The Hu w/ Skald @ Manchester O2 Apollo, Manchester- 10/10/26
"The sounds of the Mongolian steppes and Viking mysticism descend upon Manchester O2 Apollo as The Hu and Skald fuse metal mayhem and shamanic folk sensibilities for a truly special night."
Support slots are sometimes sparsely attended or punctuated by chatter, crowds waiting patiently (or not) for headliners: But not tonight. Skald have pretty much filled the Apollo, holding the crowd’s rapt attention throughout, applause building with every track.
For the uninitiated, Skald are French, their name translating as storyteller or poet in Old Norse. Playing traditional instruments, their music’s folk inspired but with a heaviness akin to metal. There’s little communication and the lyrics, mostly sung in Old Norse are beyond comprehension, steeped in Viking mythology and ancient sagas.
But it doesn’t matter. It’s their sound that cuts through. Powered by pulsating percussion and drones, there’s an irresistible force driving every track onward with immense power. Topped by bowed instruments, horns and vocal chants veering between angelic and guttural, it’s atmospheric, mystical, and utterly mesmerizing.
Their forty minute set is over far too soon, culminating in deafening applause. When they next visit the UK, don’t expect to find them supporting. They’re a headline act in the making.
The Hu’s front line may ooze tradition; instruments and Mongol warrior garb, but the Apollo’s lead in soundtrack yells metal! War Pigs, Sad But True, and Pantera’s Walk. The crowd are up for it before the band hit on stage and as the lights dim chants of Hu, Hu, Hu echo around the art deco building.
Where Skald meld folk and Viking tradition, The Hu fuse Mongolian heritage with an unashamedly metal attitude. And opening number, Lost Soul is pure mid paced, chugging rock. Horsemen which follows, gallops along rhythmically, picking up pace as the first of tonight’s impressive visual backstage projections flickers into life.
The Same is slower, more spiritual, more atmospheric, and more “Mongolian,” as the band play before thunderous storm clouds with lightning crashing, with traditional bowed instruments dominating the sound.
Shadow heralds a great mix of sound and vision as a giant black silhouette operating a crucificial shadowy marionette looms behind the band; its arms twitching in synch with the rhythm. A little later, Warrior Chant brings instant recognition and tonight’s first hands in the air moment. Hordes of shadowy Mongol horse warriors fill the back projection, adding gravitas to the ominous vibe. Below, the musicians play in an eerie half-light with the crowd punching the air before them.
Echoes of My Father follows, slowing the pace in a tribute to fathers and ancestors. Gutteral throat singing’s juxtaposed with delicate interplay between instruments ancient and modern. Amid the show’s stomping and fist pumping, it’s a spiritual, almost ethereal interlude. Of course it doesn’t last and The Real You comes across as some kind of mutant thrash metal.
Black Thunder’s an audio visual tour de force; for your reviewer, a real high point. The music; it’s ominous and awash with dark presence, driven on by wailing bowed instruments and abrasive throat singing. Above and behind, lightning flashes and searchlights pierce the darkness. Band and audience on a roll now as we head toward a climax.
Yuve Yuve Yu hits like a juggernaut. The irrepressible rhythm sets feet moving while the chorus is just made for chanting. As The Hu urge us on it becomes one of those communal hands in the air experiences. Bathed in a sea of red light, there’s something primal in Wolf Totem’s unworldly chant that transports us to distant worlds, way beyond the dank Manchester night. But metal in the Hu is never far away and closing number This is Mongol is unashamedly rock, turning the Apollo into a sea of air punching fists.
But of course they’re not done yet. The inevitable encore brings Genghis Khan to the stage; or at least a huge inflatable statue. And the music; a cover of Iron Maiden’s The Trooper, with Mongolian lyrics: Seemingly a strange choice but perhaps not. The two bands have an affinity and shared history combined with the mutual respect of their audiences. Just ask anyone who witnessed The Hu’s show stealing performance as Maiden’s guests at Knebworth this summer.
And tonight’s reception? Instant recognition and ensuing pandemonium.
Tonight’s been one of those special gigs where support and headline acts really gel. It’s been a night where tradition and rock sensibilities combine to create something truly special, the sum far greater than its parts. The Hu and Skald are both advocates of cultural heritage, guardians of tradition. But tonight’s been a night when music transcends language, where sound and the power of performance eclipse national boundaries to become truly international.
Seeing The Hu at close quarters is to experience a force of nature. Expect to see them filling arenas and headlining festivals before too long.
Photo and Words: by Trev Eales
