Eternal Return

Taiko drumming is punctuated by chants and yells, encouraging players to perform with maximum energy. This commanding collection celebrates 20 years of the Mugenkyo troupe, and features some great recordings from live performances in Japan.

Eternal Return embraces innovation in the form of the modern soundscape of ‘Chronos’, while ‘Kaikigenkyo’ is a rousing full-ensemble composition celebrating the group’s relationship with teacher Masaaki Kurumaya Sensei. Guest flautist Nobuko Miyazaki provides a welcome tempering of the rumbling drum rhythms with Middle Eastern inspired melodies in ‘Shibu-Rokku’ and spine-tingling shinobue bamboo flute accompaniment to the celebratory ‘Matsuri’.

Overall, the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers balance between staying true to the roots of a very traditional Japanese music and keeping the genre fresh and thought-provoking. Invigorating and inspiring, Eternal Return provides the ideal soundtrack to physical or mental exertion.