The undisputed amplifiers of ancient mythology Heilung have just released another song from the upcoming album Futha, out June 28, 2019. The almost ten-minute “Traust” fulfills the band’s promise Futha will deal with themes of feminine strength. Through an unmistakably clouded sonic atmosphere (complete with rattling percussion surely made from actual human bones) soar the clear female voices chanting the eddic poem Grógaldr, while the men gravely recite – almost like a ritornello – an incantation related to the Icelandic magical stave called Helm of Awe, used to protect warriors in battle. The literal content would be rich enough as is, but “Traust” also features the Old German Mersenburg charm, recounting the story of woman goddesses dísir helping warriors escape enemies.
To say this track is actual magic caught on tape is to say the least. The other tracks released earlier (“Norupo” and “Othan”) hint at Heilung at least partially returning to a rather rudimentary sound, stripped from the wilder electronic elements – perhaps it is time to head back to the roots of primeval forests. And there will be lots of chances to join the ritual, as new dates have been added to the 2019 European tour. Currently the list is as follows:
21 Jun 19 Copenhagen (DK) Copenhell Festival 2019
29 Jun 19 Helsinki (FI) Tuska 2019
09 Aug 19 Jaroměř (CZ) Brutal Assault
17 Aug 19 Borre (NO) Midgardsblot 2019
07 Sep 19 Selb (DE) Mediaval Festival 2019
19 Oct 19 Hameln (DE) Autumn Moon Festival 2019
22 Oct 19 Palladium (PL) Warschau
24 Oct 19 Berlin (DE) Admiralspalast
26 Oct 19 Essen (DE) Colosseum Theater
28 Oct 19 Munich (DE) Circus Krone
30 Oct 19 Prague (CZ) Hybernia
01 Nov 19 Halle (DE) Händelhalle
03 Nov 19 Vienna (AT) Der Globe
05 Nov 19 Zurich (CH) Volkshaus
07 Nov 19 Kiel (DE) Kieler Schloss
10 Nov 19 London (UK) Roundhouse
14 Nov 19 Utrecht (NL) Tivoli Vredenburg
17 Nov 19 Brussels (BE) AB
20 Nov 19 Paris (FR) Elysée Montmartre
06 Dec 19 Lviv (UA) Lviv State Circus
08 Dec 19 Kyiv (UA) Center of Culture and Arts NAU
18 Feb 20 York (UK) Descended from Odin Festival (Exact date TBA)