10 Great Metal Albums (For People Who Don't Like Metal)
9. Hum - Inlet
While there tends to be little connection between the respective acts, shoegaze and metal have a fair bit in common. Both often take a wall of sound approach, with patiently developed textures taking priority over melodic variety. For a band to bridge that gap, look no further than aptly named alternative veterans Hum.
The band dropped their first record in over 20 years in 2020, and it could be their finest offering to date. From the off it’s maximalist, speaker-blowing stuff. Opener “Waves” kicks in with colossal drums and, appropriately enough, Oceanic guitars. It’s tuneful but colossally heavy.
On the epic “Desert Rambler” they slow things down, with a chunky, rolling riff and drums that hit infrequently, but with immense weight. They save the best for last, with “Shapeshifter” a droning storm of sound. It picks up in heft until breaking at the midpoint, whereupon the band change tact completely with a bright, even pretty finale.
It’s an elegant and lush record that nonetheless provides a hearty workout for any sound system that tries to tackle it.