This past Saturday evening, Lycabettus Theatre hosted something truly extraordinary. Heilung, the renowned experimental pagan folk ensemble, brought their highly anticipated ritual performance to Athens, creating an otherworldly experience.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
Anticipation filled the air as fans ascended the hill of Lycabettus, eager to witness the celebrated live show. The theatre was nearly full by the time the clock approached nine. The crowd buzzed with excitement, ready to immerse themselves in the Nordic sensation that is Heilung. And they did not have to wait long—the magic began just after ten minutes past nine!
The opening of the performance was a sacred ceremony. Kai Uwe Faust, one of the core members of Heilung, took to the stage with incense in hand, initiating what would be a journey through ancient soundscapes. As the smoke curled into the night sky, a feeling of reverence settled over the audience. With the rest of the band and the collective joining Faust on stage, the ritual was officially underway.
For nearly two hours, Heilung transported the audience into a primordial world through their dark folk music. What set this performance apart was not just the unusual and archaic instruments they used but also the raw, primal energy that coursed through every moment. The combination of strange percussions, ritualistic chanting and hauntingly beautiful vocals created an atmosphere that felt ancient. There were no modern instruments in sight—no guitars, no basses, no keyboards. Instead, Heilung relied solely on the tools and sounds of centuries past, drawing the audience deeper into a world far removed from the present.
Central to the performance were the members of Heilung themselves. Christopher Juul’s work on sound design and atmosphere provided a rich, enveloping backdrop for the rest of the collective. Maria Franz’s ethereal vocals were nothing short of captivating, her voice soaring through the night and carrying the audience to distant, mystical places. Every note seemed to transport us to another realm, her presence commanding and tender, leading us through this sonic journey with grace.
The Heilung collective was equally mesmerizing in their theatrical performances, moving in unison, embodying the spirits and stories the music evoked. Their rituals on stage added depth and symbolism to the music, making the show a full-blown pagan spectacle that engaged all the senses.
One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of “Anoana” – the collective power of Heilung’s artistry was on full display and the audience was completely under its spell. It was as if time itself had ceased to exist, and we were left floating in a space between worlds, connected to something primal and profound.
By the time the show ended, Heilung thanked the audience and disappeared into the night, leaving everyone in a state of awe. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a multi-layered experience that transcended the boundaries of music, theater and ritual. As we made our way down the Lycabettus hill, the feeling of being part of something extraordinary stayed with us. Heilung’s performance was a reminder of the power of music not just to entertain, but to transport, to awaken, and to connect us to the deep, forgotten roots of our collective human story.
Concerts like these aren’t just remembered—they become part of you, etched in both heart and mind. For those lucky enough to have been there, Heilung’s performance at Lycabettus Theatre was a rare and precious moment, one that will live on in our mind forever.
