Converge’s Hum of Hurt Album: Tracklist, Release Date & Tour Dates

Boston metalcore legends Converge are proving 2026 is shaping up to be a remarkably prolific year. Just months after the February release of their critically acclaimed album, Love Is Not Enough, the band has announced a second full-length record, Hum of Hurt, slated for a June 5th release via Deathwish/Epitaph. For music fans in Austin, Texas – and across the country – So a double dose of Converge’s signature intensity and a fascinating glimpse into the band’s creative process.

A Year of Prolific Output and Creative Exploration

The announcement of Hum of Hurt comes as something of a surprise, even to those closely following the band. Love Is Not Enough, their first non-collaborative album in eight years, was already a significant release, garnering praise for its return to the band’s heavier roots. Guitarist Kurt Ballou described the process of creating Love Is Not Enough as a return to a more focused dynamic within the band, emphasizing individual contributions and a deliberate lack of external collaboration. Now, just months later, they’re unveiling another full album. According to vocalist Jacob Bannon, the band found themselves with a wealth of material during the writing process, ultimately deciding to treat the songs as two distinct albums.

Bannon explained that the initial intention was to create a noise-rock album while working on Love Is Not Enough, but the project ultimately leaned more towards metal. Hum of Hurt, but, touches on that initial noise-rock spirit, while also being described as a more emotionally driven hardcore album. This distinction suggests a band actively exploring different facets of their sound, refusing to be confined by expectations. The inspiration behind Hum of Hurt is particularly intriguing, drawing from “The Hum,” a mysterious low-frequency sound reported by a small percentage of the world’s population – around 4% – and theorized by Bannon as potentially being “the culmination of all the pain in the world, creating an audible signal across the universe.”

Touring Across North America

Converge will be hitting the road in support of their modern releases, embarking on a North American tour starting April 2nd. The tour schedule includes a stop in Cleveland, Ohio, and will make its way through cities like Chicago, Pontiac, and Dayton before heading east. For Austin residents, the tour doesn’t directly include a Texas date, but the band will be performing in Houston on May 9th and in Mesa, Arizona on May 12th, offering opportunities for dedicated fans to travel and experience the new material live. The tour also includes dates in California and several Canadian cities, demonstrating the band’s broad reach and dedicated fanbase. The band’s commitment to live performance is a key part of their identity, and these shows promise to be intense and cathartic experiences.

The Significance for Austin’s Music Scene

While Austin isn’t a direct tour stop, the announcement of two albums from Converge in a single year resonates within the city’s vibrant music scene. Austin, known for its eclectic mix of genres and thriving independent music community, often attracts bands pushing creative boundaries. The Cactus Cafe, a legendary venue on the University of Texas campus, has hosted countless influential artists over the years, and venues like the Mohawk and Stubb’s BBQ continue to showcase a diverse range of musical talent. The spirit of experimentation and artistic freedom embodied by Converge aligns with the values of Austin’s music culture. The band’s exploration of emotionally charged themes, as suggested by the description of Hum of Hurt, speaks to a growing trend in music towards vulnerability and authenticity – qualities that are increasingly valued by audiences in Austin and beyond.

The influence of bands like Converge extends beyond direct performance. Organizations like the Texas Music Office play a crucial role in supporting the state’s music industry, providing resources and advocacy for artists and venues. The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, held annually in Austin, serves as a global platform for emerging and established musicians, attracting industry professionals and fans from around the world. The continued success of bands like Converge helps to elevate the profile of the metalcore genre and inspire a new generation of musicians in Austin and elsewhere.

Navigating the Impact: Local Resources for Mental Wellbeing and Artistic Expression

Given the themes explored in Hum of Hurt – particularly the connection to pain and emotional intensity – and my background in community psychology, it’s important to consider the potential impact on listeners in the Austin area. If you uncover yourself deeply affected by the music, or if you’re struggling with difficult emotions, here are three types of local professionals who can provide support:

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) specializing in Trauma-Informed Care:

Look for LPCs with specific training in trauma-informed care. This approach recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and provides a safe and supportive environment for processing difficult experiences. Verify their credentials with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

Certified Music Therapists (MT-BCs):

Music therapy utilizes the power of music to address emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. A board-certified music therapist can help you explore your feelings through musical expression and develop coping mechanisms. The American Music Therapy Association offers a directory of qualified therapists.

Expressive Arts Facilitators with a Background in Somatic Experiencing:

These professionals combine creative expression (painting, writing, movement) with somatic experiencing techniques, which focus on releasing trauma stored in the body. Ensure they have appropriate training and certification in both expressive arts and somatic modalities. Look for affiliations with organizations like the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute.

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