The Hu Review by Michael Macsuga

5/24/2022

The Hu

@ Red Hat Amphitheater - Raleigh, NC
May 20, 2022

The Hu (pronounced ‘who’) is a Mongolian heavy metal band formed in 2016 using Mongolian instruments in their mix played by the founding members:

Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar – morin khuur, throat singing (2016–present)[25]
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 playing modern instruments in the background include:

Unumunkh "Ono" Maralkhuu – percussion, tumur khuur, flutist, backing vocals (2019–present)
Jambaldorj "Jamba" Ayush – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present)
Nyamdavaa "Davaa" Byambaa – bass, back vocal (2020–present)
Odbayar "Odko" Gantumur – drums (2019–present)

They became ever popular in 2019 after releasing their first album, The Gereg, and their first American tour.

During the four month tour, the band released new versions and remixes of songs with singers from Papa Roach’s - Jacoby Shaddix, From Ashes to New’s - Danny Case and Halestorm’s - Lzzy Hale.

The Hu were also selected to participate in Metallica’s 30th anniversary album after releasing a cover of Metallica’s - Sad but True in Mongolian in 2020.

Last year, they came back to the US to tour again. I know they were on the road with Halestorm at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville, NC on September 9, 2021. A co-photographer/reviewer posted on FB she was covering Halestorm, and I told her I wished I could see the show because The Hu was opening.

This time around, The Hu is headlining and played Charlotte before hitting The Ritz Raleigh in NC. My turn to see them live!

It’s was a GREAT show with NO English lyrics! The crowd was electrified by their sound and power. Singing along with the band in Mongolian! If you never heard of them, you have to check out their videos on YouTube to get an idea. There is a reason they have taken off here in the United States despite NOT performing in English!