With the release of their 1996 album ‘Roots’, Sepultura altered the mainstream metal landscape significantly, blending the down-tuned groove of the then fledgling nu metal sound with traditional Brazilian tribal percussion and instrumentation. Whilst by no means the first, (Cromagnon’s 1969 track Caledonia’s combination of bagpipes and demented psych-rock still sounds as mind-bending today as it ever has), Sepultura flung the doors of possibility open not only for genre-blending experimentation but also for bands outside of the otherwise Western-dominated rock and metal scene.
Fast forward to the current day and one such band is Mongolia’s The Hu, self-styled “Hunnu rock”, who have fused traditional Mongolian instrumentation and throat singing with a metallic stomp more akin to Black Album-era Metallica (the band were invited by Metallica themselves to contribute a cover of ‘Through The Never’ to the Blacklist project to celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary).
First going viral in 2019 with the videos for their tracks ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’ and ‘Wolf Totem’ (the latter of which topped the hard rock digital sales chart), the band received the highest accolade afforded to Mongolian citizens when they were awarded the Order of Genghis Khan by president Khaltmaagiin Battulga for their efforts in promoting the country on the back of their meteoric rise to success.
The Hu’s pride in their homeland is clear for all to see, offering a total package of image, sound and lyrical content paying homage to their forefathers. Making use of ancient Mongolian war cries and poetry, the four core members of The Hu all play traditional Mongolian instruments, with the more recognisable rock band set up being provided by live members. As a result, listeners are greeted with the sounds of the morin khuur, tumur hhuur, tsuur, tovshuur and hypnotic-sounding throat singing at the forefront, creating soundscapes akin to a History Channel documentary as much as a rock band.
Their debut album ‘The Gereg’ takes its name from the passport used by Mongolian nobles in the 13th century, fitting to their initial arrival on the world stage. Their second album, 2022’s ‘Rumble of Thunder’, perhaps more accurately reflects where the band are now, as their march across the globe continues in a manner befitting of Mongolia’s most famous son himself, Genghis Khan.
This modern-day Mongol army arrive at NX in Newcastle on Friday 23rd June.
Tickets, priced at £25.00 in advance, are available from nxnewcastle.com.
