AFI

Editor's Review:

I don’t mean to be "that guy," but I remember when AFI used to rock a non-plussed lunch crowd in the Tri at Ukiah High School. Jesus, these guys have covered some ground since way back when. Every time AFI hits the studio, the emerge with an incarnation of Punk and Hardcore that is dissimilar to anything they’ve done previously. This is a band that constantly redfines itself, which pretty much guarantees fresh and revitalized ideas on every album.

The infusion of Jade Puget (Loose Change/ex Redemption 87) as a songwriter and vocalist gives Black Sails more substance than previous recordings. Jade can actually sing the backing parts, and his guitar work has added a darker, harder, yet more melodic edge to AFI’s unique sound. And he’s not afraid to throw in some fuckin’ metal.

Black Sails is dark and kinda Gothic which is cool because kids are darker and more fucked-up these days anyway. Sick breakdowns and sing-along choruses dominate. This album is going to kick ass live; if you can’t go off to this, then you might be an MR.

Davey goes some routes with his vox. Unlike other releases, Black Sails fully showcases his intense vocal range, from his trademark shouts to some low-end crooning. A review of Davey’s vox wouldn’t be complete without an obligatory Danzig comment. Uhh, that’s it.

If you liked Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes, then you might love this album. AFI attempts many things on Black Sails that might chafe some fans—many songs go past the three minute mark, there is an undeniable metal theme throughout, and AFI slows it down on several tracks. Fuck it, brother, it’s the late ‘90’s. Rest assured, Black Sails in Sunset is louder, harder, and heavier than ever.

- Pete Geniella


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Record Label Nitro Records Released May 1999

Tracks 1. Strength Through Wounding 2. Porphyria 3. Exsanguination 4. Malleus Maleficarum 5. Narrative Of Soul Against Soul 6. Clove Smoke Catharsis 7. Prayer Position, The 8. No Poetic Device 9. Weathered Tome 10. Last Kiss, The 11. At A Glance 12. God Called In Sick Today