Eighteen Visions-Vanity
Release Date- May 14, 2002
Band
Vocals-James Hart
Guitar-Brandon Schieppati
Guitar-Keith Barney
Bass- Jagger
Drums-Ken Floyd
Label-Trustkill
Band Overview:
Eighteen Visions is (or was) a metalcore band formed in Orange County. They mix brutal, chaotic metal and hardcore riffs with vocalist James Hart's tortured screaming and singing and massive breakdowns worthy of any mosh pit. One thing that surprised me about this album is sheer quantity of interesting riffs. This album was made for the ADD generation because something new is happening every about every 20 to 30 seconds. Many of 18V's members have been in both throwdown and Bleeding Through though 18V's sound and style are unique to them.
Vanity- A great opening song that summarizes the rest of the song. Begins with a driving metal guitar riff. All throughout this song James alternates between singing and screaming. I'm not really a fan of his singing but it does add a different dimension to the music. Great breakdown in the middle of the song. Lyrics aren't really standout.
Fashion Show- This song is about a break-up though it is not whiny like many other songs on that subject. Instead of begging for her back, James insists that he'll be fine. "She thought that she could break my heart, I'm not the one thats been held down, because you're the one that's letting me go. this song has great drumming. Another breakdown with a great riff at the end of the song.
One Hell of a Prize Fighter- The second most brutal song on the album. The lyrics are about a fight. Has a great riff where James sings, "Well, here's your misery, bite down and grind your teeth away. This song is divided into two parts. The first part is the heavy part and the second is mostly singing. I think its the best singing part on the album.
I Don't Mind- I dont like the first part of this song because it reminds me too much of Godsmack, but the rest of the song makes up for it. Has a great breakdown. Lyrics are average.
The Notes of my Reflection- An instrumental with an acoustic part repeating over a changing drumbeat. Made to lead into the next song
A Short Walk Down A Long Hallway- Probably my favorite song. James sings "Let me be the one to breathe over a chord change and mini-solo. Great breakdown riffs best lyrics on the album " Disgust, disgrace, youll slap that look right off of my face, I'll play God, I'll play dead, You'll be the one to shoot me in the head". This song also has two screamers. Great.
The Critic- Most brutal song on the album. Lyrics are basically about overly critical people. Also has great alternating guitar part at the beginning."cuz what you see is what you think is loud, so start eating the **** we're gonna feed you now." Great breakdown at the end. A good song.
Gorgeous- Least favorite song. Its an acoustic love song. Lyrics are kind of cheesy and I don't like Jame's singing here at all. Thank god it's short.
You Broke Like Glass- Song about the straight-edge lifestyle. his method of singing sounds too much like that guy from Godsmack and the riffs are uninspired.
In the Closet- No it's not about homosexuals. The lyrics are about religion though I can't tell what they're trying to express. Great riffs throughout the whole song. My favorite lyric on the whole album," God gave you wings to fly, so fly the f**k away". How do you beat that. Great breakdown also. Wish it was longer.
Sonic Death Monkey- A song about pornography. Best riff on the whole album is the starting riff. In the middle of the song it quiets down into a great singing part. Then it enters a great breakdown where he screams, Lay me down, so I can find my peace." Great drumming.
There is Always- An instrumental which is basically a phased guitar part. More of an intro for the last song. Pretty though.
Love in Autumn- Slowest song on album. There is no screaming. Kind of catchy. Starts of very soft than distorted guitars come in and theres a mini-solo. reminds me of an 80's rock ballad. Good ending for a great cd.
Overall: Great Cd if you like dense metalcore or 18V. Very riff-heavy. Nothing like Obsession. I really enjoyed this cd.
Rating: 4/5
