ASKING ALEXANDRIA & THE HU

About The HU

In 2019, an NPR story put a spotlight on “a band from Mongolia that blends the screaming guitars of heavy metal and traditional Mongolian guttural singing,” accurately highlighting the cultural importance and unique musical identity of The HU. Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, The HU—comprised of producer Dashka along with members Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush—are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for “human being,” and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.”

Their debut album, 2019 ‘s The Gereg, debuted at #1 on the World Album and Top New Artist Charts while receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NPR, GQ, The Guardian, The Independent, Revolver, and even Sir Elton John himself. Their appeal was instantly recognized globally with sold-out tours across the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and acknowledged by their home country who awarded them Mongolia’s highest state award, The Order of Genghis Khan, which was granted to the band by the President of Mongolia, Kh. Battulga in 2020.

A deluxe version of The Gereg included collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, and caught the attention of Metallica, who heard their Mongolian rendition of “Sad But True,” and then enlisted them to take part on their Metallica Blacklist album, released in 2021 with The HU’s cover of “Through The Never” alongside other high-profile guest artists like Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin, St. Vincent and many more. The band was also made “canon” in the Star Wars fandom after they wrote and recorded an original song for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order which was featured in its gameplay.

THE HU released their second album Rumble Of Thunder in 2022 via Better Noise Music while continuing to tour across the globe, adding in dates in Japan and festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival and more. In October 2022, the band were featured on the soundtrack for Better Noise Films’ thriller The Retaliators and appeared on screen. In November of 2022, The HU became the first-ever rock/metal band to receive the prestigious UNESCO “Artist of Peace” Designation at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, FR by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Previous recipients include Celine Dion, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Brightman and more.

In March 2023, THE HU further added to their accreditations by becoming the first-ever Mongolian band to perform in the metaverse following their virtual concert, “Rumble of Thunder V1.1.” In April, to celebrate World Earth Day, announced plans to plant 12,000 Siberian Elm trees in the desert-barren area of Southeastern Mongolia in the shape of their logo–a one-horned leopard, based off an ancient symbol used by the Hun tribes. The LandArt campaign is in partnership with the environmental institution, SHAMBALE2056 Engineering Campus, LLC.

THE HU will release Rumble Of Thunder: Deluxe Album on June 30 via Better Noise which will include seven new tracks: four acoustic renditions and three newly recorded singles featuring guest appearances some of rock’s top musicians including William DuVall of Alice In Chains, Serj Tankian (System of A Down), DL of Bad Wolves and international solo artist LP (Laura Pergolizzi). To date, The HU have accumulated over 329 million combined streams and 290 million video views.