ALBUM REVIEW: HUN – The Hu

THE HU need no introduction. Bursting onto the scene in 2018, the Mongolian band have since pulled off something most rock and metal bands could never, showcasing the culture of their country by including authentic Mongol sounds and instruments. Ultimately leading them to fame and virality, and on their third album HUN, the band have opted to create a more straight forward listening experience. One which captures the sounds and ambience of their native land, and one which features some more mainstream sounding songs. Proving why despite singing mostly in their mother tongue, the band connect with people on such a deep level.

The album kicks off with Warrior Chant, a song that is a literal call to action. This is a track that is led by the percussion and vocals, creating an intense atmosphere throughout. The percussion leads into the first hits of the bass drum and cymbals, with the throat singing accompanying. The verses and choruses here are extremely short, which makes for a much easier musical crescendo as when the drum beat fully kicks in, the horns which were originally in the background, become much louder, as well as the vocals, which also get more vicious throughout. That is how the track ultimately ends, nothing overly crazy in terms of the music or the vocals, but this is the perfect introduction to the atmosphere that THE HU create throughout this record.

The track that follows, Lost Soul, is the only one that is sung in English, and that is because it features NOTHING MORE frontman Jonny Hawkins. A controversial choice, but one which in this case, works extremely well. This is the most mainstream sounding track on the album, as it focuses on more typical electronic metal sounds as opposed to the tribal stuff the Mongolian outfit are so famous for. The chorus kicks Lost Soul off, but it is slightly stripped back ahead of the first verse, which combines Hawkins with THE HU frontman Galbadrakh ‘Gala’ Tsendbaatar, showcasing a couple of different vocal styles simultaneously. When the chorus returns again, it is backed by the full band as opposed to synths and drum machine sounds and effects, making it that much more catchy. The second verse is almost fully sung by Gala which results in a even more satisfying chorus second time around. The bridge here marks the return of the drum machine, which is combined with a couple of traditional instruments, before the chorus returns for the last time to finish the song off.

Shadow is another example of how the band expertly combines their native sound with a more mainstream sound which people like you and me would be used to hearing. The main riff is thrash metal worthy, and the accompanying vocals cut through the heaviness like a sharpened knife. The chorus is simple, yet effective too, and it matches the main riff perfectly. After the second chorus, a short yet unbelievable solo played by the signature instrument of THE HU, the morin khuur, takes place before the chorus returns again for the last time, which ends the song.

The Real You is yet another example of how good these Mongols can be when they write music that is faster paced. The main riff is accompanied with some incredibly technical drumming, which carries on into the first verse. At some point, just before the pre-chorus, the main melody of the opening riff returns. The chorus on this song though, is the best vocal performance we get from ‘Gala’, as he sings the same line in a couple of different pitches. This vocal consistency continues throughout the song, as he seemingly hits his highest note after highest note. Another standout aspect of this song is the incredibly passionate morin khuur solo, which can really be felt upon listening to this track. Once the solo finishes, the higher pitched chorus returns to give the song a satisfying ending.

Overall, the first half of HUN is outstanding, because it is passionate in a way that is rarely heard within alternative music, yet it is so delicately crafted whilst still being heavy and catchy. The longer, more cinematic songs here, of which there are two, take way too long to develop however, and are a tad bit underwhelming considering how good these guys are as songwriters, but the shorter, faster songs are for the most part amazing, and are a blast to listen to. Showcasing just how musically sound the Mongols can be.

Most bands play it safe when it comes to album number three in their discography, but THE HU have done otherwise. They continue to showcase the passion for their country, and its music in a way almost no band has ever done. HUN is a bold step for them, as they have proven that they can adapt to more than one sub-genre of alternative music, whilst keeping Mongolia in the spotlight. A feat they will undoubtedly continue to do, both onstage and off, for their ancestors, and for the next generation to come.

Rating: 7/10

HUN is set for release on July 24th via Better Noise Music.