Live Review: The Hu - The Nick Rayn’s LCR, Norwich
21st June 2023
Words & Photos: Tom Atkin
Yes, you read that correctly. Mongolia’s very own take on the metal genre has packed out the Nick Rayn’s LCR tonight. Coming off the back of an outstanding performance on the main stage of the 20th anniversary of Download festival and the 2023 edition of Hellfest, this is a ridiculous change in venue size.
After coming to this venue for near on 20 years I have never seen such a varied attendance. It just goes to show what a wide spread The Hu have. As the lights dim, the crowd erupts into a chant of “Hu,Hu,Hu,Hu” which perfectly blends in to 'Hohochu Zairan'. There is something mesmerizing about the sounds that these guys put out of their instruments. They are not common ground in metal, but they seem to fit perfectly if you check out the crowd.
The Hu have been making waves across the world since forming in 2016, They are the first Mongolian artist to top a Billboard chart, They have been personally congratulated by the Mongolian President and continue to pull a huge crowd. Ranging from what some would deam "Hippies” to your typical Metal Head. From all ages of life as well!
Front man Jaya works great with the crowd, getting them going on every track they play. Their set list for the night is pretty evenly balanced from their two studio albums, 2019’s 'The Gereg' and their most recent release, 'Rumble of Thunder'.
They have picked all their biggest songs though, 'The Gereg', 'Shoog Shoog' and 'This is Mongol' all played out with such passion. If you have not seen The Hu live before, it sounds much heavier than on their recorded releases. Whether this is mixed like that or just the impact of having these instruments in a live environment I do not know, but it is certainly heavy enough for a few pits to open up. Which is another thing that I would never have thought would happen tonight.
It was around a 2 hour set, which meant that they could play a vast amount of their songs, really showing the versability of the band. Towards the end of the set, is when they threw out the heavy hitters. The ones they are likely best known for 'Black Thunder”' ( which was featured in one of the most recent Star Wars games!) 'Yuve Yuve Yu' and the original version of 'Wolf Totem'.
The whole band performed flawlessly throughout the night. Every member of the band provides such a presence to the band, and all look absolutely incredible in their stage gear. Not a single person left the venue disappointed. Although those that left before the encore might of been disappointed to hear their version of Metallica’s 'Through the Never' as they were making their way to the car.
I know I said this on my last review, but The Hu are another band that if you ever get the chance to see, be it at one of their own shows or at a festival, definitely make time to experience it. They truly are one of a kind.
All photo credits: Tom Atkin
