Rating: 8.5/10
Release: 30 June 2023
Label: Better Noise Music

The Mongolian band The Hu, after the great success of “Rumble of The Thunder”, released via Better Noise Records “Rumble of The Thunder: Deluxe Edition”. This new version there are seven new tracks divided into four acoustic versions and three tracks recorded again with special guests such as LP, Serj Tankian (SOAD), William Duvall (Alice in Chains) and DL (Bad Wolves).

The new tracks start from number 13, with an extended version of “Black Thunder” played and sung only by the Mongolian band. In almost 9 minutes we can hear both the typical instruments of Mongolian folk music and the most classic electric instruments and the typical throat singing, which is the combo that made the band famous. Going on with the tracks we can find the re-recorded versions of “This Is Mongol” with William Duvall of Alice in Chains, “Black Thunder” with Serj Tankian of System of a Down and DL of Bad Wolves and finally “Mother Nature” with LP that closes the duets with international singers who sing parts translated into English songs. The mix between the English parts and the original language parts are well calibrated and work very well together. What is most striking in this deluxe version are the acoustic versions of “Bii Biyelee”, “Black Thunder”, “This Is Mongol” and “Mother Nature”. In this new role, acoustic folk instruments and the typical voice of The Hu stand out. The only “flaw”, if we want to find something that clashes a bit, is the acoustic version of “This Is Mongol”, where in the instrumental part makes you feel that there is the lack of an electric guitar, even if from a second listening you start thinking that it is not so bad as a version. However, these four acoustic songs make you feel in Mongolia, among the nomads and it is a particularly beautiful feeling.

In conclusion the bonus tracks of “Rumble of Thunder: Deluxe Edition” are really well done, especially the acoustic ones that give the feeling of finding you somewhere else. Congratulations to The Hu, we hope that they will always be able to make albums like this.

Tracklist

1. This Is Mongol 3:44
2. YUT Hövende 5:34
3. Triangle 4:12
4. Teach Me 3:58
5. Upright Destined Mongol 4:49
6. Sell The World 4:23
7. Black Thunder 4:15
8. Mother Nature 6:57
9. Bii Biyelgee 4:18
10. Segee 4:39
11. Shihi Hutu 7:09
12. TATAR Warrior 5:03
13. Black Thunder (Extended) 8:59
14. This Is Mongol (feat. William DuVall of Alice In Chains) 3:41
15. Black Thunder (feat. Serj Tankian and DL from Bad Wolves) 4:28
16. Mother Nature (feat. LP) 4:33
17. Bii Biyelgee (Acoustic) 5:12
18. Black Thunder (Acoustic) 4:53
19. This Is Mongol (Acoustic) 3:32
20. Mother Nature (Acoustic) 6:04