Written for Jace Media Music by Ian Walker
In the ever-evolving landscape of heavy music, few bands have struck as singular and seismic a chord as The HU. Fusing traditional Mongolian throat singing, ancient instrumentation, and metal with sweeping ambition, their genre-defying “Hunnu Rock” continues to evolve in groundbreaking ways. With the release of their new digital EP Echos of Thunder, the Mongolian powerhouse offer fans a bold reimagining of highlights from their 2022 album Rumble of Thunder — and it’s nothing short of spellbinding.
Released on June 13 via Better Noise Music, Echos of Thunder delivers six tracks: three feature-packed collaborations and three original versions for comparison, making the EP a compelling sonic journey. These aren’t mere remixes – they are deep, collaborative reinterpretations that layer in fresh emotion, global talent, and unexpected textures while staying true to The HU’s primal energy and cultural pride.
The opening track, “This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls),” is a storm of sound that showcases the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. Originally a call-to-arms steeped in The HU’s unique tonal palette, this remix is turbocharged by the presence of William DuVall of Alice In Chains and Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch. McNevan, under his Teerawk remix alias, injects a kinetic modern rock pulse, layering in additional lyrics and reinterpreted vocal sections that give the track new weight. The result is a juggernaut of heavy rock blended with ritualistic resonance, where DuVall’s gritty vocal drive dances with the spiritual thrum of throat singing and the metallic gallop of morin khuur.
It’s a masterclass in fusion, as ancient war cries echo alongside western rock’s sharper edges. McNevan’s production never overshadows the source but enhances it with reverence. The tribal drum patterns are punchier, the vocal interplay more urgent, and the entire track explodes like thunder across a desert battlefield.
Next up, “Bii Biyelgee” is transformed by the soaring presence of Neon Trees’ frontman Tyler Glenn. Known for his synth-pop leanings, Glenn is an unlikely but inspired choice. His voice adds a theatrical, almost celebratory lift to the song, creating a unique cross-cultural experience. While the original version of “Bii Biyelgee” celebrated the traditional Mongolian dance from which it takes its name, this rendition modernizes that celebration, bringing in pop-rock flair without losing authenticity.
Glenn’s emotional delivery juxtaposes beautifully with the grittier throat vocals, and the result is both genre-blending and deeply human. This track stands out for how effortlessly it bridges two seemingly disparate worlds. It’s not just about musical interplay; it’s about cultural fusion that feels natural and vital.
The third collaboration, “Triangle” featuring ROME, is perhaps the EP’s most hypnotic offering. ROME, known for its neofolk aesthetics, brings a brooding and ambient weight to the track. The HU’s meditative tones, when paired with ROME’s atmospheric presence, create a trance-like piece that oozes mysticism.
This version of “Triangle” feels almost ritualistic. It’s less of a song and more of a spell — shadowy, dense, and immersive. The original track already possessed a haunting quality, but this version adds a sense of spatiality and introspection. If “This Is Mongol” is the sound of battle and “Bii Biyelgee” is the sound of celebration, “Triangle” is the sound of reflection. It’s where the soul rests before the next storm.
The inclusion of the original versions of the three songs on Echos of Thunder serves as both a touchstone and a reminder of how innovative The HU are, even in their raw form. Re-listening to the originals after hearing the guest versions offers insight into the band’s foundational power.
“This Is Mongol” remains a battle hymn of national pride and global reach. “Bii Biyelgee” thunders with the exuberance of cultural dance and collective joy. “Triangle” in its initial incarnation is stark, poetic, and deeply cinematic. The beauty of this EP lies in how these songs are expanded, not replaced, by their reimagined counterparts.
Since bursting onto the international scene, The HU have done more than just play music — they’ve carried their heritage across continents. With Echos of Thunder, they not only continue that mission, but deepen it. These collaborations are not just features for marketing clout; they are spiritual unions that connect musical traditions from around the world to Mongolia’s rich musical legacy.
Frontman Galaa summed it up best when he said, “From Classic Rock to Heavy Metal, our genre of Hunnu Rock has no limits.”
Indeed, this EP underscores The HU’s limitless ambition. It’s a strategic move and a creative triumph. The collaborations elevate their music to new heights, and fans of all genres are given a fresh entry point into their world. It’s not every day you see a band remix themselves with such precision, care, and imagination.
Complementing this release, The HU have embarked on the European leg of their “Incarnation” world tour. Already lighting up stages in cities like Maastricht and soon heading to the likes of Hellfest and Graspop, they bring the thunder live in ways few acts can match. Their shows are not just concerts; they are ceremonies.
Their impressive accolades only add to the weight of this EP. Becoming the first-ever rock/metal band to receive UNESCO’s “Artist of Peace” designation is no small feat. Neither is racking up nearly a billion streams or being featured in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The HU are no longer just a band; they are a movement.
Echoes That Resonate Far and Wide
Echos of Thunder is not just a companion piece to Rumble of Thunder. It’s a revelation. It proves that The HU can evolve without diluting their essence, collaborate without losing their voice, and innovate without alienating their core fans.
At just six tracks, this EP accomplishes more than most full-length albums. It’s a sonic tapestry woven with threads of tradition, rebellion, celebration, and unity. If you’re already a fan of The HU, this EP is essential. If you’re new to their sound, Echos of Thunder offers a thrilling introduction that promises thunderous things still to come.
In a world saturated with repetition, The HU stand alone—a true original. And with Echos of Thunder, they remind us that music, when fearless and rooted in identity, can echo across generations and borders alike.
+ There are no comments
Add yours