SiM - HOOMAN AFTER ALL

SiM’s HOOMAN AFTER ALL: 12 Tracks, Zero Chill

August 31, 2026

If you’ve been around the Japanese rock scene for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve come across SiM. Formed in Kanagawa in 2004, the band – originally known as Silence iz Mine, have spent the last two decades doing pretty much whatever they want with their sound. Hardcore, punk, reggae, nu-metal and rock all find their way into the mix, creating something that is unmistakably SiM. They’ve gone from playing the underground circuit to becoming one of Japan’s biggest rock acts, with their own festival, DEAD POP FESTiVAL, and some seriously impressive venues under their belt.

More recently, their music has reached an even bigger audience thanks to Attack on Titan, with “The Rumbling” becoming a huge international hit. If you’ve seen them perform at Download Festival, you’ll know how much that song gets the crowd going. After more than 20 years, SiM have clearly earned their place as one of Japan’s most recognisable alternative bands and, somehow, they’re still finding ways to keep things interesting.

Opening the album with FiVE TiMES DEAD (by my wallet) is an absolute power move. The track immediately packs a punch, wasting no time in throwing you straight into the chaos and energy that SiM are known for. It sets the tone for HOOMAN AFTER ALL perfectly, making it clear from the very beginning that this is an album that isn’t here to play it safe.

BLiNDEYES is easily my favourite track on the album, although I’ll admit I’m probably a little biased here. I’ve been a HUGE HANABIE. fan for around five years, so the fact that two of my favourite Japanese bands have finally collabed is basically a match made in heaven for me. Thankfully, it absolutely lives up to the hype. Yukina’s vocals blend ridiculously well with MAH’s, and the two work together so naturally that I honestly need more of this. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s ridiculously fun, and pretty much everything I could have wanted from a SiM and HANABIE. collaboration.

The next few tracks lean a little more towards a pop-punk vibe, but thankfully, SiM still leave absolutely no room to chill. They’re upbeat, catchy and just as energetic as the opening tracks. Karen’s Son in particular is a bit of a laugh, especially considering the stigma that now comes with the name “Karen”. But behind the amusing title is a genuinely fun track. The flow works really well, and MAH’s melodic vocals really stand out here, showing off a softer side to his voice without losing that SiM energy. It’s definitely one of those feel-good songs that I can see being criminally underrated.

Another standout collaboration comes in the form of ZiON, featuring Masato from coldrain. The verses are easily some of the heaviest moments on the album, bringing a much more aggressive edge, but the softer chorus balances it out perfectly. That contrast works ridiculously well, giving the song a really satisfying flow without either side feeling out of place. It’s definitely another high contender for me and one I can see myself coming back to again and again.

BLACK SUBMARINE is probably my least favourite track on the album, although that’s more down to my personal taste than the song itself. I’ve never been the biggest fan of rap, so this one just doesn’t quite hit the same way the rest of the album does for me. That said, I can definitely see it appealing to a lot of listeners, especially those who enjoy that side of SiM’s sound. I’m genuinely curious to see what everyone else thinks about this one, because I have a feeling it could be a favourite for some people.

Sailing On takes things down a notch, but it still manages to pack a punch. After 11 tracks of chaos, energy and everything in between, it feels like the perfect way to bring the album to a close. There’s almost a sense of finally reaching the end of a journey, with the softer moments giving you a chance to breathe while still reminding you that this is SiM. Before you know it, you’ve started the album all over again, and I can safely say I won’t be turning this album off any time soon. It leaves you feeling like you’ve actually gone somewhere by the time the final notes fade out, which is exactly what I want from an album closer.

Overall, I absolutely adore this album. There are definitely some tracks that have stuck with me more than others, while a few don’t quite hit the same way The Rumbling, Devil in Your Heart and DO THE DANCE have for me personally. That said, HOOMAN AFTER ALL has still managed to land itself firmly among my favourite albums of the year so far. And with four months of 2026 still to go, there’s plenty of time for something else to come along and knock it off the top spot… but honestly, who could possibly top this?

HOOMAN AFTER ALL releases on 2nd September 2026 with a UK tour in 2027.

Catch them at their shows –