Eighteen Visions Album: “Until the Ink Runs Out”

If you're a fan newer to Eighteen Visions (say you started listening on "Obsession", or even late "Vanity") then you might be surprised at what you get when you listen to this cd. If you are looking for 18V at the most volatile, heaviest state, then this is the cd for you. This album is very different from anything the band has released in the last three years, and many rightfully consider this one to be their best (although I still think "Vanity" gives this one some competition). I still hold this cd in very high regard, because thanks to my friend Brandon's brother John, this was my first introduction to modern day hardcore (along with Poison The Well's "The Opposite Of December") back in late 2000. And from the first time I heard this cd, I was instantly hooked. The songs on this release are so passionate, and so brutal, yet they all fit together perfectly like the pieces of a puzzle. "Until The Inks Runs Out" (the band's first for Trustkill) is just one of those albums that you can listen to on repeat over and over, and every time it evokes the same emotion you felt the first time you heard it. There's not one song on this album that is lacking, and every time I listen to it I get more and more addicted to the frantic passages found on this release. In short, If you're an Eighteen Vision's fan, this is a must own.

From the first second's of "She Looks Good In Velvet", you'll notice this is a very different band, then heard on "Obsession", or even "Vanity". The music is much more technical, and James' vocals are much more of a deep growl as opposed to the higher pitched scream he now uses (which is still good). Personally I think that lyrically this is the best James has ever been. The songs seem to have a lot more thought and poetic feeling behind them, whereas now songs on say "Obsession" seem to be more focused on how well they rhyme. James talks about everything from drug addiction to broken emotion to hatred, depression, and everything in between. With songs like "The Nothing" and "That Ain't Elvis Playing Piano" the band has easily written some of the heaviest material that fans have ever heard them produce. Just when a song like "Who The F*ck Killed John Lennon" or "Champagne And Sleeping Pills" seems to have ended, they instantly slip into a creepy interlude, or disturbing sample. The samples are also a highlight of the record. "Until The Ink Runs Out" contains samples that not only fit with the themes or messages of the songs, but also add a whole new element to them, as seen on "She's A Movie Produced Masterpiece" or the aforementioned "Champagne And Sleeping Pills". The band was also at its peak musically for being so young. Keith and Brandan turned out some of the strongest riffs that 18V has ever written, and create some truly interesting moments on songs like "Revolutionixing The Sound Of Music" and "Flowers For Ingrid". Javier and Ken are a great backing to the band, and Ken's drumming is a particular highlight of the record, giving the sound a lot of backbone. Like I said, vocally James takes a much different approach than the he does now. There's no Stone Temple Pilot-like moments, or any flaunting vocal stylings; James grabs the mic and commands your attention immediately. Occasionally he does slip into a light melodic tone in very select places ("She's A Movie Produced Masterpiece", "Champagne and Sleeping Pills"), but as quickly as he slips into it, he jumps right back out. There's no big surprises though musically, which could ultimately wear on the listener. Most of the songs have a lot of staying power though, which makes up for any lack of diversity the record might contain.

Overall I feel that this is indeed one of the strongest releases the band has offered. I constantly go between this and "Vanity" thinking one is better than the other, but ultimately they are too different to compare. If you're looking for a heavier and more visceral side of Eighteen Visions, then this is definitely the record I would point you to. From start to finish it's got everything that made them stand out from the hardcore crowd in the beginning, and what continues to separate them today. If you're new to the band, I'd say check out "Vanity" before this, and if you like that, then pick this one up. It's true that this one isn't for everyone, so make sure you know what you're getting before you buy. Otherwise this is an amazing record, from an amazing (and very nice I might add) group of guys, who definitely deserve any attention they are getting now. Check out what made them so great to begin with.