kingdom”. Heilung seems to effortlessly walk the line of musical connection and relevance with their crowd while also imploring them to chase a deeper understanding of the world before them.

Enough has been written about the technical side of their production, with drums and shakers made from ashes, bones, and skins, but I’ll say it again: Christopher Juul has mastered the mix between his electronic music production and the acoustic instruments in ways I’ve never thought possible. The two are somehow seamless and the mix from the front of house team is perfect. You are transported by the blend of music and incredible visuals and storytelling happening on stage. The aroma of the incense burned on-stage and the occasional sprinkles from the broken clouds above added even more layers to the rich sensual experience that enveloped the sold out crowd. Heilung was made for Red Rocks, the pairing could not be more perfect.

For now, it’s time for Heilung to return to their homes around the globe and rest. Next Heilung will enter a creative phase and craft their next presentation before heading out on a summer run through EU/AUS/NZ. With Maria Franz stating that this will be their last time in Vinland for “a while”, we will wait patiently, if not pensively, for their next chapter.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO – 04/23/2024 Setlist:

Opening Ceremony
In Maidjan
Alfadhirhaiti
Asja
Krigsgaldr
Hakkerskaldyr
Svanrand
Fylgija Ear / Futhorck
Tenet
Traust
Anoana
Galgaldr
Elddansurin
Hamrer Hippyer
Closing Ceremony