Metalheads had a heavy double header to get to on Tuesday night, as Asking Alexandria and The HU took over the Citizens House of Blues as part of the Psycho Thunder Tour. Joining them for the evening was rapper and musician Zero 9:36, with a short but highly energetic opening set that captivated early concert goers, with some snatching some of his merch shortly after.
Many fans arrived early to catch Mongolian folk metal band The HU, anticipation reaching its peak as the lights went down. The large ensemble solemnly took over the stage, looking ominous as they moved in and out of the shadows. The band’s sound is potent, with rumbling drums that made the ground shake, mixed with the hum of the bass; the intensity could be felt in every corner of the room.
The HU’s unique sound places traditional mongolian instruments at the forefront, as well as intersecting throat singing with the more guttural screams in metal. The band had the crowd completely under their spell, as fans quickly started chanting “HU HU HU” in between songs. Mixing Mongolian and English, the language barrier was entirely non-existent; the powerful music and unifying chants brought the entire audience together. The band took to the mic a few times, showing their gratitude to the fans and visibly touched by the immediate response. The HU’s live performance can be felt on your chest in a way that feels completely immersive.
As The HU left the stage with thunderous cheers, fans switched spots and moved to the back, as the Asking Alexandria crowd started moving forward. Despite both bands being metal, they are distinctly different, to the point where it almost feels like a mismatched lineup. The audience grew anxious as time passed, with the background music at very low volume. All of a sudden, a loud drum beat shut the lights off and startled many, signaling Asking Alexandria’s arrival. Kicking off with “The Violence”, frontman Danny Worsnop stormed in, setting the tone for the energy of the show moving forward: hectic and explosive.
Worsnop seamlessly moves from deep screams to a sultry melodic voice, as he runs around the stage menacingly. The band’s energy is just as fiery, with an exhilarating light show that keeps the audience on the edge. As they focused on most of their recent material, the set blends their newer sound with the more hardcore intensity from earlier albums with ease, displaying the band’s constant evolution. Worsnop would also often take time to thank the fans for sticking around and supporting AA over the years. From classics like “Moving On” to the more sophisticated “Let Go”, Asking Alexandria’s high-energy performance connected deeply with the audience, wrapping up an electrifying evening that was a treat for all metal fans across multiple sub-genres. Make sure to catch the Psycho Thunder Tour in a city near you.
LISTEN TO ASKING ALEXANDRIA HERE!
LISTEN TO THE HU HERE!
CATCH THE PSYCHO THUNDER TOUR HERE!
