Album Review: Heilung – Lifa Iotungard (Live at Red Rocks 2021) (Season of Mist)

Heilung don’t play shows. They perform rituals and since 2015, they have been captivating audiences with their unique and mystifying sound, self-described as ‘amplified history’. Heilung now perform their rituals all over the world, one such one occurring in 2021 at historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. This performance, alongside another at the Apollo Theatre in Hammersmith, London, will be released on vinyl, CD and Blu-Ray on August 9th, 2024.

What can be possibly said about Heilung that hasn’t already been said by countless people who have experienced their unique sound? You don’t listen to Heilung, you experience Heilung, and nowhere is that better proved than with their live show. Where the word ‘ritual’ is apt, and not just a hipster way to describe a live show.

Have you been immersed within the ancient and powerful world of Heilung live? If so, it will come as no surprise to learn that this live recording captures the essence of this band perfectly. Not just sounding immeasurably big, but immensely deep, and almost not of this world. The sense of grandeur, thanks in part to a recording that captures the cavernous location, is remarkable.

It’s also extremely pleasurable to find that this live recording actually sounds live, which might sound silly, but far too many live releases have a studio sheen and filter out the cheers and roars of an audience. Not this one though, and the sense of actually being there, is felt. As far as ‘live’ goes, this is one of the better modern-day examples, especially as Heilung are such an immersive band.

There’s no short-changing here either and the entire runtime comes in at around 83-minutes. You’re getting your fill of Heilung, even though for many, it still won’t be enough. Their fanbase can be rabid, but to be fair, it’s very hard to argue against the quality of Heilung. Even if you don’t buy into the hype and don’t particularly understand the appeal of their music, most will be able to recognise the unique nature of what they do and why that captures the imagination of so many people.

If you still need convincing though, this live recording will certainly go some way to helping with that. Capturing the essence of a Heilung ritual perfectly. Who won’t find themselves thumping their chest along to the beat of Hakkerskaldyr, mesmerised by the harmonised vocals of Svanrand, or overcome with emotion via the power of Alfadhirhaiti and haunting Othan? Who won’t be enamoured with the beauty of Traust and thrilling by the elaborate Hamrer Hippyer?

There’s nothing like a Heilung ritual in the flesh, but this is the next best thing.

Heilung – Lifa Iotungard (Live at Red Rocks 2021) Track Listing:

1. Opening Ceremony
2. In Maidjan
3. Alfadhirhaiti
4. Krigsgaldr
5. Hakkerskaldyr
6. Svanrand
7. Norupo
8. Othan
9. Traust
10. Elddansurin
11. Hamrer Hippyer

Links

Amplified History Tour | Store | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Season of Mist