Heilung photographed at O2 Apollo Manchester in 2025.

This was my second time seeing Heilung, and they were just as mesmerising as the first—if anything, the impact felt stronger with the familiarity of knowing what was coming, yet still being completely drawn into it.

A Heilung performance isn’t a traditional concert. It unfolds more like a ritual. From the moment they step onto the stage, the focus shifts away from conventional performance and toward ancient symbolism, storytelling, and collective experience. The stage becomes a kind of sacred space—adorned with natural materials, ritual objects, and performers who move with purpose rather than choreography. There’s a sense that everything you’re witnessing has meaning, even if it isn’t immediately understood.

From a photographer’s perspective, it’s a gift—visually rich, constantly evolving, and unlike anything else. The combination of firelight tones, deep shadows, smoke, and dramatic costuming creates frames that feel almost otherworldly. Faces painted, bodies moving in unison, rhythmic drumming building intensity—every element contributes to images that look more like scenes from another time than a modern gig.

The seated nature of the event changed the dynamic slightly. Without a traditional pit, movement was more restricted, and shooting positions had to be found around the venue rather than from a fixed front-of-stage position. It required a bit more awareness and adaptability—working angles carefully, avoiding disruption, and making the most of whatever vantage point was available.

That said, one of the most appreciated aspects was the band allowing photographers to shoot the entire set. It’s increasingly rare, and for a performance like this, it makes all the difference. The show builds gradually, layering sound and intensity, and some of the most powerful visual moments come later on. Being able to stay and document that progression properly allows you to tell a much more complete story.