Eighteen Visions - Obsession
Not to say that Eighteen Visions have created something boring and cliché; but at the same time I would not feel comfortable in calling Obsession a “natural” record
Progression can be such a funny word. People often define progression as a positive attribute in one’s life, especially when it comes to their creative outlets. As one grows older, they gain more experience that, in one way or another, adds to their perspective and outlook on the way things need to be in their lives.
Getting to the core of Eighteen Visions is a tricky one as there have been many different layers of skin shed over the years. Beginning as any other hardcore band would have, Eighteen Visions played metal influenced hardcore in and around the California area relying on their often “evil” live show (in homage to Bloodlet) and groove oriented style. The word spread on these boys from Orange County and they broke out of their traditional mold; not necessarily altering their style of music but simply the way they presented it. A more rock n’ roll style was injected into their presentation of music, which then eventually made its way into the individual songs. Vanity was their first musical endeavor into more rock oriented songs and it was met with mixed opinions. Obviously you can see the next logical step as Epic enters the picture with the budget and the ambition to make this band into a household name.
Musically, Obsession still holds down a very heavy flow that relies on breakdowns from time to time in traditional hardcore fashion. But now Eighteen Visions have basically infused a large portion of Stone Temple Pilots and HIM into their music. It is a rock n’ roll record through and through, and if anyone were to say different then they are not looking at the entire picture.
As I have previously stated, progression can be a tricky thing. Where some can move forward in their lives to create something special and meaningful, you have those who end up creating something devoid of a message and without any real meaning. Not to say that Eighteen Visions have created something boring and cliché; but at the same time I would not feel comfortable in calling Obsession a “natural” record. It seems as if the changes made were of their own accord (and are legitimate changes), but it is just that these modifications do not feel natural. As the buzz on the band continues to grow, I am left with far more questions than answers. But I do know this, while trends come and go, bands that craft their trade with noble intentions will rise above the rest. I can only hope that Eighteen Visions is one of them.
(Trustkill Records / Epic Records)