There are bands that you like, and then there are bands that stay with you, the ones you keep going back to, no matter how much time passes. For me, NUMB has always been one of those.
It's been 12 long years since their last full-length album, but the wait is finally over. NUMB have returned with a brand-new record. Released on 22nd April 2026, this isn't some nostalgia project or safe comeback. It's rooted in everything that made NUMB what they are.
Here is all you need to know about the album, straight from the band themselves.
From Bloodaxe to the Studio
The seeds for this record were planted two years back at Bloodaxe Fest, where NUMB linked up with Triple B Records, and decided it was time.
After a year of writing, they hit the studio to craft their first full-length in over a decade.
The recording process stayed local. Except for the drums, the album was recorded at Still Heavy Tokyo, the studio owned by Gaku (Crystal Lake).
"Recording was super chilled because Gaku's studio is right near Senta's house", the band shared.
The Crew
Gaku didn't just record and mix the album, but also played some guitar parts. The guest list reads like a festival line-up, and it reflects the strength of the scene around them:
- Makoto (SAND)
- Koba (Loyal to the Grave)
- Ozk (Creepout)
- Akeem (Secondarms)
- H8monger (Saigan Terror)
- Yo Yo-T (Soul Vice)
- Doc P
Displaying an incredible cross-section of Japanese hardcore, both past and present.
The Sound & The Influences
Musically, expect a masterclass in heavy. NUMB aren't trying to reinvent hardcore here, and that's exactly why it works.
You can hear the DNA clearly: Biohazard, Breakdown, Cold as Life, and Madball - the classic 90s foundation mixed with the raw edge of Discharge and Japanese hardcore punk.
It's groove-driven, aggressive and direct. No trend-chasing, no overproduction. Just something that hits the way it's supposed to.
The Lyrics
Lyrically, the record moves between everyday reality and wider themes, from personal experiences to politics, layered with Japanese elements like Shogun, Ninja, and Kaiju.
One standout track is "Don't think, feel" inspired by Bruce Lee, with a massive chorus designed for the pit to sing along.
It says a lot about how that band still thinks: not just about the records, but about the crowd, the energy, and the connection.
DIY Spirit meets Big Impact
One of the most interesting parts of this release isn't just the music - it's how they approached getting it out there.
The CDs were priced at 1000 yen (very cheap for Japanese standards). The idea was to combat raising global prices, while also aiming for visibility beyond the usual hardcore circles.
And it paid off.
The band managed to break into the Oricon Charts, landing alongside mainstream artists - something that still feels slightly unreal.
As they put it, "imagine a hardcore band popping up between Taylor Swift, Justin Biber and Travis Scott - that's how wild it was".
Visuals
The artwork carries the same sense of intention.
The front cover was designed by Skate Thing (Cav Empt / Goodenough / BSPE / HUMAN MADE) - a name that already carries weight - giving the record a timeless, almost iconic feel.
The back cover features a raw photo of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, captured by world-renowned photographer RK. It was a dream collaboration for the vocalist Senta, who was born in Shinjuku, and has long been a fan of RK's photo aesthetic.
This record is a bridge between the golden era of the 90s and the modern Shinjuku streets, proving that you don't need to compromise your sound to make history. It's not everyday you see a pure hardcore band rubbing shoulders with pop giants on the mainstream charts, but that's exactly what NUMB pulled off. By keeping CD prices low for the fans, and staying true to their roots, they have shown the world exactly what Tokyo hardcore is capable of. Every piece of this album screams 'classic'.
Support the scene, grab the record and keep it real.
Release date: 22nd April 2026
Labels: Triple B Records (LP) / Still Heavy Tokyo (CD)
Check out the new video here: NUMB - "FOLLOW THE SHOGUN"
Big thanks to NUMB for sharing the insight about their record!
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