The Hu
October 22, 2026 at Palladium, Cologne
Support: Skald
Tradition meets modernity, old meets new, East meets West—the Mongolian rock band THE HU captivates millions of fans worldwide with a distinctive sound that blends traditional folk music with heavy metal. The four band members—Galbadrakh “Gala” Tsendbaatar, Nyamjantsan “Jaya” Galsanjamts, Enkhsaikhan “Enkush” Batjargal, and Temuulen “Temka” Naranbaatar—met while studying at the music conservatory in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, in 2016. They wanted to create something new, a unique fusion of heavy metal and their traditional instruments; they dubbed this style “Hunnu Rock” and named themselves “The HU.” In 2018, they scored a viral hit on YouTube with their debut song, “Yuve Yuve Yu,” winning the hearts of countless international fans. They cemented their status as a formidable force of nature with the 2019 release of their debut album, The Gereg. Featuring lyrics entirely in Mongolian, the music draws on centuries-old poetry and battle cries, blending traditional throat singing with classic rock melodies. Their stated goal is to share more of Mongolia’s rich history and culture with the world. The album title itself supports this mission, referencing the diplomatic passport used under the legendary Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. Their efforts have been successful: in 2019, they became the first band ever to receive the “Order of Genghis Khan,” Mongolia’s highest state honor. They were also the first Mongolian band to top a Billboard chart. Their 2022 follow-up album, Rumble of Thunder, further showcased the spiritual depth of their music, leading to sold-out international tours and performances at the Glastonbury Festival and as a supporting act for Iron Maiden. With over 900 million streams, The HU has become a major fixture in the rock and metal scene. They are currently working on their highly anticipated third album—but before that, a packed festival summer awaits them. In the autumn, The HU will also come to Germany for headline shows, performing in Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, and Cologne with special guest Skald.
SKÁLD is a highly popular French Nordic folk and neofolk music group formed in 2018. Conceived by producer and composer Christophe Voisin-Boisvinet, the ensemble specializes in resurrecting the spirit, languages, and stories of ancient Scandinavian culture. They sing predominantly in Old Norse, as well as other modern Nordic dialects, drawing lyrical inspiration directly from historical texts like the Poetic Edda
