Mongolian folk metal band The HU gave their first concert in Istanbul: Cengiz's voices

Descending from Harbiye towards Beşiktaş, as we approach Küçükçiftlik Park, a more solemn sound evoking a steppe breeze interspersed with the majestic sounds of classic rock instruments. The two- and three-stringed steppe instruments known as "tovşur" and "morin huur" and the pounding of the drums evoke a distinct energy within the concert venue. The Istanbul guests were "The HU," performing in Türkiye for the first time, whose warrior-like appearance and Shamanistic spirituality consistently express their devotion to the "Sky God" in their songs.

'HUNNU ROCK'

As we enter the concert area, we encounter a diverse crowd of people, from ages 7 to 70, representing a wide range of ethnicities. Turkish metal band Razor Inc., taking the stage before The HU, meticulously prepared the audience for the grand spectacle that awaited them. With The HU's arrival, we witness a grand reunion. The loudest and most resounding chants of "Hu! Hu! Hu! Hu! Hu!", rising in unison, foreshadow what is about to unfold.

Group members Galbadrakh “Gala” Tsendbaatar, Nyamjantsan “Jaya” Galsanjamts, Enkhsaikhan “Enkush” Batjargal and Temuulen “Temka” Naranbaatar; Unumukh “Ono” Maralkhuu, Jambaldorj “Jamba” Ayush, Nyamdavaa “Davaa” Byambaa and Odbayar “Odko” Gantumur are preparing their audience for a bloody steppe war with their performances.

ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE

Inspired by the Great Hun Empire, the ancient Turkic-Mongol empire known as the Hunnu in Mongolia, he calls it "Hunnu rock." He adds to his classic rock musical instruments the two- or three-stringed instruments "tovşur" and "morin huur," as well as the "tmur huur" (mouth harp) and "tsuur" (flute), satisfying both the ears and the soul.

Some of the band's lyrics incorporate quotes from ancient Mongolian war cries and poems. With "Ikh Chingis Khaan," they send greetings from the lands of Anatolia: "Knees bowed and heads bowed / Great Genghis Khan." Their most popular song, "Yuve Yuve Yu," also addresses the Mongolian people: "Why is it so difficult to cherish the lands inherited from our ancestors?"

STATE ORDER

In 2020, The Hu released a cover of Metallica's "Sad But True," and that same year, they were selected as one of the 53 artists featured on Metallica's 30th-anniversary "Blacklist" album. Sharing the stage with Iron Maiden, they reinterpreted their song "The Trooper." These collaborations have strengthened their international standing, amassing over 830 million digital streams to date. In 2019, the band was awarded the "Genghis Khan Order" by the Mongolian State, a recognition they received for their efforts to bring their cultural heritage to the world. The HU were delighted with the reception at their first concert in Türkiye and the audience's performance. This concert, which was also enjoyed by their fans, deserves a renewal.