It’s been four years since ‘Crash Love’, and AFI continues to impress with the release of their ninth studio album ‘Burials’ on October 22.
During their 20+ years as a band, the sound may have changed but the tune always remains the same, coming from a deep, dark place. From the horror punk of ‘Black Sails in the Sunset’ and ‘The Art of Drowning’ to the pop-rock on ‘Crash Love’, they’ve reinvented themselves on nearly every album. It won’t come as a surprise to the old, die-hard fans that ‘Burials’ doesn’t sound like any of its predecessors. As AFI has traveled further and further from their hardcore roots, their new work is the most layered, and most interesting, in their career.
In recent interviews, frontman David Havok describes the album as “upsetting,” not just for himself, but to any listener who personally connects to the music.
“This record is of silence, and the burials that result from that silence. It’s of betrayal, cruelty, weakness, anxiety, panic – deep and slow – despair, injury and loss. And in this it is shamefully honest and resolutely unforgiving” – Davey Havok
Their first single off the album, ‘I Hope You Suffer’ has a sinister feel to it, filled with anguished cries and coming from a fittingly dark, painful place that will leave you with chills down your spine.
Many of the tracks are heavy, with goth-influenced rock that is dramatic and gloomy. ‘Burials’ is overflowing with slow, drudging sounds, melancholy tones, and yelled, hoarse vocals, pulling inspiration by venting personal pain. Every lyric rolls off the tongue with a hint of venom and a stab to the heart. They’re romantically menacing yet inescapable all in one breath.
Though their sound may come from a dark place, the future seems bright for AFI. ‘Burials’ is available to download on iTunes, or you can stream the album for free on Spotify.
