The Hu
In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of The HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, The HU—comprised of producer Dashka along with members Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush—are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for “human being,” and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”
Their debut album, 2019 ‘s The Gereg, debuted at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist Charts while receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NPR, GQ, The Guardian, The Independent, Revolver, and even Sir Elton John himself. Their appeal was instantly recognized globally with sold-out tours across the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and acknowledged by their home country who awarded them Mongolia’s highest state award, The Order of Genghis Khan, which was granted to the band by the President of Mongolia, Kh. Battulga in 2020.
A deluxe version of The Gereg included collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, and caught the attention of Metallica, who heard their Mongolian rendition of “Sad But True,” and then enlisted them to take part on their Metallica Blacklist album, released in 2021 with The HU’s cover of “Through The Never” alongside other high-profile guest artists like Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin, St. Vincent and many more. The band was also made “canon” in the Star Wars fandom after they wrote and recorded an original song for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order which was featured in its gameplay.
THE HU released their second album Rumble Of Thunder in 2022 via Better Noise Music while continuing to tour across the globe, adding in dates in Japan and festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival and more. The band were recently featured on the soundtrack for Better Noise Films’ thriller The Retaliators and also appeared on screen. In November of 2022, The HU became the first-ever rock/metal band to receive the prestigious UNESCO “Artist of Peace” Designation at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, FR by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Previous recipients include Celine Dion, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Brightman, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller and World Orchestra For Peace.
To date, The HU have accumulated over 329 million combined streams and 290 million video views. They have announced a deluxe version of RUMBLE OF THUNDER to be released in spring/summer of 2023 via Better Noise Music, with guest appearances from some of rock’s top musicians.
