THE HU
"The Gereg
(Instrumentals)" (Eleven Seven
Music; 2019)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Mongolia's The Hu has taken by the world by storm since they first burst onto the scene in 2016. They use traditional Mongolian instruments, they sing in their native language and they rock like crazy. Even though they're singing in another language doesn't really matter. They still fucking rock.
This release is a reissue of their 2019 album, "Gereg," however, this is entire album is an instrumental. Now, that doesn't really make any difference. I know I can't understand a damn word they sing anyway. I guess the language barrier means nothing because they have been touring the world over the past few years to much acclaim. They have an interesting and irresistible approach to music that is fun and very infectious.
If you like The Hu's music with vocals, you will also like the music without.
For more information, check out https://www.thehuofficial.com/.
"Rumble of Thunder" (Better
Noise; 2022)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The Hu are a metal folk band out of Mongolia. This release is called "Rumble of Thunder." The band plays strange instruments that I had to look up just to see what they looked like. There is the morin khuur (also called the horsehead fiddle); a two-string instrument played with a bow, the tovshuur; a lute (also played with a bow) and the band utilizes Mongolian throat singing.
If you are interested in how metal music is played with such instruments, I suggest checking out the band on YouTube. It was eye-opening to say the least. There is a very cool single on the internet of a song from this recording called "This is Mongol (Warrior Souls)" featuring William Duvall from Alice In Chains. Check it out. It is well worth the time.
It has been my experience that you really do not have to understand the language being used to like the music. For example, Rammstein (Germany) and Kvelerak (Norway), just to name a few off the top of my head. Well, that is what happened when I listened to this recording. It transports you to a place in another plane of existence. Let’s be real: it is hard, if not impossible, to understand many of the singers of today’s heavy music. The musical expression of the Mongolian language seems perfectly suited for heavy metal.
Heavy drums lead a driving beat mixed with the unique sounds of the throat singing and the strange instruments make The Hu stand out as a totally cool band that I like a lot even though I can't understand a damn thing they say. Actually, it's fun to let the song wash over you and let you make up your own mind to the meaning. The musical expression is addicting, foot-tapping and more than a little fun. What the music does, is makes me happy and, frankly, what else can you ask for in a recording.
For more information, check out https://www.thehuofficial.com/.
"The Gereg" (Eleven Seven
Music; 2019)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The Hu (pronounced "the who") is a metal band out of Mongolia and they rock like a bull dozer. Who cares if you can’t understand a word they say? That really makes no difference. Let’s get real. Can you really understand anything anyone sings in today's metal music, even if it's in English?
The name of this recording is "The Gereg." The rhythm of the entire project transports you to a place in your head that's full of introspection. There is something hypnotic, strange and very addicting about this music. It's worth noting that Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix appears on one track here, a remix of the song "Wolf Totem."
"The Gereg" features a lot of what's called "Mongolian Throat Singing." Google that for some fascinating information! You can tell just from the inflection of the singer that something different is going on, but when you get into the details it will blow your mind!
Do yourself a favor and head over to YouTube and check out this band's videos. I'll bet it will have the same effect on you that it had on me. It's amazing to see how many members there are in this band and which (sometimes strange) instruments they play.
By the way, R. Scott's brother, Doug Bolton, caught the band when they played the Ventura Theater and he said it was amazing. If it even came close to what's captured on this recording, it must have kicked ass. Outstanding!
For more information, check out https://www.thehuofficial.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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