Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
As we set off from the North West on our journey via car, it seems a bit odd given that we are on our way to see two exceptional bands who base their music on Mongolian and Norse ancestry respectively, it feels like we really should be making our way via horseback or longboat. The Hu’s well-deserved rise to acclaim is evident in that they first played in the Limelight 1 in 2019 and then played in The Ulster Hall in 2022 and tonight’s venue The Belfast Telegraph Building will be their biggest audience in Norn Iron to date. On reaching the venue we observe that the queue runs the entire way down and around the block and yet the mizzle of rain does not seem to deter the excited punters. It’s always a great sign to see such a strong attendance for a support band.
SKÁLD’s stage set up is immediately eye catching as we can see the various traditional instruments such as the talharpa and lyre, large frame drums and shamanic hide drums and drums hanging mid-air. There is a real air of excitement and chat around what do we know of the upcoming support band. SKÁLDhave been spreading their ancient acoustics and Norse influence since 2018 and originate from France. SKÁLD comprise of Christophe Voisin-Boisvinet – composer, drums, fiddles and harp, Steeve Petit – drums, vocals, Marie Potosniak – Lead vocal, fiddles, Marti Ilmar Uibo – drums, vocals and Guillaume Levy – bouzouki. SKÁLD’s latest album ‘Ørlǫg’ was released September 2026 and as the image is projected onto the backdrop we will be guaranteed songs from their newest release.
SKÁLD take to the stage and we are immediately immersed in Norse ambience. The deep throat chanting from the lads is equally matched by the ethereal and at times lamenting choral cries of Potosniak. The band are hypnotic to watch as they remain in character throughout their thirty-minute set.
The multi-instrumentalists are impressive and passionate in their delivery of their Norse composed songs. ‘O Valhalla’ was a spellbinding track and the combination of instruments including the drone, I suspect, of a didgeridoo, was a real treat and we feel like we are ready to march into battle. Although each band member was equally impressive to watch, such as Petit’s extra-long curly locks almost covering the shamanic hide drums as he headbanged along to his thunderous beats, watching Uibo was spectacular, as he stood stoically whilst pounding the drums to his front and suspended behind him, as if a sacrifice was looming.
A SKÁLDis an ancient Scandinavian poet who served in courts during the Viking ages and completed complex verses and recorded historical deeds. SKÁLD have certainly lived up to their name tonight. Judging by how mesmerised we the crowd are as during their set we are transported to primeval Scandinavian times. When I close my eyes feel like I am in an episode of the incredible tv programme Vikings. If you get a chance to catch SKÁLD on tour do not miss the opportunity to feel like you’re marching or sailing alongside these Norsemen and shield maiden. As the lights reappear and the dry ice begins to dissipate, we all marvel in what has just been a tremendous set. As usual the break is used for refreshments, minus the Viking drinking horns and merch purchases. The stage is a hive of activity as the hard-working crew dismantle and prepare the stage for the arrival of The Hu.
The HU formed in 2016 – it’s hard to believe it’s only been a mere ten years since these Hunnu metal warriors have been on the scene. The Hu have three full-length albums to date, their latest being ‘Hun’ released in July 2016. The Hu, inspired by Xiongnu, merge traditional Mongolian instruments such as the tovshuur, morin khurr and tuvan throat singing along with their love of Heavy Metal. They have covered two Metallica tracks ‘Sad but True’ and ‘Through the Never’ and The Trooper’ by Iron Maiden with their own Mongolian twist by using their traditional instruments and converting the well know lyrics to Mongolian. The Hu are also amassing quite the list of featured singers such as Serj Tankain (System of a Down) , Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach) Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) and William DuVall (Alice in Chains). The Hu sing exclusively in their native tongue integrating poetry and Mongolian war cries.
The Hu’s original founding members consist of Galbadrakh Tsendbaatar – morin khuur, tsuur and throat singing, Nyamjantsan Galsanjamts – tumur khuur, tsuur and throat singing, Enkhsaikhan Batjargal – morin khuur and throat singing and Temuulen Naranbaatar – tovshuur and backing vocals. The lads are accompanied by four other touring musicians which provides a mighty stage presence. The Hu launch into their intro and receive a huge Belfast welcome. The band showcase a number of new tracks from their ‘Hun’ album including ‘Lost Soul’, ‘Horsemen’, ‘Grey Hun, ‘The Real You’ and Echoes of my Father’ which I would consider to be the closest track to a ballad by The Hu, its sentimental yet inspirational.
The Hu possess a number of immense anthemic tracks such as ‘Black Thunder’ which sees the Belfast crowds’ fists in the air and the beginnings of a mosh pit. In between the songs cries of ‘Hu’ ring throughout the venue much to the delight of the humble band. The backdrop introduces each song in both Mongolian and English accompanied by immersive videos which are a perfect complement to the heavy and passionate songs of The Hu. Again, the Belfast fans are ready to follow in a united March with the battle cries of the talented and powerful Hunnu Metallers. The later part of the set tonight receives a dedicated fan reception for the songs that initially gained momentum for The Hu like ‘Yuve Yuve’, ‘Wolf Totem’ and ‘This Is Mongol’, the crowd explode into chanting and become engrossed in the electric atmosphere and ancestral instrumentation.
Having listened to The Hu’s catalogue I thought I knew what to expect but seeing the band live tonight was another level – I was blown away by their sheer intensity, the power of their layered drums and throat singing and how these extremely talented warriors create this wall of enigmatic sound. Surprisingly the modern instruments do not deflect from the traditional sound as the band are skilled in blending all instruments to create their trademark fusion. I will be honest and say that I was hoping to hear a cover song tonight and as the night was drawing to an end the band left the stage. The crowd chants ‘Hu’ desperate for more. The band reappear and ask if we would like one last song, whilst we beg for more there was activity in the background between the two drum stations – an enormous inflatable Mongolian warrior suddenly looms over the stage.
The yearned for encore was introduced by asking if we like Iron Maiden – then The Hu ripped into ‘The Trooper’ and the crowd go wild. What a song to end a phenomenal night with. Tonight’s diverse show was evidence that despite both bands singing in their beautiful native tongue this did not affect our enjoyment, if anything it guided us on a fantastical and commanding journey to Mongolia and Scandinavia.
What a night! Gigs like these do not come around too often unfortunately, don’t miss the chance to revel in the beauty and enormous power of both bands on this current tour.
Photography by MPM
