Altan Urag

Altan Urag is a seminal Mongolian ensemble that pioneered the 'folk rock' movement in Central Asia during the early 2000s. Formed by musicians trained in classical Mongolian conservatory traditions, the band sought to revitalize ancestral sounds for a global, modern audience.

Their sound identity is defined by the integration of traditional instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and yoochin (hammered dulcimer) with Western rock elements, specifically heavy drums and occasional electric bass. A core component of their music is khöömii, or throat singing, which they utilize not just as a cultural marker but as a rhythmic and harmonic tool. They gained significant international recognition through their contributions to major film scores, including Sergei Bodrov's 'Mongol' and the Netflix series 'Marco Polo'. Critically, they are praised for maintaining the 'soul' of Mongolian music - focusing on themes of nature, ancestry, and the steppe - while pushing the boundaries of experimental rock. They occupy a unique space as both cultural ambassadors and avant-garde innovators.