The Hu
September 19, 2023
The Temple Live
Cleveland, Oh
Andrew Latshaw
September 19th, it was another night of amazing people and out of this world music presented by the Temple Live Cleveland.
I was so excited about the fact I was finally getting to see and photograph the HU, that in my excitement I failed to realize they were co-headlining with Asking Alexandria, and that there was another opener by the name of Zero936, out of Philadelphia, if I am not mistaken.
Zero936 was a very interesting mix to me. They sounded like an energetic mix of late 90’s Nu-metal with some modern day metal. I would say that this trio are absolutely one to watch out for. Catch them on the rise, while you can. They started the show, as I mentioned to a room that was not quite filled yet.
Almost every show I shoot that has an opener that has not made a name for themselves yet, I see the crowd not really engaging, not really into the show since they were paying to se the headliner. While Zero936 were in their opening song, you could see the crowd stop paying attention to their groups of friends, and turning to take in what this opener had to offer.
Second up, out of the three sets for the night was The HU! The HU the Mongolian folk metal band, bringing their unique sound to Temple Live! The band, dressed in traditional Mongolian garb, took the stage and immediately launched into a high-energy set that showcased their unique blend of traditional Mongolian music and heavy metal.
The HU’s music is both powerful and melodic, and their live show is even more impressive. The band’s performance was full of energy and passion, and they had the crowd singing and dancing along from the very first song. You could tell that while many in the crowd were there for the HU, looking at the expressions on their faces I am guessing that there were a lot in the crowd who had never seen or heard them do their throat singing.
Some of the highlights of the show included the band’s biggest hits, such as “Wolf Totem” and “Yuve Yuve Yu,” as well as some new material from their upcoming album. The band also performed a cover of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” which was a huge hit with the people in the auditorium.
Overall, The HU’s performance at Temple Live Cleveland was an unforgettable experience. The band’s unique sound and high-energy performance had the crowd captivated from beginning to end. If you’re a fan of heavy metal or traditional Mongolian music, or if you’re just looking for a unique and exciting concert experience, I highly recommend checking out The Hu.
The Hu was amazing! Their live performance was even better than I could have imagined. The energy was electric, and the crowd was enthralled from the moment these guys took the stage. Watching them playing the drums on the riser behind the vocalists was nothing shy of mesmerizing!
The HU is a must-see for any fan of metal or traditional Mongolian music. Their music is unique and captivating, and their live show is simply incredible… if I am being honest, incredible is underselling this show!
In wrapping up the HU’s review, I feel compelled to remind the readers that they are Mongolian, and while they do speak English rather well, I know this from talking to them prior to the show, the music is not in English. To me, the language barrier was irrelevant! Their passion for the music erased my need and or want to understand what they were saying. I never really care to get set lists from shows, I often get them from the stagehands and give them to the members of the audience, especially when I see someone really into the show or I see a kid in the crowd… this time, I made an exception! This time, I kept the set list!
From the moment the drums started getting hit, and the bows were being pulled across the strings of their Morin Khuurs also known as the Horse Head Fiddle to us who speak English, as a woman on the Mongolia Live Facebook group explained to me, thank you for that Sarah!
After the HU left the stage, and the stagehands were tearing down the set I returned to the pit and started laughing! A woman in the crowd was so taken in by the HU’s performance I saw a bra laying at the front of the stage. I knew that I saw something fly while I was in the crowd, and seeing the undergarment there on the stage was a sign of relief, learning it was a token of appreciation and not someone throwing something to malicious! Regardless, it was funny to see!
Asking Alexandria took the stage to a sold-out crowd of eager fans to cap off the night. The band opened with their hit song “The Violence,” and the energy in the room was electric. Frontman Danny Worsnop was in top form, his vocals soaring over the heavy guitars and driving rhythms.
The band played a mix of new and old songs, including fan favorites like “Alone Again,” “Into the Fire,” and “Right Now.” They also performed a few new songs from their upcoming album, which sounded promising.
Asking Alexandria is known for their energetic live shows, and they didn’t disappoint on this night. The band put on a high-energy performance that kept the crowd hopping from start to finish. Danny Worsnop was interactive with the crowd and encouraging them to sing along.
The sound quality at TempleLive Cleveland was excellent, and the band sounded great. The crowd was also very respectful, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere. It saddens me to know that I have never really listened to these guys! I have heard the name here and there, but I am not sure I have ever sat and listened to them. I can say that this night, this show has changed that!
The crowd was there, and while yes they enjoyed the The HU and those who were there for Zero936, but you could tell without a doubt that these people were there for Asking Alexandria! This band who started off in Dubai, now calling York, North Yorkshire home made their way to Cleveland this night, and I must add that I was sincerely concerned about the structural integrity of the TempleLive’s floor this night! Worsnop had the crowd jumping, and while I was standing still in the pit, I was being bounced by the actions of those reacting to the music!
Overall, Asking Alexandria’s concert at TempleLive Cleveland was a resounding success. The band delivered a high-energy performance that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Asking Alexandria, be sure to check them out on their next tour.
Asking Alexandria was amazing! Danny Worsnop sounded incredible, and the band was so energetic. I had a blast! The Hu stole the show! They were fantastic. I was also converted to an Asking Alexandria fan! Asking Alexandria were painfully loud and it took nothing away from their sound quality. I make the joke that I know I am getting old, the music is so loud to me these days that I am never without ear plugs for shows!
The Masonic temple is a great venue, it is historic, and a living work of art!
