The sophomore release from the Mongolian folk metal outfit The HU is a stomping, over-the-top offering that mixes up various intense styles as Rumble of Thunder rolls out.
The quartet of Galbadrakh “Gala” Tsendbaatar, Nyamjantsan “Jaya” Galsanjamts, Enkhsaikhan “Enkush” Batjargal, Temuulen “Temka” Naranbaatar, use traditional Mongolian instrumentation, including the Morin khuur, the Tovshuur, and Mongolian throat singing while framing their style with metal backing.
The opening “This Is Mongol” sets the tone with anthemic chugging hard rock, along with the feedback grunts and string squeaking big sound of “Upright Destined Mongol” – the band pays direct tribute to AC/DC with unique folk flourishes splashed in. “TATAR Warrior” is punishing with its marching power, literal horse baying, and chanting while both the soaring “Bii Biyelgee” and “Triangle” go full pop metal around the throat singing style and rising string work.
All of those are expertly crafted with huge arenas/festival crowds in mind, however, it is the first single “Black Thunder” where the band pulls it all together. An ominous intro starts things before traditional string work melds with metal riffs and a crushing low-end groove. The track is a standout as the band slams forward, picking up the tempo to close on a furious note.
Less successful are the over-long and theatrical “YUT Hovende” and the plodding “Sell The World” which doesn’t go anywhere exciting. The album also runs long as the group decides to put all their ideas out there, overloading things, ending with an extended, jammed-out version of “Black Thunder” which pushes nine minutes. The acoustic-based “Mother Nature” softens the group’s sound in positive ways and connects the eco-conscious outfit to the earth while “Segee” amps up the crunching power rock. The elongated “Shihi Hutu” brings in prog styles and structure with Mongolian throat singing as The HU are never afraid to experiment and prove they are rewriting the rules on hard rock with poise and vigor on Rumble of Thunder.
