Meet the Hu
It’s high time that the world puts some respect on The HU’s name.
We’re talking about the raging Mongolian folk-rock band that’s bringing throat-singing and ancestral instruments to the heavy metal scene!
Unlike the heavy metal staples of lyricism that are zesty and hardcore with themes about violence, high-strung partying, drugs, and social/interpersonal rebellion, The HU defies traditional expectations of the genre by representing Indigenous Asians and recognizing the beauty and versatility of non-Western musical instruments.
Utilizing instruments such as Tovshuur and Morin khuur in addition to various layers of Mongolian throat singing, The HU crafts hardcore masterpieces that oftentimes embody themes of empowerment, self-reflection, or at times even chronicle historical Mongolian legends, figures, and oral tales. Most people overlook the Mongolian nation, oftentimes jumbling all Asian identities together as a monolith. And that’s far from the truth! Countries with rich histories like Mongolia deserve a spot in the global limelight and The HU excels in bringing traction to Mongolian music, Indigenous tribes, and the country’s history.
The band, consisting of Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaata, Temuulen "Temka" Naranbaatar, Nyamjantsan "Jaya" Galsanjamts, and Enkhsaikhan "Enkush" Batjargal, modernizes a sacred tradition with booming vocals, fierce bass, and showcases the beauty and design of their instruments in almost every video they’ve released thus far.
Smash singles like “Wolf Totem”, “Black Thunder”, and “Song of Women” have peaked massive international attention with hundreds of millions of views, plays, and shares all across Facebook , Twitter, and YouTube. The practice of throat singing symbolizes cultural intimacy and the maintenance of important traditions. It is a skill that requires consistency, and when in action is magnificent to experience!
Emanating the surrounding sounds of nature, The HU’s form of throat singing pays homage to former Mongolian empires like that of the Xiongnu Empire, monumental historical leaders like Genghis Khan, and the tales of communal hardships, independent strifes, and empowerment to continue on one’s journey to greatness. Song after song, the vivid thumping of bass, layered with a genuine story being told in Mongolian transcends the ears of many across all backgrounds.
It’s comforting and invigorating to experience an oral tradition that was once fading away due to colonialism, Western expansionism, and white-washing. To have this practice in the mainstream does justice to obscured Indigenous POC. Heavy metal is the perfect avenue for this badass band!
The HU’s first studio album, The Gereg is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube music!
