Skip to main content

LP Review: The Hu- Rumble and Thunder (Deluxe Edition)


Words by Anselm Anderson

The Hu, rising stars of Mongolia, first grabbed my attention a few years ago when I saw a YouTube video of their cover of Metallica's classic 'Sad but True'. I was taken by their style of Mongolian metal, using traditional instruments, and their tales of Mongolian folklore.

Therefore, I was keen to review this release when I saw it come through my Emails. Rumble and Thunder is a Deluxe edition of the hugely successful album, released last year via Better Noise Records. I was eager to listen to the album with additional treats for long-term fans. As you probably know, these records are just a rerun of the original with a few extras.

 The album clocks in at over 90 minutes long, which features the original twelve tracks plus a reworking of the hit tracks with special guests in the guise of Alice in Chains, Bad Wolves, Serj Tankian and singer/songwriter LP. In addition, there are four acoustic versions too.

Photo Credit: Khishigsuren Baasan

The popular 'This is Mongol' begins with the traditional guttural throat singing over the Morin Khuur (Horsehead Fiddle). The high-tempo music blends instruments from Mongolia with the Tovshur (Mongolian guitar), and Tumur Khuur (jaw harp), who practices an ancient throat singing called "Hunnu Rock". As mentioned earlier, this unique approach to modern metal is part of the appeal to a larger audience.

''Yut Hòvênde' marks a heavier direction for the unit. Strong, percussive beats accompany choral cries about the Mongolian spirit. I can see why 'Rumble and Thunder' was a successful album as The Hu can showcase their versatility as musicians and singers. 'Triangle' and 'Mother Nature' are folk 'odes' to their native land, whilst 'Sell the World' show their Metallica influences with thick, guttural voices over heavy guitars and the fiddle acting like a rhythm guitar. The heavenly harmonies on 'Bii Byenglee' are a treat for music fans of folk or world music. 'Tatar Warrior' is the closest The Hu comes to death metal with distorted, sinister riffs and deep guttural growls.

I know readers are keen to learn about the extras. There are three editions of 'Black Thunder': an extended edition, an acoustic, the English translation with SOAD vocalist Serj Tankian, and Bad Wolves vocalist Daniel Laskiewicz. In contrast, the English Translation of 'This is Mongol' is an adequate translation with recognisable vocals by AIC Vocalist William Duval, which gives this a respectable touch for a European audience. There is an acoustic version of this track, alongside 'Bii Byenglee' and 'Mother Nature'. In relation, the English edition of this features singer/songwriter LP (Laura Pergolizzi), best known for writing for Cher and Rhianna. 

Overall, I don't think the extras are necessary, especially the English Translations. I understand avid fans would be interested in acoustic versions of the hits, but I feel it undermines The Hu. 

Rating: 3/5


Follow this link here to keep updated with all the latest news, interviews, and reviews from Rambling Man.


The Hu are;

 Gala: Lead Throat Singer and Morin Khuur 

Enkush: Lead Morin Khuur 

Throat Singer Jaya: Jaw Harp, Tsuur, Flute, 

Throat Singer Temka: Tovshuur

Social Media Links












Black Thunder FT Serj Tankian and Daniel Laskiewicz















Mother Nature FT LP











Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
Post a Comment
Read more