This black-and-white portrait of Eighteen Visions was taken outside Brick By Brick in San Diego before their show with Death By Stereo and Adamantium. Capturing James Hart, Josh James, Keith Barney, and Trevor Friedrich, this shot represents a band that has shaped the Orange County hardcore and metalcore scene for over two decades.

I grew up watching Eighteen Visions tear up stages at Chain Reaction and Showcase Theatre, and I still remember first seeing them on that Hellfest VHS—a gateway into a whole new world of heavy music. They were a band that blurred the lines between hardcore, metal, and rock ‘n’ roll, evolving their sound while staying true to their roots.

Formed in 1995, Eighteen Visions was a defining force in the early metalcore movement, influencing countless bands with their mix of brutality and style. From DIY Koo’s Café gigs to signing with Epic Records, their rise was nothing short of legendary. After a decade-long hiatus, their 2017 return with XVIII (via Rise Records) proved they were far from done. Seeing them back in action, still carrying that same fire, made this shoot even more meaningful.