The Hu(stylized asThe HU;pronounced as "the who"[2]) is a Mongolianfolk metalband formed in 2016.[1][3]Incorporating traditional Mongolian instrumentation, including themorin khuur,thetovshuur,andthroat singing,[4][5]the band calls their style of music "hunnu rock", a term inspired by theXiongnu,an ancient nomadic empire based in Mongolia proper,[6]known as Hünnü in Mongolian. Some of the band's lyrics include old Mongolian war cries and poetry in the Mongolian language.[7][8]
The Hu | |
|---|---|
 The Hu performing in 2019. L–R: Temka, Gala, Jaya, Enkush | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia[1] |
| Genres | Folk metal |
| Years active | 2016–present[1] |
| Labels |
|
| Members |
|
| Website | www |
The Hu consists of Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar, Nyamjantsan "Jaya" Galsanjamts, Enkhsaikhan "Enkush" Batjargal, and Temuulen "Temka" Naranbaatar. They have released the studio albumsThe Gereg(2019) andRumble of Thunder(2022).
History
editBeginnings: 2016–2019
editThe four members of the Hu (Enkhsaikhan "Enkush" Batjargal, Nyamjantsan "Jaya" Galsanjamts, Temuulen "Temka" Naranbaatar, Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar) studied at the Mongolian State Music and Dance Conservatory, practicing throat singing and traditional Mongolian music.[9]The singer Bayarmagnai "Dashka" Dashdondog formed the band in 2016 as their producer and songwriter, selecting students from the conservatory.[9][10]With an interest in trying something new and a genre ofheavy metal musicpreviously banned from the country, they incorporated traditional instruments and drew inspiration from theHunnu empirein a style they called "Hunnu rock".[10][11][12]The band adopted the name the Hu (Mongolian for "human beings" ).[13]
We took the name because of the inclusive nature. It's not about being Mongolian; it's about being human.
— "Temka" Naranbaatar, 2019,The Guardian[9]
Gala's older brother, Tuga Namgur, would later be recruited as the band's interpreter and manager.[12]
The Hu released two videos onYouTubein late 2018: "Yuve Yuve Yu" and "Wolf Totem". On 11 April 2019, "Wolf Totem" reached #1 onBillboard'sHard Rock Digital Song Sales,making the Hu the first Mongolian musical act to top aBillboardchart. In addition, "Yuve Yuve Yu" reached #7 on the same chart, while "Wolf Totem" debuted at #22 onBillboard'sHot Rock Songschart.[1]
On 17 May 2019, the Hu metMongolian presidentKhaltmaagiin Battulga,who congratulated the band for their accomplishments in promoting the country.[14]On 6 June 2019, the band released the lyric video for their third single, "Shoog Shoog".[15]In June and July 2019, they performed 23 concerts in twelve European countries.[citation needed]The band released the music video for their fourth single, "The GreatChinggis Khaan",on 23 August 2019.[16]
The Gereg(2019–2021)
editThe Hu released their first studio album, titledThe Gereg,on 13 September 2019, viaEleven Seven Records.[17][18]Geregis a term used for a diplomatic passport from the time ofGenghis Khan.[12]In describing its sound, songwriter/producer Dashka claimed they sought to "find, study and incorporate as much of Mongolia's musical culture as they could into a rock style".[12]
The band subsequently embarked on their first North American tour, from September to December 2019, to promoteThe Gereg.[19]On 4 October, they issued a new version of "Yuve Yuve Yu", featuring vocals by Danny Case ofFrom Ashes to New.[20]On 13 December, the band released a remix of "Wolf Totem", featuringJacoby ShaddixofPapa Roach.[21]This version was featured in the horror filmThe Retaliators.[22]On 1 May 2020, a remix of "Song of Women", featuringLzzy HaleofHalestorm,was released online.[23]
On 27 November 2019, the Hu received the highest state award in Mongolia, theOrder of Genghis Khan,for promoting Mongolian culture around the world.[24]
While touring in Australia in April 2020, the band was forced into lockdown at anAirbnbnearSydneyfor 45 days due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[12][25]While there, they worked on the single "Black Thunder" and filmed a series of cooking videos titled "Hu's in the Kitchen", uploading them to their YouTube channel. On 28 June 2020, the band uploaded their COVID-19 relief fundraising concert on YouTube. In an interview before the event, they stated their plan to release their second album in 2021.[26]In July, aSimlishversion of their song "The Legend of Mother Swan", performed byMyrkur,was featured in the video gameThe Sims 4,as part of the "Nifty Knitting" stuff pack.[27]On 3 December 2020, the band released a cover version ofMetallica's "Sad but True".[28]
In 2020, the Hu were selected as one of 53 artists to participate in the tribute albumThe Metallica Blacklist,released on 1 October 2021 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Metallica's1991 self-titled album.[29]They contributed a cover of "Through the Never".[30]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.[30]
In September and October 2021, the band returned to North America for the Hun Tour,[31]their first live performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They played a selection of songs fromThe Geregand their forthcoming studio album,Rumble of Thunder.[32]
Rumble of Thunder(2022–present)
editOn 12 May 2022, the Hu released the single "This Is Mongol".[33]"Black Thunder" followed on 8 July, and the band announced their second album,Rumble of Thunder,which came out on 2 September.[34]Songwriter Dashka described modern society and ancestral history as inspirations for the album, with a goal of expanding the sound outlined inThe Gereg.[35]The band would return to Australia, where they spent lockdown in 2020, in August 2022.[25]
On 10 February 2023, they released their music video for "This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)", featuringWilliam DuVallofAlice in Chainson lead vocals and rhythm guitar.[36]On 30 March, they issued a remix of "Black Thunder", featuring Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz ofBad WolvesandSerj TankianofSystem of a Down.[37]
On 25 March 2024, British heavy metal bandIron Maidenannounced that the Hu would support them on the North American leg of their Future Past tour.[38]On 4 October, the band released a cover of Iron Maiden's 1983 single "The Trooper".[39]
Star Wars Jedi
editThe Hu's music is used in two video games from theStar Warsuniverse:Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order(2019) andStar 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".[40][41]
We were all fans ofStar Warsbeforehand. We started watching the movies at such young ages and all wanted to beLuke Skywalker.The character of Luke gives us a desire to be strong, honest men.
— "Gala" Tsendbaatar, 2020,Revolver[42]
The lyrics for "Sugaan Essena" were originally drafted in Mongolian and performed during live shows in Europe and North America. Following tour dates, the lyrics were rewritten in an alien language for use in the game.[42]Gala claimed the band "would love to perform it (the song) in theStar Warslanguage we created, but it would be too hard ".
Band members
editCurrent
- Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar –morin khuur,throat singing(2016–present)[43]
- 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
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [44] |
AUT [45] |
BEL (FL) [46] |
CAN [47] |
FIN [48] |
FRA [49] |
GER [50] |
SWI [51] |
UK [52] |
US [53] | ||
| The Gereg |
|
11 | 25 | 38 | 73 | 32 | 99 | 24 | 14 | 21 | 103 |
| Rumble of Thunder |
|
— | 38 | — | — | — | — | 38 | 18 | — | — |
EPs
edit| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| The Trooper |
|
Live albums
edit| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Live at Glastonbury |
|
Singles
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN Rock [54] |
US Main. [55] |
US Rock [56][57] |
US Rock Dig. [58] |
US World [59] | ||||
| "Yuve Yuve Yu" (solo or withFrom Ashes to New) |
2018 | 49 | 4 | 35 | 7 | 2 | The Gereg | |
| "Wolf Totem" (solo or withJacoby Shaddix) |
34 | 5 | 22 | 1 | 1 | |||
| "Shoog Shoog" | 2019 | — | — | — | — | 24 | ||
| "The Great Chinggis Khaan" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Song of Women" (solo or withLzzy Hale) |
2020 | — | — | — | — | 4 | ||
| "Sad but True" | — | — | — | — | 3 | Non-album single | ||
| "Through the Never" | 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | The Metallica Blacklist | |
| "This Is Mongol"[33] (solo or withWilliam DuVall) |
2022 | — | 7 | — | — | 9 | Rumble of Thunder | |
| "Black Thunder" (solo or withSerj TankianandDaniel "DL" Laskiewicz) |
— | 11 | — | — | 14 | |||
| "Bii Biyelgee" (Acoustic) | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Tatar Warrior" (Live) | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | Live at Glastonbury | |
| "The Trooper"[39] | — | — | — | — | — | The Trooper | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||
Music videos
edit| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "Yuve Yuve Yu" | The Gereg |
| "Wolf Totem" | ||
| "The Great Chinggis Khaan" | ||
| 2019 | "Yuve Yuve Yu" (featuring From Ashes to New) |
The Gereg(Deluxe Edition) |
| "Wolf Totem" (featuring Jacoby Shaddix) | ||
| 2020 | "Sad but True" | —
|
| 2022 | "This Is Mongol" | Rumble of Thunder |
| "Black Thunder Part 1" | ||
| "Black Thunder Part 2" | ||
| "Bii Biyelgee" | ||
| 2023 | "This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls)" (featuring William DuVall) |
Rumble of Thunder(Deluxe Edition) |
| "Black Thunder" (featuring Serj Tankian and Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz] | ||
| "Sell the World" | Rumble of Thunder | |
| 2024 | "Upright Destined Mongol" | |
| "The Trooper" | The Trooper(EP) |
Video games
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order | The Agasar | In-universe band |
| 2023 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | The Agasar | In-universe band |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdRutherford, Kevin (18 April 2019)."The Hu Brings Mongolian Metal to No. 1 on Hard Rock Digital Song Sales Chart".Billboard.Retrieved19 April2019.
- ^McGreevy, Ronan (14 February 2020)."Meet the Hu: the Mongolian metal band conquering the world".The Irish Times.
- ^"Mongolian metal sensation the Hu discuss their musical influences".puregrainaudio.Retrieved14 September2019.
- ^"The Hu, a New Breakthrough Band from Mongolia, Plays Heavy Metal with Traditional Folk Instruments and Throat Singing".OpenCulture.9 January 2019.Retrieved5 April2019.
- ^"'The HU', a Mongolian Heavy Metal Band, Will Make You Want to Shred Something ".The Inertia.10 January 2019.Retrieved5 April2019.
- ^Miller, Bryan K. (2024).Xiongnu: The World's First Nomadic Empire.Oxford University Press. pp. 53, 56, 243.ISBN9780190083694.
- ^Cengel, Katya (5 January 2019)."How a Mongolian Heavy Metal Band Got Millions of YouTube Views".NPR.Retrieved5 April2019.
- ^Ortiga, Kara (28 May 2019)."This Insanely Popular Mongolian Metal Band Makes Music Using Traditional Instruments".Vice Media.Retrieved6 June2019.
- ^abcFarber, Jim (22 October 2019)."Steppe change: how Mongolian rock band the Hu conquered the world".The Guardian.
- ^abAdams, Rachel (7 August 2021)."What Every Fan Should Know About the HU – Untapped Sound".untappedsound.WTC Creatives LLC.
- ^"The Hu".The Masquerade.
- ^abcdeCengel, Katya."Whatever happened to the heavy metal Mongolian band called the Hu?".NPR.
- ^Hergett, Rachel (13 October 2023)."The Hu use metal to share tales of Mongolian ancestors".Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
- ^"Meeting with The Hu Band".Office of thePresident of MongoliaKhaltmaagiin Battulga.17 May 2019.Retrieved6 June2019.
- ^Lewry, Fraser (6 June 2019)."Mongolian sensations The HU launch video for Shoog Shoog".Metal Hammer.Retrieved7 June2019.
- ^Lewry, Fraser (21 August 2019)."The Hu launch trailer for new single The Great Chingiss Khan, out Friday".Metal Hammer.Retrieved23 August2019.
- ^"The Hu Announce Debut Album," The Gereg "".Heavy.12 June 2019.Retrieved29 June2019.
- ^"Mongolian rock group The Hu announce debut album".Music-News.3 June 2019.Retrieved6 June2019.
- ^Munropublished, Scott (17 July 2019)."Mongolian outfit The Hu plot North American tour".louder.
- ^Lewry, Fraser (4 October 2019)."The Hu release new version of Yuve Yuve Yu with English vocal from Danny Case".Metal Hammer.Retrieved14 December2019.
- ^"Watch Mongolian Folk/Metal Band the Hu's New Video for 'Wolf Totem,' Featuring Papa Roach's Jacoby Shaddix".Rock Cellar.13 December 2019.Retrieved14 December2019.
- ^Redrup, Zach (14 December 2019)."NEWS: The HU partner with Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach) on 'Wolf Totem'!".Deadpress.Retrieved10 April2020.
- ^"The HU Joins Forces with Halestorm's Lzzy Hale for" Song of Women "".Music Mayhem.1 May 2020.Retrieved1 May2020.
- ^"The Chinggis Khaan Order Conferred on The HU Band".Office of thePresident of MongoliaKhaltmaagiin Battulga.27 November 2019.Retrieved31 December2019.
- ^abRose, Anna (20 April 2022)."The Hu to return to Australia on tour after being stranded here in 2020".NME.
- ^The Hu (28 June 2020).The HU – COVID-19 Relief Effort Fundraising Concert.YouTube.Retrieved29 June2020.
- ^"Video Surfaces of Myrkur Singing in Simlish for The Sims 4 – Hardcore Gamer".hardcoregamer.29 October 2020.Retrieved5 March2022.
- ^"Hear Mongolian Folk-Metal Act The HU Cover Metallica's" Sad But True "".RevolverMag.4 December 2020.
- ^Gross, Joe (10 September 2021)."'The Metallica Blacklist' is an Enormous Tribute to an Enormously Influential Album ".Rolling Stone.Retrieved4 October2021.
- ^ab"The Metallica Blacklist. Coming to Digital September 10th, Vinyl & CD on October 1st | Metallica".metallica.Retrieved4 October2021.
- ^"The Hu: 'The Hun Tour,' upcoming second album – News.MN".News.MN – The source of news.22 September 2021.Retrieved4 October2021.
- ^"The Hu discuss returning to America for 'The Hun Tour,' upcoming second album".Herald-Whig.21 September 2021.Retrieved4 October2021.
- ^abChilders, Chad (13 May 2022)."The Hu Issue Chugging Rocker 'This Is Mongol' Ahead of New Album".Loudwire.Retrieved13 May2022.
- ^Enis, Eli (8 July 2022)."The HU Announce New Album, Drop Stunning New Song" Black Thunder "".Revolver.Retrieved8 July2022.
- ^Massie, Andrew (28 July 2022)."Interview: The Hu Producer B. Dashdondog talks new album & Aussie tour".Metal-Roos.MH Magazine.
- ^"Hear Alice in Chains singer join The HU on new version of" This Is Mongol "".Revolver.10 February 2023.Retrieved10 February2023.
- ^"The HU Launch New Version of Black Thunder Featuring Guest Spots from System of a Down & Bad Wolves Members".ThePRP.30 March 2023.Retrieved31 March2023.
- ^Childers, Chad (25 March 2024)."Iron Maiden Announce Support Band for 2024 North American Tour".Loudwire.Retrieved25 March2024.
- ^abCarter, Emily (4 October 2024)."The HU have released a cover of Iron Maiden's The Trooper".Kerrang!.Retrieved4 October2024.
- ^Mercante, Alyssa (19 November 2019)."Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order just made a Mongolian rock band canon".GamesRadar+.Retrieved27 November2019.
- ^"Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – 11 Best Songs in the Game".thegamer.6 August 2023.Retrieved10 July2023.
- ^ab"How Mongolian Band the HU Made a Song for 'Star Wars' in an Alien Language".Revolver.Project M Group. 18 February 2020.
- ^"The HU".Spotify.Retrieved2 May2019.
- ^"Discography The Hu".australian-charts.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"Discographie The Hu".austriancharts.at.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"Discografie The Hu".ultratop.be.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"The Hu Chart History".Billboard.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"The Hu – Suomen virallinen lista".IFPI.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"Discographie The Hu".lescharts.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"Discographie von The Hu".GfK Entertainment.Retrieved8 September2022.
- ^"Discographie The Hu".hitparade.ch.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"HU – full Official Chart History".officialcharts.Retrieved24 December2019.
- ^"The Hu Chart History".Billboard.Archived fromthe originalon 24 December 2019.Retrieved12 June2022.
- ^"The Hu Chart History: Canada Rock".Billboard.Retrieved28 April2020.
- ^"The Hu Chart History: Mainstream Rock".Billboard.Retrieved28 April2020.
- ^"Hot Rock Songs: February 15, 2020".Billboard.Archived fromthe originalon 4 March 2021.Retrieved12 June2022.
- ^"Hot Rock Songs: January 25, 2020".Billboard.Archived fromthe originalon 2 January 2022.Retrieved12 June2022.
- ^"Hard Rock Digital Song Sales: April 20, 2019".Billboard.Archived fromthe originalon 22 August 2019.Retrieved12 June2022.
- ^"The Hu Chart History: World Digital Song Sales".Billboard.Retrieved19 July2022.
- ^"Canadian single certifications – The Hu – Yuve Yuve Yu".Music Canada.Retrieved3 April2024.
- ^"Canadian single certifications – The Hu – Wolf Totem".Music Canada.31 March 2021.Retrieved31 March2021.
- ^"American single certifications – The Hu – Wolf Totem".Recording Industry Association of America.Retrieved14 June2023.
External links
edit