Mugenkyo perform Taiko with manifest skill and awesome relentless energy. Having learned the ancient drumming techniques from Japanese master Kurumaya [Mugenkyo] showcases its musical presentation in totally modern style, making the esoteric thoroughly pop. Splendidly exploiting the theatrical potential of their intensely forceful drumming and mesmeric heat of the rhythm, they leap from drum to drum, dance around them with mini cymbals and handbells, and strike vivid gestures with choreographed force... Mugenkyo sustains its appeal right to the climax, winning thunderous applause.

 If there ever was a musical incarnation of raw physical power, Taiko drumming has to be it. Mugenkyo have brought their energetic Taiko performance to Edinburgh, receiving whoops of joy from its audiences. Taiko drumming is as much a physical spectacle as an aural one; the drummers use calculated, disciplined movements... Your whole body begins to reverberate as the soft patter of raindrops grows into a deep rumble. Just when you think it could not get any more powerful, it doubles in intensity. This show is not one to be missed. 

This latest show is something else. It is, unashamedly, drumming as theatre, but also drumming as an almost religious experience... exhilarating to behold. Even if you've seen them before, you'll be gobsmacked.

To play this music, you need to be seriously dedicated, not just to its musical disciplines but absolutely physically fit. This is not music for wimps. A tour de force of both music and stamina... If the tour bus is parked in your neighbourhood my advice is go to the gig and don't take the cotton wool.

 The members of Mugenkyo, Europe's only professional Taiko drumming group, perform with what seems an unlikely combination of reckless abandon and metronome-like precision. Armed with wooden sticks, they whack their drums - which range from small, bowl-sized instruments to others the size of boulders - in a combination of synchronised movements reminiscent of tai chi. But there is nothing tai chi-like about the sound: a heady, relentless and rigid beat over which complex counter-rhythms are steadily added. From a soft pitter-pattering evocative of a slight rainfall to a thundering, eardrum-bursting shudder loud enough to wake the gods, these musicans display a remarkable control, with not a beat out of place anywhere. 

 In the hands of Mugenkyo, Japanese taiko drumming becomes a totality, taking in everything from music to performance... Rules were made to be broken, and Mugenkyo do it with panache... with their costumes and startling choreography 

I'm glad I was sat down - because other wise I would have fallen down.  Blown away and then some.  Puttin' it down like James Brown, bang on the money.

This elevated drumming to a whole new level, visceral, organic, am not sure how to really describe it but it was pure symmetry and poetry combined. It was a wonderful experience and oddly enough, extremely moving too.

I was at the Sage Gateshead last night and I have to say that the Mugenkyo ensemble were truly fantastic. I've seen several other taiko troupes, and none of them provide the entertainment of Mugenkyo, and more importantly, none of them make the drums live and speak like Mugenkyo. I felt privileged to have been present at the performance. Thank you. The standing ovation was deserved.

 I attend many performances of various types, opera, ballet, music - classical and modern, comedy, modern dance etc wherever I can… [Your] show was superlative, astonishing, amazing and truly spectacular - aurally and visually. 

The [World of Gods] collaboration was inspired and awesome, and the musicianship & timing was just wonderful… long may you continue to stir the spirit and the soul!

An evening that turned out to be profound and deeply resonant. We were all completely overwhelmed by it all the way through and your skill, respect and sheer enjoyment of the drum moved many to tears in the incredible sound you produced. You blew the roof off and we can't wait to see you again!

I can't tell you how much we both enjoyed it, it was incredible. For me it was a very spiritual experience and one of the most amazing shows I have seen. It transported me to another place and time.