Heilung

Heilung is a transnational collective (Denmark, Norway, Germany) that has redefined neofolk through their self-described 'amplified history.' Founded in 2014 by Kai Uwe Faust and Christopher Juul, later joined by Maria Franz, the group utilizes archaeological texts from the Viking and Iron Ages as lyrical foundations.

Their sound identity is defined by the use of unconventional, historically-accurate instruments including human bones, clay rattles containing ashes, and shields. Musically, they occupy a space between ritual ambient, tribal folk, and experimental soundscapes, often eschewing traditional song structures for long-form, trance-inducing compositions. Their rise to prominence was fueled by their 2017 Castlefest performance, which became a viral sensation and established them as a premier live act in the metal and folk circuits. Critically, they are lauded for their uncompromising authenticity and the high production value Juul brings from his background in electronic music, which subtly underpins the organic textures. They represent a significant cultural bridge between modern experimental music and ancient European heritage.