Iconic Mongolian rock sensation The Hu has announced the release of a deluxe version of their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Rumble of Thunder. The new album will feature seven additional tracks, including four acoustic renditions and three newly recorded singles, and is set for release on June 30th.
The deluxe edition includes guest appearances and English-translated vocals from some of rock’s top musicians. William DuVall of Alice In Chains, Serj Tankian of System of A Down, DL of Bad Wolves, along with LP (Laura Pergolizzi) are all featured. The project highlights the band’s unique sound that incorporates traditional Mongolian instrumentation with vocals performed in their native Mongolian language.
Introducing “Black Thunder”
The Hu has just released the second single “Black Thunder” which features Serj Tankian of System of a Down along with DL from Bad Wolves. The new single follows the release of their eco-conscious single “This Is Mongol” featuring William Duvall of Alice In Chains. Tankian had this to say about the collaboration.
I had discovered the Hu’s music from a YouTube video that a friend sent me and was instantly struck by their powerful and delightful merging of Mongolian folk and metal. A few years back I had scored a film called Furious where we also used the legendary Tuva singing and heavy guitars. So, when they reached out to collaborate, I was intrigued. I appreciate the pride with which they represent their culture through music. It led me down a historical rabbit hole of Mongolians and Armenia. Genghis Khan conquered Armenia along with the rest of Europe, but the Mongols also later teamed up with Armenia to fight the Turkish hordes. Happy I had the chance to collaborate with the Hu and learn all of this in the process.
Serj Tankian
The original music video of “Black Thunder” was filmed in Mongolia and has since passed the 3 million view mark. The new Serj Tankian and DL video came with a music video directed by Michael Lombardi. He’s known for his previous work with Five Finger Death Punch and Papa Roach.
THE HU’s band leader, GALA, shared that “‘Black Thunder’ is the composition we worked on the longest, and because of that, we recorded many different variations of the song. The lyrics and the video have several different meanings on the surface as well as on a deeper level.
Global Success
The band was the first-ever rock/metal band to be awarded UNESCO’s “Artist For Peace” designation in 2022. They are also the first group and 12th overall recipient of the highest state award in Mongolia, the Order of Genghis Khan in 2020.
The Hu will continue to tour throughout 2023. They’ll bring their unique sound and stimulating live show to fans across the world on the Rumble of Thunder tour. They’ll return to the U.S. for festival appearances in the fall. Tickets and more information can be found on their official website.
Connect with The Hu:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
Are you enjoying MendoWerks Magazine? Receive updates each week directly in your inbox. Sign up for the newsletter here.
About Author
