Sheffield hardcore outfit Dead Harts have enjoyed their time as a band touring alongside the likes of The Devil Wears Prada, Feed The Rhino and While She Sleeps. Now, having spent time in the studio they’re unleashing new album ‘Cult For The Haggard Youth’ for all to hear. Mosh faces at the ready…
‘Pit Talk’ introduces the album in a brutal, erratic fashion of throat-curdling vocals, screeching guitar riffs and breakdowns that could prompt a bowel movement. Hold onto your hats because you’re about to be taken on one hell of a fucking ride.
‘Stripptease’ is not in the slightest bit sexy, but is the most rhythmic of the tracks so far. The drumming creates an almighty sense of power and intensity in the track, the guitars remain chunky and progressive and the vocals are delivered with a ferocity not many can handle.
‘Interlude pt.II’ is unnecessary (and where is part one?) but then that stands with most interludes these days. Cracking on then into ‘Suicide Cocktail’. If anything, Dead Harts know how to name their songs! ‘Suicide Cocktail’ is the ideal punk/metal party anthem. It’ll create circle pits wherever it’s heard, and the furious guitar elements and excitable riffs only emphasise the strength in Matthew Baxendale’s vocal. This is the track that’ll certainly be a crowd pleaser at their shows.
‘Council Pop’ and ‘Dirty Fingernails’ continue the loud, beastly breakdowns as seen throughout most of the album, before ‘Tar’ takes on a more melancholic tone. It’s more haunting and the low basslines will shake your insides. It’s less about the fast-paced metal, anthemic sound and more about delivering the passion and intensity that the band, and this record, hold strong.
‘Nosebleed’ brings this mind-melting album to a close. An apt song title for an album that propels out such chaotic sounds that it could indeed induce one hell of a nosebleed. Dead Harts haven’t held back with this album, not in the slightest. It’s in your face, full-throttle hardcore that’ll leave you exhausted by its end. There’s nothing overly ‘standout’ about the record, sometimes it’s hard to tell one track from the next and your ears hurt a bit by the end. But hey, if you enjoy music that hits you like a punch in the face then you’ll love ‘Cult For The Haggard Youth’.
TAMSYN WILCE