Eighteen Visions
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | October 1995 |
| Headquarters | Orange County , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Eighteen Visions is a metalcore group originating from Orange County, California, established in October 1995. The band ceased activities in April 2007 soon after releasing their major label debut through Epic and Trustkill Records. They reunited in 2017 and revealed plans for their sixth studio album, XVIII, to be launched via Rise Records.
Formation, Yesterday Is Time Killed and Until the Ink Runs Out (1995–2000)
The formation of Eighteen Visions took place in October 1995, initiated by James Hart, Dave Peters, Billy Sisler, and Kenneth Floyd under the original name "Macabre". The lineup experienced early fluctuations with additions such as Jeff Boullt, Richie Taylor, Javier Van Huss, and Brandan Schieppati, which helped solidify the band’s roster.
Hart explained that the band's name derived from a lyric referencing "eighteen visions," connected symbolically to the number 18 (6+6+6), reflecting his youthful opposition to religion. The choice was made primarily for its strong impression rather than any specific meaning.
Their first EP, Lifeless, was issued through Life Sentence Records in 1997. After Dave Peters departed to concentrate on Throwdown, Steve Parilla took over bass duties for touring purposes. Their initial full-length album, Yesterday Is Time Killed, was released by Cedargate Records in March 1999. Following this, Trustkill Records put out the No Time for Love 7-inch in October 1999. Keith Barney replaced Parilla on bass. The band's sophomore album, Until the Ink Runs Out, became one of Trustkill’s top sellers and led to earlier recordings being discontinued.
In November 2000, Eighteen Visions intended to participate in a split 7-inch with Poison the Well for Undecided Records' Crush 'Em All series featuring Metallica covers. However, complications with Trustkill Records resulted in the project's cancellation.
Following the touring cycle for Until the Ink Runs Out, bassist Javier Van Huss was replaced by Mick Morris, formerly of xClearx.
The Best of and Vanity (2000–2004)
For their subsequent release, The Best of Eighteen Visions, the group re-recorded previous songs alongside a new track titled "Motionless and White". Both Trustkill and the band intended this collection to present as a fresh album rather than a simple compilation. The vinyl edition was released in Europe through Sober Mind Records. Despite retaining a raw production style with uncorrected errors, this record displayed enhanced production values and marked a transition toward melodic hardcore from their original metalcore roots.
In 2002, they produced Vanity, which maintained heavy breakdowns, metallic riffs, and intricate time signatures but featured improved production quality and incorporated melodic vocal performances throughout. This album included ballad-like tracks such as "Gorgeous", an acoustic number composed by then-drummer Ken Floyd, as well as "Love in Autumn". The release broadened their audience but was the final one featuring guitarist Brandan Schieppati, who departed to prioritize lead vocals for metalcore act Bleeding Through. Eighteen Visions toured as a quartet supporting Vanity. The music video for "You Broke Like Glass" received significant airplay on MTV2’s Headbangers Ball.
Obsession (2004–2006)
After completing their tour, the group entered the studio to produce Obsession with producer Mudrock. The songwriting responsibilities were shared between Keith Barney and Ken Floyd, who also contributed drums and guitar on multiple tracks. This album represented a departure in style, incorporating more approachable hard rock riffs with an arena rock influence, streamlined song arrangements, and an expanded melodic vocal approach.
They launched a global tour supporting bands such as HIM, Lostprophets, and Killswitch Engage, with Ken Floyd transitioning to rhythm guitar and Jason Shrout (later succeeded by Trevor Friedrich) taking over drumming duties. Singles including "Waiting for the Heavens," "Tower of Snakes", and "I Let Go" were released in both the US and UK, each accompanied by music videos. Despite selling 200,000 copies—twice as many as their prior release—the album did not achieve widespread mainstream success.
Obsession marked their last project with Trustkill Records before moving to major label Epic Records. It became their most commercially successful album, solidifying a somber and apathetic aesthetic that proved challenging to move beyond. During this time, they also recorded a cover of Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People” for the compilation Punk Goes 90's.
Eighteen Visions and mainstream success (2006–2007)
Now established as a five-member lineup, Eighteen Visions began pre-production with producer Machine, working from 32 demo tracks. Their self-titled major label debut was released on July 18, 2006, showcasing refined production, soaring choruses influenced by Def Leppard, dark industrial electronic elements, and melodic vocals reflective of the hard rock style popularized by fellow Orange County act Avenged Sevenfold. Although a video and promotional plan were prepared for the radio-friendly track "Tonightless", the band opted to focus promotion on the heavier "Victim", reportedly against the preferences of Epic Records. A music video for "Victim" was produced but received limited label support despite its feature during the WWE Vengeance (2006) pay-per-view event.
After debuting on the Billboard 200 chart for only one week before sales declined, the band toured extensively as openers for Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed and Cambria, Hinder, and Bullet for My Valentine. The ballad "Broken Hearted" gained modest radio rotation but did not have an accompanying video, which contributed to the album’s underwhelming commercial performance. Reported sales stayed below 100,000 copies.
Break-up (2007)
Throughout 2007, as they continued performing live in Australia and encouraged fans via MySpace to request "Broken Hearted" on radio stations, media attention waned considerably. This led to speculation that Epic Records had severed ties with the band; however, no official statement was made. On April 9, 2007, bassist Mick Morris confirmed the breakup through a MySpace post:
"After several years of touring and quite a few album releases we have decided that it is time to go our separate ways... We feel good about everything we accomplished... We will be playing our final two shows in April. One in San Diego and one in Orange County. Come rock with us one more time."
Frontman James Hart later explained on July 13, 2007, that their decision to disband stemmed from differing musical ambitions and touring priorities after more than ten years together, highlighting a shared wish to explore new paths.
Activities Following the Breakup (2007–2017)
Trevor Friedrich, who was brought on by Eleven Seven recording artist Sixx:A.M. for the "Accidents Can Happen" music video, currently plays drums for Never Enough alongside Keith Barney of Eighteen Visions on guitar. Additionally, Friedrich performs as the drummer for industrial groups Imperative Reaction and Combichrist, and fronts The Witch Was Right as their vocalist. He also founded Monkeys Are Machine Guns and previously held the drummer position in Suffer Well with Brandan Schieppati from Bleeding Through.
Keith Barney became a member of the hardcore outfit Monument to Thieves and had a brief stint with California’s hardcore band Love Thyne prior to their breakup. He presently pursues a career in graphic design.
Ken Floyd is active in the new wave band Hi-Deaf and served as a touring guitarist for Saosin in 2010.
Mick Morris toured with Hatebreed providing technical support, launched the clothing brand Dethless Clothing, managed a successful eBay shop, and modeled for various apparel companies. Morris had expressed openness toward an Eighteen Visions reunion, which unfortunately did not come to fruition before his passing on June 3, 2013.
James Hart partnered with former Nixons lead singer Zac Maloy on Burn Halo, initially a solo project that expanded into a full band involving contributions from Keith Barney and Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold. After Island Records declined to release Burn Halo’s debut album completed in early 2008, manager Bret Bair established Rawkhead Rekords under Warner Music Group to handle its release. Burn Halo made their live debut opening for Avenged Sevenfold on December 9, 2008, followed by album releases in 2009, 2011, and 2015 before parting ways amicably with Hart. Hart granted remaining members rights to use the band’s name and catalog for live performances.
Reunion, XVIII, and Subsequent Releases (2017–present)
On February 9, 2017, Eighteen Visions launched an official Instagram page tagging James Hart, Keith Barney, and Trevor Friedrich. They shared behind-the-scenes studio clips including a brief snippet of new material. Mick Kenney was appointed to oversee production, mixing, and mastering duties for their comeback album.
The band announced their new record XVIII on April 20, 2017, with a release date set for June 2, 2017 via Rise Records. The lead single "Oath" premiered with a full stream accompanied by a music video. This was followed by the second single "Crucified" on May 9 featuring a lyric video. Both tracks showcased intense screaming vocals reminiscent of the band's earlier style. Included on the album is "Live Again," a tribute dedicated to Mick Morris. The third single "The Disease, the Decline, and Wasted Time" was released on May 25.
Due to his full-time commitments as Zedd's tour manager, founding guitarist Ken Floyd could not participate in the reunion tour during June 2017. Out of respect for Mick Morris, the band opted not to replace him; instead, his bass parts are played live via backing tracks on pre-2017 songs. Keith Barney mentioned that touring would be limited given members’ full-time occupations.
XVIII was released as planned on June 2, 2017—the first album since 2002’s Vanity to incorporate film quotes at track introductions. A music video for "Live Again" debuted simultaneously.
On August 28, 2017, Josh James officially joined the lineup.
The band revealed that discussions about reuniting had taken place as early as 2010 and again in 2013 but were postponed; notably, "The Disease, the Decline, and Wasted Time" originated during these periods.
Studio photos posted on July 10, 2019 hinted at new recording sessions. In January 2020, Eighteen Visions was confirmed as part of Furnace Fest’s lineup. On September 8, 2020, they announced the EP Inferno, releasing the lead single "Sink," inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.
In June 2021, they unveiled covers of Alice In Chains' "Them Bones" and Vision of Disorder's "D.T.O." as part of an unannounced covers album titled 1996, which was released on July 9.
To commemorate its twentieth anniversary, a re-recorded edition of Vanity was released on July 5, 2022.
Singles "Rot of Humanity" and "Reality Killer" were issued during June and July 2023 respectively as precursors to their EP Purgatorio, which arrived on November 1.
On June 15, 2024, they released a fully re-recorded version of Obsession celebrating its twentieth anniversary.
A re-recorded version of their sophomore album Until the Ink Runs Out followed on May 30, 2025 marking its twenty-fifth anniversary.
Legacy and impact
In 2011, MetalSucks acknowledged the group as trailblazers within the metalcore and deathcore genres, particularly for being among the earliest metalcore bands to blend clean singing with harsh vocals. The piece highlighted that "without their influence, metalcore would lack keyboards, the fusion of screams and melodic vocals, skinny jeans, and elaborate hairstyles in hardcore. There would be no Rise Records, no Attack Attack!, and certainly no Avenged Sevenfold or Escape the Fate." Additional sources have also credited the band with shaping the metalcore scene and inspiring modern acts. In 2020, Loudwire placed their 2000 release, Until the Ink Runs Out, at number 21 on its list of greatest metalcore albums ever.
Apart from their musical contributions, the band was among the pioneers in crafting a unique visual identity by wearing designer clothing and sporting styled hair during performances, breaking away from the mid-1990s hardcore aesthetic. This approach led to them being labeled as part of "fashioncore", a term sometimes used pejoratively (which Hart found entertaining). Hart clarified that their distinctive style aimed to make a memorable impression on their audience. Before embarking on tours, Floyd and Hart were employed at Banana Republic, which allowed them to acquire upscale apparel at reduced prices. Hart’s expertise as a hairdresser—and similar training shared by former bassist Javier Van Huss—further influenced their polished image, distinguishing them within the genre.
Band members
Current members
- James Hart – lead vocals (1995–2007, 2017–present)
- Keith Barney – guitars, keyboards, programming, backing vocals (2000–2007, 2017–present), bass (2017–2023)
- Josh James – guitars, backing vocals (2017–present; touring 2017), bass (2017–2023; touring 2017)
- Matt Horwitz – drums (2023–present; touring 2022)
- Dan Smith – bass (2023–present)
Touring musicians
- Scott Danough – guitar (2001)
Former members
- Ken Floyd – drums, percussion (1995–2003); guitars (2003–2007), keyboards, programming, backing vocals (1995–2007)
- Dave Peters – guitars, vocals (1995–1998)
- Steve Parilla – guitars, backing vocals (1998–1999)
- Jeff Boullt – guitars, backing vocals (1996–1997)
- Brandan Schieppati – guitars, vocals (1997–2002)
- Billy Sisler – bass, backing vocals (1995–1996)
- Richie Taylor – bass, backing vocals (1996)
- Javier Van Huss – bass, keyboards, programming, backing vocals (1996–1997, 1997–2000)
- Zachary Phelps – bass, backing vocals (1997)
- Mick Morris – bass, backing vocals (2000–2007; died 2013)
- Jason Shrout – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2003–2004)
- Trevor Friedrich – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–2007, 2017–2022)
Timeline
Discography
Studio Albums
- Yesterday Is Time Killed (1999)
- Until the Ink Runs Out (2000)
- The Best of Eighteen Visions (2001)
- Vanity (2002)
- Obsession (2004)
- Eighteen Visions (2006)
- XVIII (2017)
- 1996 (2021)