Blood Youth – Visions of Another Hell | Album Review

The UK’s hardcore scene is one of such diversity, that any invested member of the community is constantly kept on their toes.

We’ve seen bigger breakdowns than we thought imaginable, more bands come and go than really makes sense – but then just as you think you’ve seen it all, the lads in Blood Youth break down the door with this absolute screamer.

When Kaya Tarsus announced his departure from the band just prior to their earthshaking performance at this years Slam Dunk – all mention of their pre-recorded album may have slipped to the minds of a devastated fanbase. That being said, any form of melancholic doubt will be ruthlessly trampled when any Blood Youth addict gets their hands on the beast that is about to obliterate their headphones. Released via Rude Records on October 1st, Visions of Another Hell is no doubt the best kept secret of the year, and dominates the band’s previous material on a whole new level. Welcome to 11 tracks of complete catharsis. 

The initial seconds of the record’s opener  ‘a-LTX’ bring the mood down to one of complete hopelessness with the guitar tones setting an air that’s almost haunted, however it’s the second track that comes in the form of ‘Iron Lung’ that really sets the pace. It’s as if every single ounce of emotion the band has ever felt has been bottled up and weaponised, and the entirety of the four minutes of playthrough slams harder than physically possible. Blood Youth have an undeniable proclivity for the filthiest tones on the market, and that much is demonstrated across the entirety of the new record in line with some of their best lyrical work to date. ‘Something To Numb The Pain’ comes in with an elevated chorus that could be described as transcendent, before the rest of the album drags you back down into gloom.

Visions of Another Hell is clearly just one of those albums that gets better and better the deeper you dive. By the time we reach ‘Human Blur’, there is a distinct sense of foreboding as reality sets in – this record won’t last forever, and we are almost at its end. The perfect balance between a bounty of brutal breakdowns and soaring choruses are where Blood Youth have made their stand for this release, and we certainly hope they hold firm for the duration of their career. 

For an album that’s come completely out of nowhere, there is without a doubt no higher benchmark. Long standing fans of the band can safely tip their hats to the band’s former vocalists, knowing in certainty that Kaya has given his everything on this record. The door has closed on one chapter, and the Blood Youth community will no doubt watch on with intrigue – Harry Rule has some big shoes to fill, and it’s his time to carry the torch.