The Hu performed magnificently to a packed theatre, delivering a powerful and unforgettable evening of music. Although the language may have been a barrier for much of the audience, the thumping rhythms, powerful vocals, and messages of peace and unity resonated deeply with the crowd.
Throughout the show, fans enthusiastically chanted the band’s name, demonstrating just how effectively music can transcend language and cultural boundaries. Supporting The Hu were Skáld, a French Nordic folk group whose music draws heavily on Scandinavian culture and Norse mythology. Many of their songs are performed in Old Norse, creating an atmospheric and immersive experience. Their use of traditional instruments, including shamanic drums, lyre, talharpa, citole, jouhikko, and nyckelharpa, complemented their distinctive sound. They were an excellent choice of support act, sharing some musical similarities with The Hu while bringing a very different energy to the stage.
Their lead singer swayed and danced in an almost trance-like manner, contrasting with The Hu’s headbanging, fist-pumping intensity. Nevertheless, the audience responded enthusiastically to every song, captivated by music that seemed to tell culturally significant stories through its haunting melodies and rhythms.
The Hu are a Mongolian band who combine traditional instruments and throat singing with folk and heavy metal, a genre they describe as Hunnu Rock. For fans of powerful vocals, such as Rammstein, the sheer force of Dashka痴 throat singing will blow you away. Primal, deep, and resonant, it produces a sound that is difficult to appreciate fully unless experienced live.
The name Hu means 塗uman being? in Mongolian. Although their lyrics are sung in Mongolian, the driving anthems and themes of warriors, courage, and overcoming fear communicate a universal message. Their music encourages younger generations to reconnect with their ancestral values, respect the natural world, and not be motivated by greed. For me, the standout songs were 糎arrior Chant? and 腺lack Thunder?. During these performances, the crowd joined in with the choruses, stamping their feet and throwing their hands into the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
In recognition of their cultural contribution, The Hu received Mongolia’s highest state award, the Order of Genghis Khan, on 27 November 2019. Although they were not the first Mongolian rock band, they are the fist to have achieved international recognition by bringing traditional Mongolian instruments and throat singing to a worldwide audience.
In a world dominated by modern Western music, The Hu offer something refreshingly different. Their performance in Manchester was truly impressive, combining thunderous rhythms, soulful string melodies, and powerful, resonant vocals. Language became irrelevant as the music transcended cultural boundaries, uniting the crowd in a shared experience that was both electrifying and deeply moving.
Reviewer: Kerry Ely
On: 10/10/2026
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