Mongolian rockers Uuhai step into this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. Their debut album is Human Herds. Let’s meet Uuhai, whose lineup includes vocalist Saruul Tsogt-Erdene, throat vocalists/horsehead fiddlers Zorigoo Battsooj and Khurtsgerel Damiranjav, drummer Otgonbaatar Damba, percussionist Batbayar Dulamsuren, guitarist Dalaitseren Nasanbuyan and bassist Anand Naranbaatar.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Uuhai.
Uuhai: Uuhai began as a vision long before it became a band. The idea was born in the heart of our band leader and producer, Ombo. He dreamed of bringing the spirit of Mongolia to the global stage through a sound that blended ancient tradition with the power of modern rock. From the beginning, the goal was not local success. The goal was to introduce the true voice of Mongolia to audiences around the world. Throughout 2021, musicians from different backgrounds came together around this vision. Some of us studied traditional Mongolian music in academies, mastering throat singing, long song, and the morin khuur. Others grew up with rock and metal, drawn to the raw energy and emotional force of modern music. Ombo brought instinctive composition and a deep spiritual direction. When these worlds met, Uuhai was born. Today, Uuhai stands as a bridge between ancient Mongolia and the modern world. We are seven musicians carrying one spirit, performing Mongolian culture with pride and presenting it on the stages of Europe and beyond.
What’s the origin of the band name?
Our name, Uuhai, carries the spirit of Mongolia. It is an ancient Mongolian battle cry, shouted by warriors and villagers to call for unity, courage, protection, and good fortune. Long before it became our band name, it was a sound that echoed across the steppe during rituals, ceremonies, and moments of collective strength. We chose the name because it expresses exactly what our music stands for. Uuhai is not just a word. It is an energy. When Mongolians shout it together, it creates a sense of connection between people, nature, and the eternal sky. It symbolizes rising with strength, calling upon the ancestors, and standing as one.
Our music is built on that same spirit. We use throat singing, morin khuur, and powerful rock to bring ancient energy into the modern world. The name Uuhai reflects our mission to awaken that spirit in listeners everywhere, no matter where they come from. So the origin of our name is deeply traditional, but its purpose is entirely modern: to unite people through music and to carry the voice of Mongolia onto the global stage.
Describe the songwriting process for Human Herds.
The songwriting process for Human Herds was a journey that blended instinct, tradition, and the emotional experience of performing on the global stage. Every song began with a central idea: to express the spirit of Mongolia and the shared humanity of the modern world. Most compositions start with Ombo, who brings raw melodies, rhythms, and emotional concepts shaped by his deep connection to nature and instinctive creativity. He often begins with an image or a feeling. It can be the echo of the steppe, the cry of the wind, the pulse of migration, or the voice of our ancestors. These ideas become the foundation of the song.
Once the core idea is created, the band begins shaping the music together. Our two morin khuur players add harmonies, counter melodies, and textures that reflect the vast landscapes of Mongolia. Their lines often mimic the movement of horses, rivers, or mountains. The throat singers build layers of overtone melodies and deep tones that bring an ancient spiritual atmosphere. The rock elements including guitars, bass, and drums strengthen the emotion and add power and intensity. Our songwriting process is also guided by meaning. Every track on Human Herds carries a message: caring for Mother Earth, listening to the wisdom of our ancestors, understanding our dual nature as creators and destroyers, and remembering that we all live under one sun and one moon. The lyrics follow the music and are always written in Mongolian because the natural rhythm and poetry of our language shape the emotional delivery of every song.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
The strongest memory from recording this album is the moment when the entire band felt the spirit of Mongolia come alive inside the studio. There was a point during the sessions for the title track Human Herds when the morin khuur, the throat singing, the guitars, and the drums all locked together in a way that felt completely natural and completely powerful. It felt as if the ancestors were standing with us, guiding every note. We also remember the quiet moments. Times when the studio lights were dim, the morin khuur played a soft melody, and it felt as if the steppe itself had entered the room. Those were moments of pure connection to home. Even far from the open land, the sound carried us back to our roots.
Working on “Secret History of the Mongols” was another powerful experience. Recording a song inspired by the oldest Mongolian text filled us with respect and responsibility. Every phrase carried the weight of centuries, and we wanted to honor that with complete sincerity. And finally, the realization that this album would reach the world through Napalm Records is something we will never forget. It was the moment when a dream that started in Mongolia became a global reality.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
The biggest challenge in creating Human Herds was finding the perfect balance between ancient Mongolian spirit and modern rock energy. We wanted to respect every detail of our traditional sound while also building something powerful enough for the global stage. Bringing two very different musical worlds together is inspiring, but it requires patience, precision, and complete commitment from every member of the band. Another challenge was the emotional weight of the themes. This album speaks about humanity, nature, responsibility, and our shared future. These ideas are not light topics. Many nights we sat together in the studio discussing the message behind each song. We wanted every word and every note to carry meaning. Turning deep philosophy into music is beautiful, but it is also demanding.
The technical process was also intense. Throat singing and morin khuur require perfect breath, perfect tuning, and strong physical control. Recording these sounds with clarity and power takes time. Our rock elements also needed to match that strength so the traditional instruments would never be overshadowed. There was also the pressure of knowing that this was our first full album. We felt a responsibility to represent Mongolia with pride and to create something that could stand on international stages. That responsibility can feel heavy, but it also pushed us to work harder and to give everything we had. In the end, the biggest challenge was also our greatest reward. We managed to create an album that carries our culture, our message, and our heart. Every struggle made the music stronger. Every difficulty made the final result more honest and meaningful.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
The style and sound of Human Herds can be described as a living bridge between ancient Mongolia and the modern world. Our music carries the spiritual weight of traditional throat singing, the emotional voice of the morin khuur, and the raw strength of contemporary rock and metal. It is not one genre or the other. It is a meeting point where both worlds breathe together.
The traditional elements form the soul of our sound. The morin khuur brings wide open melodies that echo the steppe, the wind, and the movement of horses. Throat singing adds depth and atmosphere with tones that feel ancient and almost elemental. These sounds carry the identity of our land and the wisdom of our ancestors.
The modern elements form the body and the fire of our music. The guitars bring sharp emotion, the bass adds weight, and the drums shape the pulse of each song. Together they create an intensity that gives our traditional instruments the space and strength to shine on large stages. The overall sound of the album is cinematic, spiritual, rhythmic, and powerful. It has moments of calm and moments of storm. It pulls the listener into landscapes, stories, and emotions that belong to Mongolia but also speak to the entire world. The themes move between connection with nature, responsibility for the earth, human struggle, and the journey of our collective spirit. In short, the sound of Human Herds is both ancient and modern, both gentle and fierce. It is Mongolia in musical form, carried into the global scene with full intensity and full heart.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
The lyrics on Human Herds explore themes that are deeply connected to our identity as Mongolians and to our understanding of the world around us. At the center of the album is the relationship between humanity and nature. We speak about the earth, the sky, the animals, the wind, and the fragile balance that connects all living things. These topics are not just poetic ideas for us. They are part of our daily life and our cultural memory.Another important theme is the dual nature of mankind. Humans have the power to create and to destroy. We build great civilizations, but we also cause great harm. Our lyrics reflect this struggle and encourage listeners to choose the path of care, unity, and responsibility. We also explore ancestral wisdom. Many songs call to the spirit of our forefathers, the strength of our warriors, and the ancient values that shaped Mongolia. This is especially present in songs like “Uuhai” and “Secret History of the Mongols.” Through music, we connect the past with the present.
Some songs focus on the emotional and spiritual journey of the human soul. They speak of awakening, courage, inner fire, and the search for harmony. Others look at modern society and the challenges we face today, especially the harm we have caused to the earth and the need to return to balance. All lyrics are written in Mongolian because the natural rhythm and poetry of our language carries these messages with a depth that cannot be translated. Even when listeners do not understand every word, they feel the emotion and the meaning through the voice, the tone, and the music. In short, the lyrical topics of Human Herds are nature, humanity, ancestry, responsibility, and the search for harmony. They are messages from Mongolia to the world.
How did you come to sign with Napalm Records?
Our partnership with Napalm Records grew naturally from the momentum of our early releases. When we began sharing our first songs and performing in Mongolia, the international reaction was stronger than we ever expected. Listeners from many countries connected with our music even without understanding the language, and this drew attention from people across the global scene. Napalm Records reached out after seeing the response to our work. From the first conversations, we felt that they understood the identity of Uuhai. They saw the value of combining Mongolian throat singing and morin khuur with modern rock. They knew that our culture was not a decoration but the soul of our music.
They respected that and wanted to support it rather than change it. What convinced us was their professionalism and their experience working with artists who blend deep cultural roots with heavy music. They understood our vision of bringing Mongolia to the world and showed a genuine interest in helping us achieve it. They offered both creative freedom and international support. Signing with Napalm Records was an important step in our journey. It allowed us to bring our debut album Human Herds to the global stage with the strength and reach it deserves. We are proud to work with them and grateful that they believed in the voice of Mongolia.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
Our main goal for Human Herds is to share the spirit of Mongolia with the world in a way that feels honest, powerful, and unforgettable. This album is more than a collection of songs. It is a message about humanity, nature, unity, and the responsibility we all share for the earth. We want listeners everywhere to feel that message, even if they have never heard Mongolian music before. We also hope the album becomes a cultural bridge. Many people know Mongolia only through limited images or stereotypes. Through this album, we want to show our true identity, our history, our connection to nature, and the emotional depth of our traditional sound. If someone hears Human Herds and discovers Mongolia in a new way, that is already a victory.
From a musical perspective, we hope the album shows the world that traditional instruments like the morin khuur and the power of throat singing can stand proudly beside modern rock. We want people to feel how naturally these two worlds can blend when they are played with heart.
In terms of expectations, we want the album to travel far, to reach new listeners across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond. We hope it opens doors for future tours and collaborations. But above all, we expect it to carry our culture with respect and to leave a strong emotional impact on those who hear it. Human Herds is our first full album with Napalm Records. It marks the beginning of our global journey. Our expectation is simple: that it finds its place in the hearts of people everywhere.
How was the video shoot for “Uuhai”?
The video shoot for “Uuhai” was one of the great experiences we have had as a band. It did not feel like a simple filming session. It felt like a ritual. The moment we started performing, the energy of the song filled the entire space. “Uuhai” is an ancient call for unity and courage, and during the shoot we felt that spirit rise inside every one of us. We chose locations that reflect the raw strength of Mongolia. The wind, the open land, and the natural light all became part of the video. Nothing was artificial. Everything came from the environment around us. When the morin khuur echoed through the air and the throat singers unleashed their deep tones, it felt as if the land itself was answering back.
The physical intensity of the performance was real. We shouted Uuhai again and again until our voices grew rough, but the more we shouted, the stronger the energy became. There were moments when the entire team felt goosebumps. It was as if our ancestors were standing behind us, pushing us forward. There was also a deep sense of pride. Filming the video reminded us of why we formed this band in the first place. We want to bring the voice of Mongolia to the world. When we saw the final shots on screen, we knew that the emotion of the song had been captured honestly. The power, the unity, the spiritual fire of our culture were all there. So the shoot was not just a production job. It was a moment of awakening, a reminder of who we are, and a celebration of Mongolian identity. It brought our vision to life in a way that words alone cannot describe.
What has been your most memorable Uuhai live show?
Every Uuhai show has its own spirit, but a few moments stand out as unforgettable. One of the most memorable performances for us was at Hellfest in France. It was our first time on a major European festival stage, and we did not know how the crowd would react to Mongolian throat singing, morin khuur melodies, and our language. But the moment we walked on stage, we felt an incredible energy rising from the audience. When we began the chant of Uuhai, thousands of people shouted it back to us with full force. Many did not know the meaning of the word, but they felt the emotion. They felt the unity and the ancestral strength behind it. Hearing a European crowd shout an ancient Mongolian call of courage gave every one of us goosebumps. It felt as if the distance between our cultures disappeared in a single breath.
Another unforgettable moment happened at Bloodstock Festival in the United Kingdom. The audience stayed with us from the first note to the last, fully open to our culture and sound. When we performed Khar Khulz, the entire field moved together like one living wave. The morin khuur solos soared over the crowd, and the response was so strong that it felt like the steppe itself had opened in the heart of England. We also had the chance to experience the powerful atmosphere of Poland Rock Festival. The energy there was different, almost wild and free. The crowd welcomed our sound with open hearts. When thousands of voices echoed the Uuhai chant back at us, it felt like ancient warriors had gathered again, but this time united through music instead of battle. Poland Rock proved to us that Mongolian spirit can rise anywhere in the world when people listen with open souls.
We also remember our first major show in Mongolia. Performing for our own people, with our families in the audience, was emotional in a very different way. It reminded us where our journey began and why we carry our culture so proudly onto global stages. These shows taught us something important. The power of music does not come from language or geography. It comes from spirit, connection, and honesty. When we perform, we give everything. And when the audience gives that energy back, it becomes a moment we will never forget. Each of these performances confirmed that Uuhai is not just a band. It is a shared experience between us and the people who feel our music, no matter where they come from.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Our biggest upcoming plan is the European tour in early 2026 as part of the Motocultor Tour. This will take us across Western Europe for almost an entire month, performing almost every day. It will be our first major run after the release of our debut album Human Herds, so we are excited to bring the full experience of the album to audiences who have been waiting to see us live. This tour is especially meaningful because it gives us the chance to introduce the spirit of Mongolia to new cities and new audiences. We will be performing alongside Nanowar of Steel, and we look forward to meeting fans, sharing the Uuhai chant, and bringing the traditional sound of throat singing and morin khuur to European stages.
How is the metal scene in Mongolia?
The metal scene in Mongolia has grown strong and vibrant over the past decades. In the early years after the nineties, there were only a few bands experimenting with heavy music, and it was difficult to find equipment, recordings, or stages. But Mongolians have always had a natural connection to powerful sound. Our traditional throat singing and the deep tones of the morin khuur already carry the same raw energy and intensity that metal music is built on. Because of this, heavy music felt very natural to us. Today the scene is alive with many young bands who bring their own ideas, influences, and traditional elements into heavy music. There is real creativity and courage. New bands are forming every year, and they inspire each other by pushing the limits of Mongolian sound. Even though the community is not large compared to Europe or America, it is strong because there is a real hunger for ambition and originality.
The most exciting part is that Mongolian metal is no longer just a local movement. Bands are touring abroad, reaching millions online, and showing the world that Mongolia has a powerful voice in modern music. The international success of Mongolian artists has also motivated younger musicians to trust their cultural identity and to believe that their sound can travel far. Of course, the number of venues is limited, and the infrastructure is still developing. But this has never stopped Mongolian musicians. The passion and the creative fire are stronger than any obstacle. Artists support each other, audiences are enthusiastic, and the connection between tradition and heavy music continues to grow. Mongolia may not have the biggest metal scene, but it has one of the most unique. It is a place where ancient sound and modern energy blend naturally, and that is what makes the Mongolian scene special.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Outside of music, each member of Uuhai has interests that keep us connected to our culture, our families, and the natural world. Many of us spend time in the countryside whenever we can. Riding horses, visiting our home provinces, and being close to the land give us peace and inspiration. The steppe is not only the heart of our music. It is also the place where we recharge our minds.
Some of us enjoy reading about Mongolian history and philosophy, especially the wisdom of our ancestors and the stories found in ancient texts. These ideas often influence our outlook on life and even help shape the themes of our songs. Others love physical training. Strength, discipline, and focus are a natural part of Mongolian tradition, and these practices help us stay balanced while touring and performing.
We also enjoy simple everyday moments. Spending time with family, cooking traditional food, traveling, or exploring new cultures during tours. These small experiences help us stay grounded and remind us why we carry our music into the world. A few of us are deeply interested in photography and videography. Capturing landscapes, wildlife, and life on the road helps us preserve our memories and share our story with fans. In the end, our hobbies all circle back to the same source. We try to live in a way that keeps us connected to nature, culture, and community. These are the things that inspire our music and remind us who we are beyond the stage.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We would like to thank everyone who has supported us on this journey so far. For us, Uuhai is more than a band. It is a way to share the soul of Mongolia with the world. If our music has reached you, inspired you, or made you curious about our culture, we are truly grateful. Our debut album Human Herds will be released on January 9, 2026 through Napalm Records. This album carries everything we believe in. It speaks about nature, humanity, history, and the need for unity in a world that is changing very fast. We hope listeners everywhere will feel the emotion behind each song. We also invite everyone to join us on our upcoming European tour with Nanowar of Steel. We will be performing almost every night, and we cannot wait to share the Uuhai chant with new audiences across Europe. Meeting fans after shows and hearing their stories is one of the most meaningful parts of our work, so please come say hello.
We also want to mention that Uuhai is open to discussing future touring opportunities around the world. We welcome conversations with promoters, festivals, and organizers who want to bring the power of Mongolian culture and music to new countries. Our dream is to perform for audiences in every corner of the world, and we are ready to make that journey. Finally, we encourage people to explore Mongolian culture. Listen to our music, read about our history, discover our traditions, and feel the connection between nature and humanity that shaped us. When you shout Uuhai with us, you become part of our story and part of our family. Stay connected, stay curious, and we hope to see you on the road very soon. From Mongolia to the world, Uuhai!
(interview published January 10, 2026)
Watch Uuhai – “Uuhai” Video
