NØ MAN drops new album and shares “They Have Names”

DC hardcore outfit NØ MAN, known for their raw energy and influence from Majority Rule, is set to deliver an emotionally charged follow-up to their 2024 release, Glitter and Spit. Their new album, Between the Sword and the Neck, arrives on October 30 via Iodine Recordings, marking a deep dive into themes of resistance, loss, and unwavering perseverance.

The title itself carries significant weight, drawing inspiration from Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani’s profound metaphor about the impossibility of genuine negotiation between an oppressor and the oppressed. The album is further rooted in the Arabic concept of sumud, meaning steadfastness or perseverance—a theme that colors the band’s sonic landscape.

NØ MAN didn’t create this work alone; they brought a powerful constellation of voices to bear on the material. Contributions feature Kat Lanzillo-Hidalgo from FAIM, Jenna Pup of the HIRS Collective, and poet Kamelah Shami, mother of vocalist Maha Shami. These diverse perspectives enrich the album’s exploration of conflict and endurance.

The music immediately confronts difficult realities. The opening track, “They Have Names,” serves as a raw tribute to those who have perished in the occupation of Palestine territories. It shifts between pure fury and sorrowful atmospherics, allowing friends and family members to read the names lost within the soundscape.

The album features a powerful collection of tracks, including “In Spite Zoo,” “Moan,” “Pregnant Hearts,” and the deeply impactful “Blood and Paper.” The full release spans ten tracks: “Between the Sword and the Neck,” “In Tongues,” “نزيف على الورق,” “Murmur,” “Run Faster,” and “In Tongues.”

Fans can experience the raw energy of NØ MAN live this weekend with Reversal of Man in Toronto, Montreal, and Burlington, VT. These shows offer a chance to witness the band’s potent blend of hardcore intensity and poignant social commentary.

The tour dates are:

• July 31 -Toronto, ON @ New Friends Fest w/ Reversal of Man
• Aug 1 – Montreal, QC @ Turbo Haüs w/ Reversal of Man
• Aug 2 – Burlington, VT @ Radio Bean w/ Reversal of Man