An Invocation of the Ancient: Eivør and Heilung Conjure Ritual at Brixton Academy

Words and Pictures: Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media

London’s O2 Academy Brixton, a venue steeped in its own rich history of legendary performances, felt different on the night of April 15th, 2025. The air hummed, both spiritually and nasally. OIt wasn’t just the usual pre-gig excitement, but with a unique blend of reverence and primal anticipation the audience was definitely primed for an atmospheric show. The nasal element came courtesy of the amount of sage burning during the headliners opening ceremony. It may have stung the eyes and burnt the nose hairs somewhat given the amount in use but there’s no denying it all added to what would be one of the most fascinating gigs I think I’ve ever attended. The pairing of Faroese powerhouse Eivør and the enigmatic collective Heilung promised an evening that transcended mere entertainment, hinting at something deeper, more elemental. It delivered on that promise with breathtaking intensity catching me completely by surprise.

Eivør

Opening the proceedings was Eivør Pálsdóttir, a force of nature in her own right. Stepping (although at times it felt like she was simply gliding) onto the stage with an unassuming grace that quickly transformed into commanding presence, Eivør wove a sonic tapestry that was both ethereal and fiercely grounded. Her set traversed the landscapes of her diverse discography, blending traditional Faroese sounds with electronic textures and soaring, crystalline vocals that seemed to echo from ancient fjords. A true example of how traditional, historical musical styles can work so well when blended with modern elements. The electronic angle took nothing away from the performance and probably opened Eivør up to a myriad of new fans as well. Tracks like “Trøllabundin” showcased her incredible vocal range and percussive mastery, holding the packed Brixton audience captive. She created an atmosphere of intimate grandeur, a perfect transition before the full-blown ritualistic immersion that was to follow. The crowd, already receptive, swayed and cheered, clearly mesmerised by her unique artistry. She didn’t just warm up the stage; she consecrated it in her own way.

Then, the shift began. As Eivør’s gear was cleared, an almost palpable change occurred in the room. The chatter subsided, replaced by a focused, expectant silence. This wasn’t just waiting for the headliner; it felt like the gathering of a congregation. And when the lights finally dimmed entirely, plunging Brixton into near-total darkness punctuated only by the scent of burning sage, the transformation was complete.

SETLIST : Jarðartrá / Hugsi bert um teg / Salt / Í Tokuni / Hymn 49 / Trøllabundin / Enn / Upp Úr Øskuni

Heilung

Heilung’s entrance is unlike any other in modern music. It begins not with a roar of guitars or a blast of drums, but with a solemn, deliberate ceremony. It’s something that the independent photographers have not been allowed to cover before. This opening ritual is absolutely central to understanding the Heilung experience and its profound effect on the audience. It felt at times like we were intruding by capturing it on camera and it’s easy to understand how Native Americans used to think that cameras imprisoned the soul in the film, it really felt like we were witnessing something very very personal to everyone present. One by one, the members emerged from the gloom, clad in their striking, historically inspired attire – antlers, furs, ritualistic markings. The stage became a sacred space, delineated by smoke and low, resonant chants.

If not for the fact that the venue was so well known to me, Brixton Academy inside feels like you’re witnessing a performance in the grounds of a Mediterranean villa thanks to the stage architecture above and at the sides. However for Heilung’s set, we were transported to the middle of the woods, to an open clearing complete with trees, foliage and much more. When the lights dimmed and the smoke from the sage started to waft across the room, the illusion was complete. Central to the ceremony is the purification and invocation. Led by Kai Uwe Faust, his voice a low, guttural vibration that seems to emanate from the earth itself, the ritual involves smudging the stage and the participants with burning sage or other herbs. This act of cleansing serves to demarcate the space and time, separating it from the mundane world outside. Then comes the spoken invocation, a moment of profound connection. While the specific words may vary, the core message resonates universally: a call for unity, respect for nature, ancestors, and each other. The phrase often heard, “Remember that we are all brothers,” spoken clearly and calmly, cut through the charged atmosphere.

For the attendees, this opening ceremony is far more than just an intro. It’s the key that unlocks the entire experience. In a world saturated with passive entertainment, Heilung demands active participation, albeit on a spiritual and emotional level. The ritual serves multiple purposes: it sets the intention for the evening, transforming a rock venue into a temporary temple. When silence is required, it can be possible to hear a pin drop. When participation is needed, ritualistic chants are uttered and cries resonate as audiences invest in the performances. It fosters a sense of community amongst the diverse crowd, individuals from all walks of life united in this shared, ancient-feeling moment. It’s a grounding act, encouraging presence and mindfulness, asking the audience to leave behind their daily stresses and fully immerse themselves.

For many, particularly those drawn to pagan, historical, or nature-based spiritual paths, it is a deeply moving affirmation of their connection to something older and more significant than modern life often allows. The reverence in the room during these opening moments is tangible; phones are down, eyes are fixed, and a collective breath seems to be held. It establishes that this is not just a performance to be watched, but a ritual to be felt.

Once the ceremony concluded, the amplified history truly began. Heilung’s performance is a visceral onslaught, a meticulously researched and powerfully reimagined journey into the sounds and spirit of Iron Age and Viking Age Europe. The percussive battery, huge frame drums, rattling bones, resonant wood, creates rhythms that are simultaneously complex and deeply primal, tapping into something innate within the listener. Maria Franz’s voice soared, shifting from ethereal whispers and haunting calls to powerful, almost shamanic chants, perfectly counterpointing Faust’s astonishing throat singing and spoken word narratives. The stagecraft was mesmerising, a constant interplay of light, shadow, smoke, and movement, with the warrior performers adding a dynamic, intimidating energy.

And the crowd? The reaction to a Heilung gig is as unique as the band itself. The usual concert behaviours are largely absent. There was little moshing or aggressive jostling. Instead, there was a deep, collective immersion. People swayed, eyes closed, lost in the hypnotic rhythms. During louder, more intense passages, the energy was palpable, a contained, focused power rather than chaotic release. In quieter moments, a respectful hush fell over Brixton, allowing the intricate details, the rustle of leaves, the crackle of fire sounds, the subtle vocal harmonies, to be fully absorbed. There was an undeniable sense of unity, a shared journey. Strangers stood shoulder-to-shoulder, bound by the sonic ritual unfolding before them. It felt less like an audience observing a band and more like participants witnessing, and in a way, co-creating, a ceremony. The focus, encouraged by the band themselves, was on the shared experience, not on capturing fleeting digital souvenirs. On the latter point, the lack of screens was notable. There was no enforced removal (unlike the recent gigs from Ghost), instead the crowd recognised the beauty of the moment and responded in kind.

The performance felt both timeless and fleeting. Heilung transported Brixton Academy across centuries, conjuring visions of misty forests, ancient battlefields, and communal hearths. The combination of Eivør’s captivating folk artistry and Heilung’s profound ritualistic performance created an evening that resonated on a level far deeper than most concerts. It was a reminder of the power of shared human experience, the enduring call of our ancestral roots, and the possibility of finding the sacred in the most unexpected of modern spaces. Leaving the venue, the lingering scent of sage and the echo of primal drums served as a potent reminder of the magic conjured, a truly unforgettable invocation.