“Gallops like The Trooper and evokes Iron Maiden’s double-lead-guitar histrionics”: Mongol champions The Hu take after their hard rock heroes on long-awaited new album Hun

Emerging as a distinctive force in the global metal scene, Mongolian band The Hu have released their third studio album, Hun, on July 24 via Better Noise. Four years after their previous record, Rumble Of Thunder, the group continues to blend traditional Mongolian instrumentation with hard rock and metal elements, a fusion that has garnered them widespread acclaim and endorsements from heavyweights such as Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Since breaking through with their 2018 hit "Yuve Yuve Yu," The Hu have avoided the pitfalls that often accompany novelty acts. While their use of indigenous instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) initially drew attention, the band’s dedication to solid songwriting and authentic expression has cemented their credibility within the hard rock community.

Their extensive touring schedule over the past few years has included performances alongside Iron Maiden and appearances at major festivals such as Glastonbury. They have also contributed music to the Star Wars video game franchise and collaborated with prominent rock artists, further expanding their reach. Notably, The Hu were honored with Mongolia’s highest state award, the Order of Genghis Khan, recognizing their cultural and artistic contributions.

Hun reflects the evolution of The Hu’s sound, incorporating clear influences from their rock icons without sacrificing their unique identity. Tracks like “The Real You” evoke the galloping rhythms reminiscent of Iron Maiden’s classic “The Trooper,” while their signature double-lead-guitar style is echoed through the horsehead fiddle melodies. The album’s lengthiest piece, “Universe,” stands out as a sprawling composition with a commanding midsection that nods to the production style of Metallica’s Black Album era.

Despite these stylistic nods, The Hu maintain their distinctive character. Songs such as “Warrior Chant” prominently feature the band’s tribal vocalizations, immediately grounding listeners in their cultural heritage. Meanwhile, “Echoes Of My Father” balances folk sensibilities with the dynamics of a powerful rock ballad, demonstrating the band’s versatility.

While most of Hun showcases confident musicianship and well-executed genre blending, some moments reveal the challenges of integrating diverse influences. The track “Lost Soul,” which incorporates electronic elements and features guest vocals from Jonny Hawkins of Nothing More, receives mixed impressions due to its ambitious but somewhat conflicting stylistic directions.

Overall, Hun reaffirms The Hu’s status as a serious and skilled rock band capable of transcending the novelty label often assigned to cultural fusion acts. Their ability to craft compelling songs rooted in Mongolian tradition yet resonant with global metal audiences highlights their unique position within contemporary heavy music.

Following the album’s release, The Hu are set to embark on a European and UK tour running from September through November, further solidifying their international presence. As they continue to integrate their heritage with hard rock influences, The Hu’s journey underscores the potential for cross-cultural musical innovation in the metal genre.

Details regarding the full track listing and additional collaborators on Hun remain limited, but the album’s reception and ongoing endorsements suggest that The Hu are poised to maintain and expand their impact in the years ahead. Their blending of history, identity, and modern metal sensibilities offers a compelling narrative of artistic evolution within a globalized music landscape.

This analysis is based on reporting from loudersound.com and reflects The Hu’s ongoing trajectory as influential players in the folk metal domain.