The Hu

The Hu (stylized as The HU) is a Mongolian folk metal band formed in 2016. Incorporating traditional Mongolian instrumentation, including the morin khuur, the tovshuur, and throat singing, the band calls their style of music "hunnu rock", a term inspired by the Xiongnu, an ancient tribal confederation of uncertain origins, known as Hünnü in Mongolia. Some of the band's lyrics include old Mongolian war cries and poetry. The Hu consists of Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar, Nyamjantsan "Jaya" Galsanjamts, Enkhsaikhan "Enkush" Batjargal, and Temuulen "Temka" Naranbaatar. They have released the studio albums The Gereg (2019) and Rumble of Thunder (2022).
History
Beginnings: 2016–2019
The Hu released two videos on YouTube in late 2018: "Yuve Yuve Yu" and "Wolf Totem". On 11 April 2019, "Wolf Totem" reached #1 on Billboards Hard Rock Digital Song Sales, making the Hu the first Mongolian musical act to top a Billboard chart. In addition, "Yuve Yuve Yu" reached #7 on the same chart, while "Wolf Totem" debuted at #22 on Billboards Hot Rock Songs chart.
On 17 May 2019, the Hu met Mongolian president Khaltmaagiin Battulga, who congratulated the band for their accomplishments in promoting the country. On 6 June 2019, the band released the lyric video for their third single, "Shoog Shoog". In June and July 2019, they performed 23 concerts in twelve European countries. The band released the music video for their fourth single, "The Great Chinggis Khaan", on 23 August 2019.
The Gereg (2019–2021)
The Hu released their first studio album, titled The Gereg, on 13 September 2019, via Eleven Seven Records. Gereg is a term used for a diplomatic passport from the time of Genghis Khan. The band subsequently embarked on their first North American tour, from September to December 2019. On 4 October, they issued a new version of "Yuve Yuve Yu", featuring vocals by Danny Case of From Ashes to New. On 13 December, the band released a remix of "Wolf Totem", featuring Papa Roach lead vocalist, Jacoby Shaddix. This version was featured in the horror film The Retaliators. On 1 May 2020, a remix of "Song of Women", featuring Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, was released online.
On 27 November 2019, the Hu received the highest state award in Mongolia, the Order of Genghis Khan, for promoting Mongolian culture around the world. On 28 June 2020, the band uploaded their COVID-19 relief effort fundraising concert on YouTube. In an interview before the event, the band stated they plan to release their second album in 2021. In July, a Simlish version of their song "The Legend of Mother Swan", performed by Myrkur, was featured in the video game The Sims 4, as part of the "Nifty Knitting" stuff pack. On 3 December 2020, the band released a cover version of Metallica's "Sad but True".
In 2020, the Hu were selected as one of 53 artists to participate in Metallica's thirtieth anniversary album, The Metallica Blacklist. They contributed a cover of "Through the Never" to the album, which was released on 1 October 2021. All profits from the album's sales were donated to charity, with each contributing band choosing a particular cause. The Hu selected the Giving Day Charity Fund.
In September and October 2021, the band returned to North America for the Hun Tour, their first live performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They played a selection of songs from The Gereg and their forthcoming studio album, Rumble of Thunder.
Rumble of Thunder (2022–present)
On 12 May 2022, the Hu released the single "This Is Mongol". "Black Thunder" followed on 8 July, and the band announced their second album, Rumble of Thunder, which came out on 2 September.
On 10 February 2023, they released their music video for "This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)", featuring William DuVall of Alice in Chains on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. On 30 March, they issued a remix of "Black Thunder", featuring Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz of Bad Wolves and Serj Tankian of System of a Down.
Star Wars Jedi
The Hu's music is used in two video games from the Star Wars universe: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023). Several of their songs can be heard during gameplay, performed by the in-game band the Agasar. These include "Hohochu", "Sugaan Essena" ("Black Thunder"), and "Eseerin Vasahina".
Band members
Current
Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar – morin khuur, throat singing (2016–present)
Nyamjantsan "Jaya" Galsanjamts – tumur hhuur, tsuur, throat singing (2016–present)
Enkhsaikhan "Enkush" Batjargal – morin khuur, throat singing (2016–present)
Temuulen "Temka" Naranbaatar – tovshuur, backing vocals (2016–present)
Touring members
Unumunkh "Ono" Maralkhuu – percussion, tumur hhuur, backing vocals (2019–present)
Jambaldorj "Jamba" Ayush – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present)
Nyamdavaa "Davaa" Byambaa – bass, backing vocals (2020–present)
Odbayar "Odko" Gantumur – drums (2019–present)
Former touring members
Batkhuu Batbayar – bass, backing vocals (2019–2020)
Discography
Studio albums
Singles
Music videos
Video games
References
External links
Mongolian heavy metal musical groups
2016 establishments in Mongolia
Folk metal musical groups
Musical groups established in 2016
Musical quartets