Reviews

Usually, when a band is more well known for their fashion then their music, we wouldn't be surprised when they come out with an album so drastically different it forces those accustomed to the gripping hardcore and tight pants to turn their heads for a minute and listen to a band that's finally matured into their own unique style of music. "Obsession," which has quickly become a new obsession of mine (no pun intended), is no exception. Within the rougly thirty-five minutes that it has to grasp not only our attention but our appreciation, "Obsession" becomes a force beyond compare as it brushes all genres and holds its place as not only a turning point for the band, but a landmark in their music thus far. This is one of those albums that you can be sure will hit the air waves sometime soon and climb the charts faster than imaginable.                                   The words "Obsession, desire and depression," are the first three that ring out in the title track. I can recall when I first heard this album, a friend of mine mentioning that it be a great way to open a show, and ironically it became the opening tune on the recent tour with Atreyu and From Autumn To Ashes. It's just one of those fist in the air songs where every word hits you like a ton of bricks. Next, we move right into "I Let Go," where James Harts' singing comes out immensely.  It's good to see that an artist can not only scream, but sing as well.  The album keeps you moving right along down to track six, "Tower Of Snakes," one of my favorites. The breakdown on this song is incredible. If you close your eyes, you just might see the pit trashing and kicking right along to this one. Lyrics to this one equally addiciting, for instance the chorus: "Are you running away from me?/Are you running away from you?/Are you running?/Are you running away?!" Just in case we couldn't take anymore after that song, the band slows it down a little in "I Should Tell You," and then picks it right up again in "Waiting For The Heavens," where we see more of the older style of Eighteen Visions mixed with a lot of the new style.  It's a great example of how this particular band is able to stay true to what they were from the begining while still growing and changing over time. One thing about Hart's voice is that I haven't gotten tired of it. He continues to do interesting things with what he's got throughout the album, making it progressivly interesting.  The album closes with a touching piece called "Said And Done," which will certainly be one that makes all the girls swoon. Not once did I remotely consider skipping ahead throughout the experience that has been "Obsession."                                                    To many hardcore fans say this isn't what they were expecting from Eighteen Visions. I know at least for me, it took listening to a couple times to really get used to. It's a huge change, but also a step in the right direction for the band. Music is their career, and they can't be playing the same songs with different words and chords on each album. Eighteen Visions will make a name for themselves with this release, something that a hardworking band deserves hands down. Will kids react in a negative way? Probably. But they'll still follow them just like they did when they brought combed hair and girl pants to the scene. This band has something about them, some certain sparkle in their eyes that just draws people. Watch out for this one in the coming months, they're going to explode.