Search - Eighteen Visions :: Vanity

Ryan D. from VENTURA, CA
Reviewed on 2/1/2007...

OC hardcore with melodic overtones

18v's Most Essential Album

LeftManOut | TheCityThatNeverSleeps, FL | 11/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's many different opinions floating around about this album among Eighteen Visions' fans. Some, like myself, consider this to be the best album 18V has crafted since their inception; some are turned off by its glammy imagery, and new sound. To tell the truth, "Vanity" combines all the best aspects of 18v's sound, without being too melodic, or too overly heavy. There's a nice balance created within the album, and each song seems to flow very well. If someone were new to this band, or had never listened to them before, then this would be the first place I would point them. Don't get me wrong, I love "Until The Ink Runs Out", but I just consider this a better balanced work, and a better representation of Eighteen Visions' style. As it stands, "Vanity" is a crushing dose of melody and mayhem, and has more than its share of change ups, keeping the listener constantly guessing on what's coming next, which really propels it into a greater territory.



There's a lot that separates this album from 18V's others. If you have been listening to this band, then you know they have never made the same album twice. "Yesterday Is Time Killed" was the beginning where the band was finding their sound, "Until The Inks Runs Out" was the full on intricate hardcore that 18v was always known for, and "Obsession" was an attempt to take Eighteen Visions' sound to a more mainstream rock approach. "Vanity" falls in the middle of "Until The Ink Runs Out" and "Obsession". At the time 18V was beginning to experiment with more and more melody, but still throwing out heavy pieces like "Fashion Show" and "One Hell Of A Prize Fighter". The diversity is what is key about the album. James has taken his voice to new levels than were previously seen on "Until The Ink Runs Out", and proves that he really can 'sing'. His charisma and attitude on the mic gives 18v a style and sound all their own. He can go from some of the most brutal screams, to beautiful melodies instantly, as seen on the title track "Vanity" and "A Short Walk Down A Long Hallway". Keith and Brandan have taken a different approach to writing guitar parts this time around. Their style isn't nearly as intricate and complicated as it was on UTIRO, but it's much more melodic. The guitars seem to weave better together on this release than they do on the first album. Mick and Ken give a great performance as the rhythm section, Ken's drumming is especially worthy of noting, as it's the best he has done thus far for the band. You won't really find yourself getting bored with the album because it has such a great range. It has heavy ones like "The Critic" and "One Hell of A Prize Fighter", middle of the road, heavy yet melodic pieces like "Vanity" and "You Broke Like Glass" and more melodic approaches like "Gorgeous" and "Sonic Death Monkey". As far I can tell this new 'enhanced' version is no different from the original pressing, except that it corrects the track list (which on the original is messed up) and has the video for "You Broke Like Glass", so if you have the old one, there's really no need to shell out another $15 for this one.



In the end every time I listen to "Vanity" I'm pleased. It's definitely my favorite album by the band, and their essential recording. Like I said diversity is key, and this album has plenty of it. While "Obsession" would abandon a lot of the trademarks the band established on this album (although it was an ok album), and "Until The Ink Runs Out" might be a little too heavy for casual fans' taste (but it's still an amazing album), "Vanity" lands right in the middle. It offers you the best of both worlds, without leaning too much towards one side. If you like the band or have never listened to them at all, this should still be your first introduction to the band. After that I would head to "Until The Ink Runs Out", and then to "Obsession". Nothing can really take anything away from this album, which is why it's so good. Check it out."

I hate purists

LeftManOut | 04/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alot of people give this album a bad reveiw or make fun of the band for not playing the same crap over and over. Unlike purists, I like musical progression. This is a good album but it has its flaws."