For fans of EIGHTEEN VISIONS, the band’s move towards increasingly melodic fare was all but sealed with the advent of “Vanity’s” distinguishing characteristics. While 2002′s “Vanity” was a ground breaking hardcore disc for its voracious consumption of self-absorbed imagery and emotions, all delivered with a strategically devasting punch, “Obsession” pushes the envelope even further with one of the best hybrids in sound ever assembled before these ears. Melody and malevolence are a force to be reckoned with. EIGHTEEN VISIONS are not an inspiring band. They do not play the kind of music that forces kids to question their preconceived beliefs – they are the counterpoint to a band like BAD RELIGION where societal context is just as important to the band’s music. “Obsession” lives and dies off the strength of its enormous sound. The lyrics here are second-class citizens, as EIGHTEEN VISIONS buries itself in a montage of earth-moving rhythms, and powerful lead vocals that undoubtably will bring this band one-step closer to becoming “career artists.” “Obsession” doesn’t entirely abandon the band’s metalcore upbringing, as standout tracks like the stunning “Tower of Snakes,” and the swift “A Long Way Home,” remind the listener that while EIGHTEEN VISIONS have largely moved on from their musical foundation, they can still pull out major league breakdowns when necessary. If “Tower of Snakes” doesn’t reverberate down one’s throat, you’ve been sorely misguided. To be honest though, as much as I gleefully enjoy the harder elements of “Obsession,” it’s the band’s not-so-subtle songwriting similarity to STONE TEMPLE PILOTS that draws my attention along even further. Tracks like “I Let Go,” “This Time,” and the riff-tastic, “Waiting for the Heavens,” are modern day equivalents of grunge getting kicked in the crotch by a bunch of surly (but well manicured) hardcore kids. EIGHTEEN VISIONS display a remarkable amount of variety on “Obsession,” and one of the band’s most evolved songs is the eighth tune, “Lost In A Dream.” Although the lyrics are totally cheeseball, the deliciously thick, atmospheric sound is encompassing and grossly memorable. I’m almost at a loss to think of a release with a better guitar crunch than “Obsession,” and it’s somewhat baffling that this is a Mudrock production, especially compared to the less-than-flashy treatment he gave to AVENGED SEVENFOLD on “Waking The Fallen.” Nonetheless, this is as professional sounding a release as they come, and EIGHTEEN VISIONS take advantage of the environment for all it’s worth. Every step of the way in EIGHTEEN VISIONS’ progression I have been continually suprised and awed with the band’s talents, and “Obsession” is no exception. I take back the thought that EIGHTEEN VISIONS aren’t an inspiring band – there’s a whole lot to embrace from a group that continuously expands and refines its sound for more dynamic pastures. “Obsession” stares hardcore entropy in the eyes, and forces it to run away on its hind legs.

Trustkill/Sony

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