SiM: HOOMAN AFTER ALL
Japanese rock heavyweights SiM are set to release their seventh studio album, HOOMAN AFTER ALL, on 2 September via UNFD. As a highly anticipated feline-themed release from one of Japan’s most distinctive heavy bands, the album arrives with considerable expectations attached to it. With a world tour planned in support of the record, fans will have plenty of opportunities to experience this energetic, nostalgic and unapologetically eclectic collection of songs.
The album opens in explosive fashion with ‘FiVE TiMES DEAD (by my wallet)’, a track that immediately establishes the record’s larger-than-life personality. Catchy hooks, energetic instrumentation and frontman MAH’s unmistakable vocal delivery make for a strong and memorable introduction. Drawing inspiration from the rock and nu metal sounds of the 1990s and early 2000s, the track channels the kind of infectious aggression associated with bands such as Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, while still retaining SiM’s distinctive identity.
That momentum continues with ‘BLiNDEYES’ featuring Yukina of Japanese metalcore outfit HANABIE. While the two bands occupy similar territory within the heavier side of Japanese rock, Yukina brings a contrasting edge to the track. Her vocals introduce an almost kawaii-infused energy that cuts through the song’s intensity. Furthermore, her voice creates an effective change of pace without diminishing its aggressive spirit. The result is a collaboration that feels playful, chaotic and perfectly suited to both artists.
‘HOLD MY BEER’ follows with some of the album’s most impressive instrumental work. Beneath its tongue-in-cheek title lies a more reflective track, with themes of truth and recognition giving the song an unexpected emotional weight. The contrast between its accessible musicality and more introspective lyrical moments makes it one of the record’s more interesting entries.
SiM then fully embrace their eccentric side with ‘The Sniffing Cats Ska’ featuring Japanese rock band HEY-SMITH. The track carries the infectious energy of an anime opening theme, recalling the appeal of SiM’s breakout hit ‘The Rumbling’ from 2022’s anime series Attack on Titan. As absurd as its title suggests, the song is also one of the album’s most entertaining moments. From aggressive, screamo-style meows to its energetic ska influences, it is a wonderfully chaotic display of the band’s willingness to experiment and have fun even with their wildest ideas. It would be no surprise to see this become a firm fan favourite.
The title track, ‘HOOMAN AFTER ALL’, takes a more deliberate and methodical approach. Slower in tempo but no less forceful, the song channels defiance and rebellion through its lyrics while appearing to adopt the perspective of a cat observing the world around it. Its references to humans and dogs reinforce the album’s feline concept without allowing the theme to become a gimmick. Instead, the track serves as an effective centrepiece and captures the character of the record as a whole.
Another standout is ‘ZiON’ which features Masato of coldrain – one of the most recognisable names in the Japanese rock scene. The collaboration delivers on its considerable promise, combining fierce instrumentation with dramatic shifts in tempo and melody, making the whole experience of listening to this song a wild, yet very welcome ride.
Overall, HOOMAN AFTER ALL stands as one of the strongest releases in SiM’s discography to date. Its guest appearances add variety without overshadowing the band, while the album’s blend of nostalgia, aggression, experimentation and eccentric humour ensures that each track brings something different to the table. Whether drawing from 1990s and 2000s rock, metalcore, ska or anime-inspired bombast, the band remain unmistakably themselves throughout.
More importantly, the record reinforces why the band continue to stand out within the Japanese heavy music scene. HOOMAN AFTER ALL is loud, unpredictable and occasionally ridiculous, but it is also confident, cohesive and endlessly entertaining. It is a compelling reminder that SiM’s creative identity remains as strong as ever.
The band will support their latest album release with North American dates in October and November, followed by shows across Europe and the UK in early 2027.