LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
Credit: Marc Leach

As the Rumble of Thunder passed over Belfast on a cold December night, the echoing sounds of “HU! HU! HU!” could be heard as the Mongolian horde crossed the Northern Irish mountains. Imagine if this image was true! But imagining helps paint a picture of the return of The Hu.

For those who are not familiar with the band, they feature traditional Mongolian instruments and throat singing, all with a rock/metal twist. Otherwise known as Hunnu Rock to them and their fans! They were also the last band this reviewer saw before the world went into total lockdown, thanks to the pandemic. This time however they were in the historic Ulster Hall, which was the perfect fit for them, as the Limelight 1 stage was just too small.

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
Credit: Marc Leach

With the hall completely packed to the rafters, The Hu bound onto the iconic stage, ready to lead a barrage of carnage. Kicking off with such classics as “Shoog Shoog” and “The Gereg”, all of which had many fists pumped in the air. Can I take the time to say the image of the Mulholland Organ and the dragon headstocks from members Galbadrakh “Gala” Tsendbaatar and Enkhsaikhan “Enkush” Batjargal’s morin khuurs just looked badass.

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
Credit: Marc Leach

The band’s 2022 release, Rumble of Thunder, played a pivotal role in the night’s set. As tracks like “Shihi Hutu”, “Tatar Warrior”, and the humungous “This Is Mongol” shook the very hall to its core. But as the band’s sound grew and grew throughout their performance, it was during the energetic “Shireg Shireg” where the sound system completely cut out. It didn’t take long for it to reboot, and the band were happy to continue where they had left off. With singer Nyamjantsan “Jaya” Galsanjamts praising and wishing to continue in his native tongue.

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
Credit: Marc Leach

From fan favourites such as “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem” to the rambunctious cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True”, brought this unreal night came to a close. From the use of the bigger stage, the crystal clear sound quality and the sheer talent from The Hu, it is safe to say that this was the gig of the year –  quality! The Great Khan himself would have been proud.

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
Credit: Marc Leach

The Hu Ulster Hall Setlist
Shihi Hutu
Shoog Shoog
The Gereg
Huhchu Zairan
The Great Chinggis Khaan
Triangle
Shireg Shireg
Bii Biyelgee
Tatar Warrior
Yuve Yuve Yu
Wolf Totem
Black Thunder
This Is Mongl

Encore
Sad But True (Metallica cover)

Xsnoize Author
Marc Leach 9 Articles
A Northern Irish photographer, tutor and YouTube creator. Plus, an all-around mischief-maker!

1 Comment

  1. What was the name of the opening band? I couldn’t find out who they were and they certainly rocked as well! Dying to listen some more of their stuff

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