From Glastonbury to RIAA Gold Certification to tour and more, Mongolian rock band The HU is dominating the music scene around the world. Adding to its list of mounting successes, The HU released a deluxe edition of its 2022 album Rumble of Thunder on June 30 via Better Noise Music. The album adds seven new tracks and a music video to the original. With 20 songs on the tracklist, it’s impossible not to get hooked on The HU.
The HU was formed in 2016 with members Gala, Jaya, Enkush, and Temka. Since then, the band has continued to step up, accumulating accolades and accomplishments galore. The HU has amassed more than 329 million streams across digital platforms and attracted more than 290 million video views, too. It has taken the stage at Lollapalooza, Coachella, and many more, and it received Mongolia’s highest state award in 2022, the Order of Genghis Khan from Mongolia’s President Kh. Battulga. So it’s no surprise that The HU recently received RIAA Gold Certification for “Wolf Totem” (2019).
Rumble of Thunder: Deluxe Album includes tracks in its signature sound to acoustic versions, a pleasant contrast showing the extensive range of The HU’s skills as artists. And with appearances from guest artists — such as William DuVall of Alice In Chains, DL of Bad Wolves, LP (Laura Pergolizzi), and Serj Tankian — this album is legendary. The HU uses traditional Mongolian music elements, such as throat singing and instruments like the morin khuur or the tovshuur.
“This Is Mongol” kicks off the album with a moving beat and skillful instrumentation. It builds power that gets listeners moving and rocking along. The end of the song’s throat singing and rolling drumming is extremely satisfying, urging listeners to stay tuned for the next song on the album. It tells the story of a warrior, exuding a spirit of power. So far, this track is the most successful, already attracting almost four and a half million streams on Spotify alone. Later in the album, listed as number 14, The HU feature William DuVall of Alice In Chains on another version in “This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)”. DuVall’s vocals complement those of The HU’s well, with added lyrics in English.
We are warrior souls
Rolling like a river of fire (Монгол билээ)
We are warrior souls
Running down the dragon to slay~ “This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)” feat. William DuVall
Five tracks later, “This Is Mongol – Acoustic” showcases a slightly softer and more traditional instrumentation for the already established song. However, this version is no less powerful — The HU’s vocals and tone are no less commanding with the acoustic backing.
The second track, “YUT Hövende,” takes a slower tempo, yet it is bursting with intensity. The electric guitar and heavy percussion build throughout the song, just what fans loved about the original. With breaks for riffs, The HU packs a lot of strength into one track. Next up is “Triangle,” which has an immediately hooking catchy beat. The rhythm is mesmerizing, urging listeners to dance along. Then, “Teach Me” starts gently, spotlighting string instruments before easing into vocals and building a stronger rhythm and bouncing tempo. The song’s flow is immaculate, and when the band members sing in union, the harmony exemplifies perfection.
“Upright Destined Mongol” marks amped-up energy with this song about achieving success and wealth. In Rumble of Thunder, the energy never falls with songs like this. “Sell The World” has a more somber tone with a serious, intense mood featuring warrior-like chants.
The seventh track, “Black Thunder,” is featured in four versions across the album. It starts off with cracking thunder and strong vocals before electric guitar enters. The song’s vigor is moving, which “Black Thunder – Extended” builds upon. Its nine minutes offer high energy and a robust experience. The acoustic version of “Black Thunder” creates a more stripped version, centering The HU’s vocals and raw verve. Then “Black Thunder (feat. Serj Tankian and DL of Bad Wolves)” adds the heavy metal influences and vocals of both guest artists. In this song, warriors mightily fight through ups and downs.
For the father, to the living
For the prayers of new beginnings
To the ones who sing our song
We are the warriors~ “Black Thunder (feat. Serj Tankian and DL of Bad Wolves)”
“Mother Nature” is soft and gentle, a shift from The HU’s characteristic intensity. The song is beautiful and feels warm and comforting. The song relates the mother-child relationship to the connection between humans and the Earth, according to The HU. Mothers are granted high respect and are believed to protect their children from the dead, a “limitless love” that shines through in “Mother Nature.” The HU also included an acoustic version on this album, which they released earlier this year to celebrate World Earth Day and having been named UNESCO’s “Artist of Peace” for 2023. The band members also announced they would be planting 12,000 trees in Southeastern Mongolia in partnership with SHAMBALA E2056 Engineering Campus, as The HU is committed to support positive change and respect for the environment. Then, “Mother Nature (feat LP)” features alluring, angelic vocals from renowned singer-songwriter LP.
I was beyond honored to join The Hu on their beautiful song and contribute some words and vocals on an already gorgeous tribute to our precious planet.
~ LP
The accompanying music video for “Mother Nature (feat LP)” alternates between an intimate studio setting and breathtaking visuals of the natural world. It inspires awe and respect for the Earth, as the song explores.
“Bii Biyelgee” is full of life, the high-spirited effervescence that draws so many to The HU. The accompanying acoustic version later in the album is just as bouncy. Both versions can’t help but make listeners feel good.
On “Segee,” The Hu shows off its instrumentation skills. Low-toned vocals and a driving beat draw in listeners before the song escalates in volume, tone, and energy. “Shihi Hutu” is one of The HU’s more heavy songs, maximizing that rock feel for seven minutes. Starting with the sound of horses running and neighing, and people grunting, “TATAR Warrior” is a unique song. The intensity shoots up for a thrilling track.
Now, The HU is traveling around Europe, bringing explosive energy to the stage. Fans in the U.S. are lucky, as The HU will return to The States this fall, co-headlining the “Psycho Thunder” tour with British rock band Asking Alexandria. Tickets are available now, with offerings from August 30 to October 8, with destinations stretching across both coasts.
Stay up to date with what’s next from The HU on the band’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Photo credit: Khishigsuren Baasan
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