Album Review: Uuhai-Human Herds
Words by Anselm Anderson
There are times when a band comes along and becomes an instant success, the music industry takes note and churns out its successor. Mongolian Folk band UUhai follow the success and signature sound of fellow countrymen The Hu. The band's use of traditional elements, such as horsehair and throat singing, aligns with the previously mentioned hu. However, the band's sound is more melodic and easier to listen to, in contrast to the commercially accessible features of the former.
This Friday (5th January), UUhai will finally explode onto the international stage with their debut Human Herds, set for release via Napalm Records.
The seven-piece first gained notoriety after their first songs gained millions of views on YouTube. They have created an album inspired by folklore and societal themes in the Mongolian language. The band blends traditional Mongolian music with heavy metal. Formed in 2020, the band were formed by the former member of Hurd, Otgonbaatar Damba. The band's name, Uuhai, translates as 'Hoorah', a chant which represents a sign of goodwill, leading to fortune and a release of energy.
Hopefully, the release of the ten tracks will bring the band good fortune. The album sets the mood with the opening instrumental piece, titled "Beginning," which blends traditional folk with hard rock. This introduction creates a scene of peace and prosperity. The album transitions into the energetic rock anthem "Human Herds," an anthemic track featuring fiddles and heavy, thunderous guitar lines. It's infectious.
I had to download the English translation of the songs to understand the meaning behind this atmospheric music. The band's use of descriptive poetry paints a beautiful picture of Mongolia. Additionally, the inclusion of fiddles and throat singing conveys the emotion and sincerity the band feels toward their homeland. This sentiment is evident in each track, which feels less commercial and more like an effort to educate the world about their land. Tracks such as 'Ancient Land' and 'Uuhai' have a more metallic sound than others, featuring raging guitar riffs and an uptempo beat. The guttural mutterings of vocalists Zorigoo Battsooj and Khurtsgerel Damiranjav add to the urgency of the musicianship.
All the songs are rich in timbre and texture, blending the light melodies of folk with a more aggressive and rapid dose of metal. For example, "Dracula" feels like it borrows from classic rock bands like Guns 'n' Roses, while "Khurai" serves as an ode to Mother Earth. The album concludes with a flourish, featuring the sing-along passages of "Khar Khultz" and the uplifting chimes of "Paradise," a folk song that will leave you feeling good about yourself.
The album concludes with a track titled after the oldest literary novel in Mongolia, "Secret History of Mongolia." This ominous heavy metal piece features haunting guitar solos, thunderous drums, and powerful chants. The dark atmosphere of the track is sure to give you goosebumps.
Uuhai impresses on their first outing with captivating tales of Mongolian folklore and vivid descriptions of their ancient land. The band skillfully blends metal with traditional music, creating an enriching experience. They distinguish themselves from their contemporaries and forge their own sound and identity.
'Human Herds' will be available via all major streaming platforms and retail outlets on January 5th via Napalm Records.
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Copyright: Anselm Anderson ©
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