This was the first cd i bought when it first came out and i loved it. i still think afi fukin rocks!!!! thei stuff isn't that hard core but they're awesome

ok AFI is a great band. i love AFI. i think its safe to say im a hardcore AFI fan. but this cd, is shit. tracks number the first track, the leaving song pt 2, but home is nowhere, dancing through sunday, and death of seasons are the only good songs. their older stuff was so great, everything u could want from a hardcore punk band of their style. but they are slowly going from punk to...i dont even kno wat to call them anymore. they have punk moments that are signature of them, but some of its just whiny and terrible. they need to go back to their roots. i hear their next album isnt going to be any step back to what they were when they started so all i can say is hope for the best, and a better album.

bad

Granted this album isnt afi's best... But since its afi i gotta give em props... I gotta say davey is a lyrical genius and i kinda like his new shit!!!!
"'cause this hate it fuckin real... "

this is a great album in its own right. sure its not remotely punk or hardcore, but the new style suits them very well. they put together some great songs here, including leaving song I and II, bleed black, celluloid dream, girls not grey and more. just becuase they softened up doesnt mean they suck.

its an awsome CD dude ur crazy AFI kicked ass with this CD they just changed it up a little.

I laugh so much when somebody says old AFI is better than this stuff... what makes singing about cereal wars and wanting to get a pathetic mohawk better than songs like death of seasons and dancing through sunday? THe early AFI stuff was predictable, cliche punk and this stuff is just a great step into the next level. You can't write the same fucking songs forever man. Black Sails will still always be my favorite album though.

I just love how people are so threatened when a band changes or becomes successful. Hey asshole who wrote those millions of "horrible" lines: Go poke your eyeballs out and rot in shit.

I just gave this crap a 1 cause i cant give it less, this guys used to be a great hardcore punk band, now they are like Marylin Manson's Gay little brothers (With all due respect to gay people)

I Dont agree with the review, I think AFI founds their tue sound on this album, Although , I think Black Sails and The Art.... are great , This album is their best. Grate songs, grate lyrics, grate riffs. Buy this almbum

horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible horrible

this cd is described in one word:

AWESOME!

I feel like I'm coming down to a new low making a post to defend AFI but shit how can you bash this album and be serious about it. These guys have paid their dues, grown as a band and made one of the best damn records of 2003. Go see these guys live and tell me otherwise cause they kick ass. A shade over produced but it comes with the dreamworks territory, so get your heads out of your asses and give credit where credit's due. This coming from a guy that used to despise AFI.

this record can really only be discribed in one word "fuckingposergothlosershitandafuckinginsulttogobands"

And for all you people that say afi isnt punk look how they used to be it used to be that if you didnt like afi you wernt a punk, now all the real punks out there hate the new gothic poser afi, because they suck, there lyics are all about like blood and spiritual bullshit, and its just horrrible to listen to...

This album rocks!!!!!

not that i have a problem with homosexuals, but does anyone think that the song "...but home is nowhere" is about being gay? Couple of saves the day songs sound like there about homosexuality also... good album though

I think it's the album of the year. That's all!

I've been listening to AFI for about 6 years now and they are a great band. I really couldnt give a fuck if they had signed to major label or not. But this album compared to their previous releases is just dissapointing. Why they changed their image really boggles me as well. They have a huge fan base, no need to prove themselves to anyone.

Wow... I really enjoyed this cd. Lots of feeling, not at all boring by my standards. I'm constantly listening to it. I'd recommend it to anyone that likes the harder side of punk, but i'm not saying it's punk because it doesn't really fit into a category, but that's why i like it. I dunno, i like the music for the music, not because everyone else likes them or because they're on dreamworks now. Are you sure you got the same cd that i got?

This band peaked at BLACK SAILS. It has been shit since then. Fuck MTV.

Dreamworks produced something decent here. The sound was a little choppy and fuzzy at times but the overall experience was not entirely unenjoyable. There was some predictable dialogue and the dog, of course, bit someone on the butt a few times. There was too much stuff about empowering women and not enough action. But there were still some neat moments, like the huge sea-beast that tore the ship up. The worst was the cheesy one-liners: "Who's bad? SinBAD." Not worth the $6, but would be worth sneaking in the back for.

Oh, that's right. Angry Fisherman, Incapacitated! Crud. Well, let's try to salvage this. Well, Dreamworks overproduced this one(as if underproducing them would make it less painful) just like a fart that you have kept festering inside you, just waiting to unleash the powerful stench on any unsuspecting bystander. What else can be said for AFI other than, next time less jokes, more swordplay, and keep going with that whole sea of sand deal.

worst album i've heard in my life. terrible, terrible, terrible.

HAHAH!!!
the term "sellout" isn't usually in my vocabulary... but what resources??? did afi use all of nitro's oil?
you stupid fuck.

Also, everyone who says they "sold out" They were on Nitro, Dexter from Nitro suggested AFI go to a Major label as they have out grown the Nitro labels resources, who cares what label your on as long as the music is good.

Well, im not huge on the old AFI im a sunsets on listener - there last effort beats this one in my opinion, this album has some great songs and is worth buying, but myself was left wondering what they are doing on some of the songs, almost like they were a little to over produced, something was just missing from this album, though again there are some very very strong tracks

you suck at life

This album is a complete pile of shit. I've never been a fan of this shit-ass, over-rated so-called "band", but with a new album, always comes a new chance. And since i've heard alot of good things about it (obviously from "hardcore" AFI fans who KNOW this album blows, but won't admit it, cuz then Davey won't suck their dick). My little sister (who is 13, and her favorite band is New Found Glory, with GOod Charlotte coming in 2nd) bought this cd, so i listened to it. Then i was scratching my head. Listened to it again, and again, and again. I'm sorry people, but i gave this shit a chance. Four listens, and instead of this thing growing on me, which is what i was told would happen, i just hated this band more and more. How the fuck is this CD so good??? Answer that without your "AFI are gods" bullshit. This band sucks, this album is definitely their worst, and i hope California rots.

i woudl of gave this cd a 0 but it wont let me. what happened to this great band? MTV reeled them in i bet. they suck. just listening to their old stuff makes me wonder why im listening to them

I frankly love this cd. I love all of the Afi albums to be even franker. To those who say their punk shut up. Punk is yes a genre of music but i hate how dozens of bands that have great but different sounds are all lumped together as punk.

This album is a fucking work of art.

for anyone who says that it isn't punk or will in the future...

In Revolver magazine Afi specifically stated that they don't want to be "punk" they said that they want nothing to do with the crap that is considered punk these days. nor do they have any interest in becoming popular. Dreamworks signed them as an artist not a pop band, and will continue to support the band even if they only sell 3 records.

Thx AFI, but I liked the Misfits the first time. They've become what they always wanted to be, a misfits tribute band. gg k thx.

-pris0nb0und

I think this album is a good offering from a good band. Its not the pinacle of new rock for the year 2003 but I feel I didn't waist my money. I like the guitar solo for Dancing through Sunday and the lyrics for Death of Seasons are cool (the title doesn't fit I guess) but thats not important, or is it? Anyway the techno is ludacris and if it was for experimentation they need to stop. I miss the over accent at the begining of every word but the singing is good. Other than that nothing really stands out except the poetry and that struck me as weird but I liked it. Another cd for my collection. By the way while all those people are talking about range of vocals, if range is what you want listen to Cradle of Filth. Dani Filth has a range that will blow all the other singers out of the water. Besides hardcore keeps going more metal everyday. Now read, agree or disagree, degrade my comments (especially the mention of Cradle of Filth cause they are evil, cliche,...etc.) and have a lovely life....or not whatever makes you happy.

this cd fuking RULES WOW this is by far the best AFI album they have a lot of talent! bleed black and silver and cold bad songs?? man you are a fucking cocksucker hahaha stupid gay

I guess switching to a major label gets you in rolling stone as one of the "new" up-and-coming artists...NEW??? I like the band but disappointed by their willingness to sell out to the masses.

I completely disagree. This is a very good cd, and it by far passed my expectations. AFI has progressed A LOT to be able to create this CD. I don't get where some get off calling these songs boring. Especially with songs like:

"The Leaving Song Pt 2"
"Death of Seasons"
"...But Home is Nowhere"
"Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Win)"
"Dancing Through Sunday"
and the intro "Miseria Cantare"

Those songs really shine, and my only complaint with the CD is the Girl's Not Grey. Eccchhhk. I'm kind of glad I heard that song before the rest of the CD (its the single) though, because if I had perhaps heard "...but home" or "death of seasons" or any of the other great ones, my expectations would have been VERY HIGH. Not to say this is a letdown, because it's not. At all.

For me, the only other Great Disappointment for me is that song. It has such a great intro, the bass line is greeeeeeeeeeeat. And it was my original hope that the song would pickup, but it doesn't. The song isn't entirely that bad, the guitar in it is pretty nice when its past the extremely mellow parts. (when its heavier towards the middle-end)

All in all, this is a great cd, and if you liked AOD of BSINS, I don't see why you wouldn't like this CD, other than the fact that you're a flamebait and they signed to a major. Stick your punk rock angst up your ass. They really progressed, and musically and vocally this CD is great.

Wow, i like it.

I would just like to give thanks to AFI,and big thanks to Butch Vig.

you see AFI already knew what the album should sound like (the basic structure) but without Butch there would be no polish on this brillant album.

And i would also like to thank ROSS ROBINSON for STAYING THE FUCK AWAY, and no poisoning another album with overproduction. don't get me wrong Mr. Robinson is a good producer, but i feel that he tries to rush thinks a bit, just to get on somebody else liner notes.

People will talk, some negative some positive, i will hear all sides and disrespect no one for their opinions.

This album is fantastic, and will be studdied in the years to come.

thank you AFI

-bip a kip

"But you act like if its not a punk rock record its not good in your rant. Where does it say this was a punk rock record?

And for all of you nay-sayers, Davey can outsing just about any singer to date (excluding Claudio from Coheed and Cambria who is absolutely unbelievable) and he has a much better range then Danzing who sings every song the exact same way constantly. Its funny how the misfits can write the stupidest most cliched songs ever and get worshipped, and when AFI borrows a little bit of there look and builds on that style they get bashed. And Danzig the solo artist is a piece of shit. AFI is far better then The Misfits AND ESPECIALLY Danzing in every way imaginable.

All your blind worship for these former punk rock icons are sickening. Again, if you dont like AFI thats cool. but theres no need to bash them for no reason.

And for the record, Davey farting in a mic would sound a fuck of a lot smarter then most of you."

this was a relief from so many pathetic posts. especially the very last sentence. lol

The more I listen to this the more I like it... it takes a few cause it's quite a surprise.

Dear God, I'd forgotten about "Cereal Wars". Worst Hardcore Song Ever.

--Cos

THIS deserves comment of the month:

"True AFI fans will appreciate the time and effort put into this record. The music is much the same, but I think better, than what's been done before. So fucking there."

while i can't agree that the music is much the same, TRUE fans will appreciate the time and effort put into this record. bash em for trying new things yah real fans *rolls eyes*

well....hmmmmm . hahaha i think that you pretty much dont have a clue on how fucking brlliant this cd is . sing the sorrow has lived up to its reputation and is by far the best afi cd to date.the fact of afi now being on a major doesnt mean shit about the band selling out , for fuck sake you should really take a look at yourself and stop being so fucking judgemental on this band .with the help of dreamworks afi have put forth an album of pure genius one ithink theyve probably wanted to do for a long time. songs like silver and cold , opening track miseria cantare and the leaving song pt 2 are absolutely mindblowing and i give props to how good davey and the lads have come since their last effort 'the art of drowning '.this cd sent shivers up my spine and will do so everytime i listen to it .fucking awesome production and well jade your unbelievable !!what can i say , for those fucking afi fans still hanging onto the afi of old , wake the fuck up this cd blows all away , truly amazing .go get it now

you may not like this album, but it is certainly not "typical drive-thru" or predictable. Im not a big fan of the cd, but when I put it in I was surprised as hell, point is its very UNPREDICTABLE.

The album is great. All you big baby's need to fuck off. This isn't the fucking Cereal Wars. It's called progression, and all you old skool fans need to get some of it. Or maybe your just too punk.

Ok, I haven't bought this CD yet because I had a choice between grabbing this or the new Caddies, and I stand by my decision. I just wanted to say that I looked at the back, and it appears that they took a corner from the Black Sails cover and put it in a red circle. Now I'm not one to judge an album by its cover, but this strikes me as a wee bit lazy. I mean, c'mon guys, you're on a major now, you can use some new artwork. I have no opinion about the CD, I heard Girl's Not Grey and thought it sucked the chrome off a trailer hitch, but I didn't like Sorrow when it was previewed either, but now I love the Process of Belief, so who knows?

I like Choke but not Coheed and Cambria, it's odd because they both have singers with really high pitched vocals.

Ok, this is a bunch of shit! I just heard the album for the first time. I might like it, IF I WAS A FAN OF TOP 40 RADIO. I thought I was listening to fucking likin park. I am so pissed OFF. Oh, for the good old days of two chords alternating with Davey Havok screaming through a megaphone. What a bunch of bitches. And don't give me a bunch of shit about how their music is evolving, that shit just MUTATED.

Oh, sorry bout that, I thought you were being a sarcastic dick. Didnt mean to be mean. Claudio's voice takes getting used to. But even if you dont like it, on a technical level, his voice is absolutely incredible. And avenged sevenfolds singer doesnt sing in key. At all. And that annoys me. But neither does Dustin in Thrice and I love them, so I guess to each his own.

Compared to other AFI albums, this album isn't even worth standing in the shadow of their past releases. It's a good album, but not "Black Sails" or "Answer That..." good.

Matt hits notes that Davey doesn't it's that simple. I still like AFI and I still think Davey is a good singer. But I don't understand the Coheed and Cambria thing, that guys voice is just downright obnoxious.

You obviously know jack shit about singing. I being a singer can recognize this. Sorry if you cant.

And i didnt mean to mispell Danzig twice. Just a odd coincedence.

Matt from Avenged Sevenfold has a better range than Davey.

The best word that can be used to describe this album is mediocre. Although there are some very good songs (i.e Death of Seasons), most of the album sounds like recycled Drive-Thou trash. The lyrics are unispirational at best, and there is almost a complete abscense of electrifying guitar solos. I have heard and read of people comparing this band to Strung Out. I just don't see it. Let's all cross our fingers that Thrice's major label debut isn't as plagued by predictablity and mediocracy as this album is.

But you act like if its not a punk rock record its not good in your rant. Where does it say this was a punk rock record? And for all of you nay-sayers, Davey can outsing just about any singer to date (excluding Claudio from Coheed and Cambria who is absolutely unbelievable) and he has a much better range then Danzing who sings every song the exact same way constantly. Its funny how the misfits can write the stupidest most cliched songs ever and get worshipped, and when AFI borrows a little bit of there look and builds on that style they get bashed. And Danzig the solo artist is a piece of shit. AFI is far better then The Misfits AND ESPECIALLY Danzing in every way imaginable.All your blind worship for these former punk rock icons are sickening. Again, if you dont like AFI thats cool. but theres no need to bash them for no reason.And for the record, Davey farting in a mic would sound a fuck of a lot smarter then most of you.

you can tlak all you'd like about how AFI has "lost their edge" but listen the fuck up. THEY NEVER HAD ANY!!!! they have AWLAYS fucking sucked. Davy Havoc is the newest breed of Rockstar

This band makes me want to vomit on myself

i really dont understand all the misfits and Danzig comparisons. now...i havent really heard many of the newer Danzig solo albums, but i know he never used a horrible high pitched squeal on any misfits or samhain records. how could anyone ever compare davy havoc and danzig? just b/c davy jocks him, doesnt mean they sound anything remotely similar.

I just purchased this and so far I'm glad it was only $8. I have very mixed feelings about this. AFI has definitely lost a lot of its edge and intensity...this just sounds so overly polished, even uninspired in certain aspects.

The CD for the most part sounds like mellower rehashes of "Days Of the Phoenix." I may have a more succint opinion after listening to it a little more, but so far I am far from convinced.

' True AFI fans will appreciate the time and effort put into this record. The music is much the same, but I think better, than what's been done before. So fucking there. '

fucking right

American Nothing still sucks, screw yourself pal.

I liked AFI a lot better when they were called "The Misfits"

True AFI fans will appreciate the time and effort put into this record. The music is much the same, but I think better, than what's been done before. So fucking there.

I always thought Davey Havok sounded like a pre-pubecent DANZIG. Its not a bad thing thats just what I thought. Its kind of nice to hear him sing and not just scream, eventhough thats cool too, just noy all the time.

Hey everyone, listen to the cd more than once... It gets better.

I completely disagree. This is a very good cd, and it by far passed my expectations. AFI has progressed A LOT to be able to create this CD. I don't get where some get off calling these songs boring. Especially with songs like:

"The Leaving Song Pt 2"
"Death of Seasons"
"...But Home is Nowhere"
"Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Win)"
"Dancing Through Sunday"
and the intro "Miseria Cantare"

Those songs really shine, and my only complaint with the CD is the Girl's Not Grey. Eccchhhk. I'm kind of glad I heard that song before the rest of the CD (its the single) though, because if I had perhaps heard "...but home" or "death of seasons" or any of the other great ones, my expectations would have been VERY HIGH. Not to say this is a letdown, because it's not. At all.

For me, the only other Great Disappointment for me is that song. It has such a great intro, the bass line is greeeeeeeeeeeat. And it was my original hope that the song would pickup, but it doesn't. The song isn't entirely that bad, the guitar in it is pretty nice when its past the extremely mellow parts. (when its heavier towards the middle-end)

All in all, this is a great cd, and if you liked AOD of BSINS, I don't see why you wouldn't like this CD, other than the fact that you're a flamebait and they signed to a major. Stick your punk rock angst up your ass. They really progressed, and musically and vocally this CD is great.

the only thing this album has going for it is the album title. When i first heard these songs i was singing the sorrow too. the sorrow of how much my ears were in pain for having to listen to this shit.

AFI is the worst fucking band ever. I really think those letters stand for "ALL FUCKING IMPAIRED" cuz none of those guys have gotten the point over their all too long careers that they have no idea how to make good music. let alone music at all.

"i cant stand them, the talk about how every song is so meaningful. like they could never put out a bad record. i wonder what the fans would think if davey made a record of him farting into the microphone. i wonder how they'd all react. they'd probably get a bunch of comments like "it's the most out there thing ever" and "davey is just so unbelievably awesome with his new cd.""

best.......comment......ever!

American Nothing Rocks! Screw yourself!

"My Girlfriend likes AFI now. But my sister digged them back in the Black Sails days... that makes my sister cooler than my girlfriend. Cause she liked them when they weren't super huge like they are now. That makes her cooler. Cause she liked them back in the day. Cooler. Day.

HOLY CRAP!

You have to be one of the biggist loosers I know to compair you sister and you girlfriends musical tastes then says your sisters cooler just because she likes an earlier release of AFI. Why dont you go fuck her while youre at it you prick. I hope she reads this and dumps you, you unworthy fuck.

-501"

Ummm...I think that guy was being sarcastic. He was basically making fun of people who think that they are cooler because they listened to AFI "back in the day" as opposed to now that they are popular....

Sarcasm is wasted on some people

I am the author of this article.

By stating that I think this record is bad because it is less "punk" and on a major label is a ludicrous and idiotic statement.

The music just isn't good. Major label or not...it's so subpar, it hurts. I feel that your favorite band put out a shitty record. Deal with it.

My Girlfriend likes AFI now. But my sister digged them back in the Black Sails days... that makes my sister cooler than my girlfriend. Cause she liked them when they weren't super huge like they are now. That makes her cooler. Cause she liked them back in the day. Cooler. Day.

HOLY CRAP!

You have to be one of the biggist loosers I know to compair you sister and you girlfriends musical tastes then says your sisters cooler just because she likes an earlier release of AFI. Why dont you go fuck her while youre at it you prick. I hope she reads this and dumps you, you unworthy fuck.

-501

' It’s almost embarrassing to listen to... '

So are you saying you care about what other people think what you listen to?

Kid, you ruined this review that a real AFI fan could have done. Thanks. This Album is great, subrtact ' Bleed Black '. Yes, it was over produced, but they had a crap load of money to work on this album, and they wanted to give there fans a great release, which they did. All the AFI fans will love, or have been loving this CD.

American Nothing sucks.

My Girlfriend likes AFI now. But my sister digged them back in the Black Sails days... that makes my sister cooler than my girlfriend. Cause she liked them when they weren't super huge like they are now. That makes her cooler. Cause she liked them back in the day. Cooler. Day.

Marilyn Manson...I got the opportunity to talk to Marilyn Manson at a CMJ festival once and the only thing I could think of to ask him was "What the fuck is the matter with you?!"
I don't think he got enough hugs while growing up.

What a fuckin dork. I bet this bitch didn't get enough laughs while growing up.

i read this review yesturday and went and bought the cd. i wanted to see if it was really that bad.well, i think its a great cd. ive been a AFI fan for years,but i think this cd is great. i disagree with most of what you said. i like the song "Girls Not Grey" is one of the best songs one the cd. but thats just what i think. now everyone may continue to tell me how im a loser for thinking this,but i cant help my opinion.

I dont like this album but:

1. Saying their immitating pop culture by screaming is just flat out stupid, they've always screamed. Saying a band is rip off for screaming is like calling someone a sellout for singing.
2. A million bands have used piano interludes on hardcore records and a million more will in the future, get over it.

I bet Davey gives some fucked up head.

"Onetruebill, if it's for Understand? or All Rise and it isn't AT LEAST 4.5 stars, you are smoking crack. Lets hear it. Joeg, I second it."

it's for Throb Throb. i sent it in awhile ago. I htink i gave it a 4.5, but i honestly don't remember

Davey sounds like Taylor Hanson on this album. Sweet.By the way, if you havent heard the first track on this album, you are missing out, IT IS THE WORST SONG EVER. -Kevin

GreenVandal...if you had been paying attention you would have noticed that I said that if you were looking for a punk rock album, then I'm sorry to say that there are only about 5 minutes of punk rock on it.

I didn't say "Man this sucks, 'cause it ain't punk rawk! Oi! Oi! Oi! (vomits on an old person)"

And just so you guys don't think I'm singling AFI out for mockery.

I love the Misfits, "I Turned Into A Martian", "Mommy, Can I Go Out And Kill Tonight", and "Tennagers From Mars" had me in stitches. Glen Danzig has one of the most fun voices in music to imitate. I think there should be more Glen Danzig impersonators out there. And the song titles sound like 1950's horror/sci-fi B-Movies. They are awesome.

I will never stop thinking the Type-O-Negative guy sounds like a strange German pervert with a cold. Another funny Goth Rock voice that should be impersonated more often.

Robert Smith...enough said.

...well maybe not, so I'll say it anyway...Robert Smith has one of the funniest british melodramatic voices ever. Add to the fact that (depending on if he's having a fat or thin day) he looks like an aging Crow who's retaining water. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Morrisey's a twat. (And I like the Smiths)

Marilyn Manson...I got the opportunity to talk to Marilyn Manson at a CMJ festival once and the only thing I could think of to ask him was "What the fuck is the matter with you?!"
I don't think he got enough hugs while growing up.

KISS...hehhehhehhehheh

Alice Cooper....hehehhehhehhehe

White Zombie...hehheh,snicker,snort,heh

GWAR...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

At least Gwar KNOWS that goth is funny.

What I was saying below is not bashing punk. Punk is probably the style of music i listen to the most. But I listen to other things as well. And rating a album by "hoe pussy he sounds" and how "not punk this is, it has about 5 seconds of punk rock on it" is fuckin retarted. If you dont like AFI fine! Dont like them! But dont be a idiot about it. And music is a very personal thing to me (as it probably is to you) so when I see senseless bashing of a band, I get angry. Theres nothing wrong with this album in my opinion, theres just somehting wrong with most of the kids listening to it.

FuckArmageddon77 has the best rants since twat.

-sickboi

I remember Davey saying in AP: "do what's popular now? we'd NEVER do that!"

Right, cause emo (the leaving song pt. 1???) isn't popular. neither is screaming (as the guy below said...Do I smell an AMERICAN NIGHTMARE rip off?). or nu-metal (c'mon, listen to STS once through, you KNOW what I'm talking about).

and cellos? RIGHT, using those on rock albums is TOTALLY UN-POPULAR!!

Or re-writing your old songs (can you find the song that sounds like Days of the Phoenix on Sing the Sorrow? It's like a treasure hunt!).

Wow, Davey's a liar.

Another thing I think is really funny is people who get really defensive or in a huff because you think their music sucks. Unless I am mistaken, no one posting on this site is actually in the band (and if they are then that's even more lame and they deserve mockery). So why are you taking it so personally?
I'm used to people not liking my music. I'm used to non-punk fans (we are still the minority) making snide comments about my punk music. I'm also used to punk rock elitists bashing me for committing the unforgivable crime of liking music that isn't punk rock.
The point in this is so fucking what? I think AFI is silly. It's not because of their change in sound or whether or not they're punk. It's because their lyrics, image, content, etc. is something I find funny. I think goth is funny. I think people who wear black lipstick and pretend to be creatures of the night are kind of like kids who never grew out of tying towels around their necks and pretending to be superheroes. I think the only thing about AFI that kept me from thinking they were just a big joke in the past was their hard-edge which distracted from the teen-angst I'm-wearing-black-to-match-my-soul lyrics. On this new release they have gotten a bit softer which enhances as opposed to distracts from the goofy song lyrics.
Add the fact that they sound like a gothic Bon Jovi at times, or the Anti-Creed at others....
I'll just break it down into basic mathematics
Goths playing dress-up Anne Rice Lyrics Bon Jovi techno chambers strings and pianos people taking this music and themselves VERY seriously=COMEDY!

anyone else notice these two things on this album?

1) american nightmare ripoffs (afi tours with an, and their next album features scream/singing much in the vein of wes...hmmm...)

2) nerve agents ripoffs (piano interludes on a punk/hardcore record? guys, didn't the nerve agents totally do this like last year? and not only that, but don't the piano parts sound surprisingly similar?)

hahahaha...

is anyone else not surprised that a kid with a username like "soulbleed" is defending this album?

AWESOME.

to reiterate what some have already posted:

this isn't about a band selling out. or changing styles. or not being punk anymore. or ANYTHING AT ALL LIKE THAT.

you 13-year-old brainwashed fans need to stop writing AWESOME comments claiming that the only reasons people don't like this are either a) afi sold out, or b) they're not punk anymore (ahem, GreenVandal).

that's not it, champs.

as someone said below, i too loved BS and AOD, and i too love a lot of what afi are going for on this album. and i couldn't care less that they're on a major. so, i should like this tons, right? wrong. this is an exercise in boring riffs, contrived lyrical "darkness" and melancholy, over-production, and apparently limited songwriting talent.

i don't HATE this album. i just find it boring and uninspired. i listened to the whole thing with little or no emotional reaction at all.

and now, i'll re-post another comment i fully endorse:
"I love AFI (especially Black Sails to Art of Drowning). I also happen to love a lot of music that sounds similar to what AFI went for on Sing the Sorrow (and the music that influenced them directly in their creation of this album).

That said, I should really like this album. It's a band I love, playing music I love.

In reality, I found this album to be mediocre at best. Sing the Sorrow seems to be the product of forced song-writing and lack of inspiration. There is not a single song on this entire record that I consider to be thoroughly good (the complete opposite of my feelings about BS and AOD).

This is not about a band maturing, or a band selling out, or a band not playing punk anymore (all of that stuff -- except for the selling out bit -- would most likely make a band MORE appealing to me).

It's simply about a good band writing sub-par songs, whatever their style may be."

i disagree with the position of the reviewer on this one. i had written a review for this album about a month ago, but it hasn't made it on the site yet (i don't know if it will), but in that i stated what a huge improvement this was over their other albums. they've finally found a mold they can fit into comfortably without mocking the misfits constantly, and that's grounds for appreciation.

Davey needs to get laid and drink a beer. That's why he's so sad. I'd be too if I'd gone 26 years without either of those things.
FATBOY

on a positive note, i found a nickle!
~Zäk

I SEE SOOO MANY COMMENTS FROM NARROW MINDED PEOPLE, WHO ACCUSE ANYTHING THAT SWAYS FROM THE STRICK PUNK ROCK RULE BOOK, AS BEING SHIT. WELL I HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR YOU.

have you made a positive comment sice this site began? i doubt it. because every thing has to change my friends, change is good.

i have mates who like hip hop and even some who are treading on thin ice, that "dont really listen to music (i like everything)" type of people.

i try a bit of afi on them from time to time, because how could anyone not like some of their work. and they hate it. why!!?? i ask myself later when i hear the same music again. i guess its because...

EVERYONES DIFFERENT!. thats what make the world go arround. and henseforth, if every one was the same, this place would be fuct.

i will now relate this to music.
ALBUMS SHOULD BE DIFFERENT! thats what keeps the music alive. if a band stayed the same, they would be shit, and you know the ones that havent progressed in years, look at their fan base.... maybe thats what is so good about afi,... it can reach to so many, because its becoming so diverse.

Actually Now the World and Reiver's sucked shit and made me extremely worried about this album. Everything turned out great though, this is an awesome release. Reviews like this make my opinion of punknews.org's competency severely dwindle, however. I don't think I'll be reading here anymore.

a) the review sucks. Now The World and Reiver's are good songs. I dont know what the fuck he's talking about.

b) it may be different from the other albums, but its still fuckin good.

c) nothing wrong with sound developement.

d) the album flows well, has a consistent theme, and is well written.

e) While the sound has been slightly changed, its definitely still AFI.

f) anyone who thinks otherwise can fuck the hell off.

damn. I wish this site would actually make an effort to have well written, well structured reviews. so hit and miss. hit and miss.

this one.... sigh. miss. Sing the Sorrow is quite good. not that I mind a critical review if one feels it is warranted. I'm just tired of reading shit from people who fell asleep in English class. Annoying.

Who the hell is this reviewer? Whoever it is, they constantly contradict themselves throughout their entire review. "AFI is totally dissappointing, but this track rocks." You can't do that. You have to pick an opinion and support it. Punknews.org, please pick more competent reviewers.

awful review. great album. a further expansion upon what the band has been doing. i love it.

They did a great job making an album that was unique, you can tell because half the people here hate it, and the other half love it...

I'm one of the people that loved it

every musician in the band has improved vastly... now its not punk? who fucking cares.

oh yeah, and a 10 for the insincere dave comments.

AFI continues to try to write deep and bleak lyrics, as they have since Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. However, while Shut Your Mouth... seemed to me to be truly heartfelt, something about the whole gothic thing always struck me as being insincere, just more overt Danzig references. Black Sails in the Sunset still had some powerful songs, as did Art of Drowning, but the lyrics continued to get worse and worse. On this album, they are totally disjointed, I think Davey just stole lines from all the gothic poetry his fans most likely mail him. Fair enough, at least the music should be catchy AFI goodness? No, it too suffers from disjointedness. From screaming to wimpy whispering, found sounds added into the album, none of the songs were really memorable to me. This reminds me more of Garbage's self titled than any punk album I've ever heard. Really, I think if they can simplify and speed up these songs live it would be good, but the point of this long winded rant is that although I really like AFI's old stuff, this sounds like a really average "alternative rock" record. If AFI's trying to start a musical revolution, they're about 10 years too late. Now that it's not 93 though I prefer punk to alternative, so I'll probably just give this to someone who "appreciates" all the extraneous production crap as "atmosphere", and the mediocre gothic poetry as "depth". I'll keep listening to old AFI, but I'm downloading their next album before I consider buying it.

I love A.F.I. with all my heart and soul, and while a couple of the songs on here do kick ass, most of the time I just wind up asking myself, what the fuck are they doing? Musically, A.F.I. has always been driven by Hunter's fast driving bass style in the same way Rancid is driven by Matt Freeman's signature bass. Here the bass is just an afterthought. The vocals are much sissier than usual, and while Davey has a great vocal range and sings really well even it does sound girlish, the music behind him is just sissier too. What happened to the driving punk riffs behind songs like Sacrifice Theory? Even the song Days Of The Pheonix has some real power behind it. This whole album is just dissapointing when compared to the masterpiece that was Black Sails. But I still won't cry too much or get too worried about it? Do you know why? The first single Girl's Not Grey is terrible by A.F.I. standards, but it's going to consistently be one of the best songs on modern rock radio for the sole reason that every thing else on the radio sucks A LOT more. I'd rather listen to any form of A.F.I. on the radio that have to listen to fucking Nickelback. So before you start crying sell out, just keep in mind that they are making mainstream rock better....but only marginally.

maybe if every chorus didn't have every member of the band yell something i'd like this.

Im pretty sure it used to be Asking For It right before it was A Fire Inside. One other thing, to the people insulting whoever doesn't like this, calling them childish or whatnot, do you really think you're going to sway their opinion this way? I didn't like this CD much, I didn't like Art of Drowning that much either and since this was in the same vein... I think this band declined after the A Fire Inside EP, but thats just me.

top notch album.

I know AFI is "A Fire Inside" now, but I thought it used to stand for "Asking For It".

Oh and about davey sounding like a girl singing.

So did Robert Plant and Geddy Lee. Both from two of the most influential bands ever.

Im not saying that AFI is that influential, but so what if he can sing better than any one of us. At least he doest sound like anyone else nowadays. For example, New Found Glory = sum41 = simple plan = starting line = blink = every other wannabe punk band who is more in it for the "fashion" than for the music, or anti-flag = home grown. at least davey is unique. and who cares if davey works with hot topic? he doesnt wear everywhere, or at all for all ive seen. You people have you heads so far up your asses, you could be wearing yourselves as a hat.

thats funny that someone had the audacity to say

"Another Fuckin Idiot who goes and buys the album...dont waste your hard earned money!"

AFI used to go by Abuncha Fuckin' Idiots before the adopted A Fire Inside. hmm go figure.
by the way you ALL are so lame. its the internet. anonymity at its finest. what music critics you all are. No wonder no one is paying you for your opinion. good day.

whoever made that farting comment with davey is a legend in my book.

Thank you AFI for keeping it fresh.
As much as I love Shut Your Mouth..., I dont want to hear it over and over again. I think they have progressed so perfect. I honestly had low expectations for this, because AOD was so good and them going to a major but they really turned me back. Im glad to eat my words that this would be dissappointing.

Ya, its not as harsh but its deep. The willingness to try some techno shit takes some huge balls.

this score is for the guy who mention fruit roll ups. i take about 2 boxes at my job.

Ramo

This review is terible.

Do you see those stars up there kids? Thats not a "PuNk RaWk" rating, its a album rating. AKA- stop rating albums by how many punk points you get for listening to them. Just because something isnt Punk doesnt mean its bad.

And i undertand that you just might happen to like punk and nothing else. Well thats fine. But as a reviewer you are supposed to look past your own musical preferences and try to give a fair assesment of what a album is, not what you think it is.

On that note. Your right, this isnt punk rock. Its too smart to be punk rock. The music is well written, energetic, and although the lyrics are admittedly cheesy, that doesnt make them bad. AFI's campiness is just part of there style. Deal with it. This album is pretty good, although I long for the rougher mix of "Black Sails".

As a punk album this gets like a 4, as a rock album I say its a 8, and all those who say otherwise...well. You either dont like AFI which is fine, or cant except change. And i feel bad for you. No scratch that, I fucking hate you because theres no reason to listen to only one kind of music you limited minded arrogant piece of shit.

Im so glad these punk kids are around, they give me a good laugh! Silly dance moves and pointy hair and politics that you only pretend to understand. And 309283847473048720 bands that all sound the same and get worshiped! WONDERFUL! get a mind of your fuckinh own fuckers.
Sorry. I get pissed off sometimes. This isnt buddyhead (because your not funny enough to be on buddyhead) so if you cant do a decent review, dont do one at all.

Ok, this ALL shit needs to stop. The guy who says there's no individual song: so the fuck what? Does it matter that much, do you have to be that fucking literal, honestly, calm the fuck down. We all know that ALL likes coffee, it's a joke, it makes sense. Can we just leave it at that or do you need me to cite this post with MLA style in consideration? For fuck's sake...

-El Vaquero

i third that nomination, joeg.
~Zäk

"the first thing on ALL's Allstitution is "freedom of espresso" so please, fuck off.

wyzo"

Not an ALL song, just something they wrote in their album. The whole point was to find an ALL SONG about coffee. There isn't one. End of story.

Onetruebill, if it's for Understand? or All Rise and it isn't AT LEAST 4.5 stars, you are smoking crack. Lets hear it. Joeg, I second it.

I hate to break it to all the big fans of the "farting into the microphone", but its not cool, funny and in fact is pretty lame. Man oh man fart jokes are so hardcore and so original, when in doubt lets go play the fart card. Stupid as hell. As for the guy who reviewed the record, what a retard "there is not one truley interesting track on this album". What the fuck are you talking about man? you later go on to name songs that you think are good in later paragraphs and then include a stand out tracks list at the end. Oh ya, and it is way to fucking cool to hate AFI now, go trash someone who deserves it like that horrible excuse for a band H20.

fuckarmagendon's comical little rant wins comment of the month award. anyone second that motion?

the first thing on ALL's Allstitution is "freedom of espresso" so please, fuck off.

wyzo

This score is for the comment by FuckArmageddon77, brilliantly worded. I applaud you sir.

-sickboi

"i wonder what the fans would think if davey made a record of him farting into the microphone. i wonder how they'd all react. they'd probably get a bunch of comments like 'it's the most out there thing ever' and 'davey is just so unbelievably awesome with his new cd.'"

oh man thats funny! a 10 for that comment!

I give this baby a "10" because it is the funniest CD I've heard all year. I was a having a pretty shitty day and after hearing this CD it seemed that all of my toubles were magically whisked away. I needed a good laugh.

Anyhow, on to the review...
I've been wondering for quite some time how this album was going to be. Given the current "gloom and doom-ooooh I'm so goth I'm dead" direction that AFI's been going lately as well as their recent signing to Dreamworks and their choice of commercial alterna-rock virtuoso Butch Vig as a producer, I had a sneaking suspicion that this album was going to be pretty terrible.

That being said, AFI surpassed my expectations. This album was even worse than I thought it was going to be.

I won't pretend that I was ever a HUGE AFI fan. "Answer That..." and "Very Proud..." never really did a whole lot for me. And their most recent (until this one) "Black Sails..." and "Art of Drowning" had some pretty lame moments. Although they had some good ones too. Their best album, by far, in my opinion was "Shut Your Mouth..." (which was fucking brutal). "All Hallows e.p." was pretty good too.

But, my basic contention with AFI was their tendency to take themselves waaaayyyy too seriously and their use of over-flowery Edgar Allen Poe meets Jim Morrison purple prose that although it sounds nice and pretty it doesn't really say anything and isn't really all that relevant now is it?

I mean really, "through our bleeding, we are one..." It''s just dripping with melodrama and Lestat fucking. It's masturbatory Anne Rice bullshit if you ask me.

That having been said, I'm glad goth fashion and music exists because it gives me something amusing to laugh at. Angsty teenagers across the globe can play dress up and pretend that they have magical powers and mope around the malls while bemoaning the fact that they didn't grow up in the 17th century and why doesn't anybody like them? I guess their just so far advanced from the "herd" that no one can understand them. It is their blessing and their curse to know so much more about the universe than the pathetic mortals down below.

But, on to "Sing the Sorrow", I don't hate AFI. With the exception of finding their lyrics a little overly cheesy at times, for the most part I thought that they put out some pretty good punk rock. And while I was expecting the worst, I was still kind of hoping that this album would be good.

And boy it wasn't...If you like Marilyn Manson meets the Cure, you might dig this album. If you like punk rock, I'm sorry to say that there are only about 5 minutes of punk rock on the whole CD. The rest is over-produced alterna-metal complete with chamber strings and (my favorite) a techno-backbeat. And me without my XTC and raver pants made out of Fruit Roll-ups. It's a cultural train wreck and is at times so bad I was gafawing with laughter at the cheesiness and sky-high pretention factor.

There's a song on the album called the "Great Disappointment" which really should have been the album's title-track.

I think the new cd is real good. It is very different from the other AFI stuff but they have lost none of their charm. The only complaint I had was the techno sounding parts in some of the songs. Other than that, thumbs up.

on the subject of reviews...

if you wanna read a good Naked Raygun review, let your voice be heard

i dont hate afi cause its cool. i hate afi cause their music sucks monkey balls. any idiot who thinks people who hate afi are just trying to be cool should get a nice swift kick in the ass.

AFI are sucking it up. The best new song isnt even on the cd. You have to use the CD on a DVD-Rom to access a secret website and theres 2 extra songs.

Are you fucking kidding me?!?! I love all their stuff from Shut Your Mouth on, Black Sails is my favorite, and I think this release is awesome! This isn't the Ataris we're talking about, they're poppy shit to begin with. Being on a major label doesn't matter, just the music. I'm glad they're experimenting with their style and evolving rather because it's simply a great album. Better than Art of Drowning IMO...

Yes, he is gay. Everyone knows that already! You are a stupid poser!

Another Fuckin Idiot who goes and buys the album...dont waste your hard earned money!

.... I like rancid, afi is a great band
is davey havoc gay?

....i LIKE RANCID, AFI IS A GREAT BAND

the END

....i LIKE RANCID

Yep, like H20...

Yeah its now COOL to hate AFI...

Losers.. this CD is better than anything your tiny little warped minds could even DREAM about making.

Why is this CD selling so cheap anyways?

Bands dont sell out they only get better

The whole "well, they signed to a major, so they sold out!" argument is fucking lame.

The Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash were all on major labels but nobody mentions that "they sold out".

It's just people looking for an excuse why a band changes their sound.

This band makes me want to vomit on myself

"1. Sellout man, plenty of bands have integrity, a lot of Fat's lineup has been offered deals in the past (Strung Out, NOFX, No Use For A Name, etc.) but you know what, they stayed. Not all people are that concerned with money, they're the ones who don't "sell out." Christ, did you actually just defend selling out? What next, Dennis Lyxzen teams up with Blink 182?

2. Coffee is the main component of the ALL philosophy. See, there was this one band, way back when, called The Descendents, they liked coffee, they also liked saying "ALL!" The statement was valid and funny. Learn yourself some history, young 'un

-El Vaquero"

1. You sound like a 14 year old kid crying "sellout" and "only cares about money" because a band signs to a major label. Grow up. (and if you're such an ALL fan, you would know that they signed to a major label. Did they sell out?)

2. I own EVERY SINGLE ALL and Descendents album. Get off your soapbox, I know al about their history. I didn't ask about their philosophy. A guy said that ALL had lots of songs about coffee. I chalenged him to find one. Answer: there are none. Regardless of it being part of their philosophy or not, there are NO ALL SONGS ABOUT COFFEE! (and only 2 Descendents songs about coffee) That was the point of my post.

In all honesty, this albumn continues the trend of listening to AFI evolve over the years. After listening to how much slower The Art of Drowning was compared to Black Sails in the Sunset, you could tell the next albumn was going to be slower still. But you know what? Its still a fairly decent albumn. If anything its a lot more artistic then anything they have put out before. For example, the choir in the last song, "...but home is nowhere" or the piano in "Silver and Cold." Hell, even the techno beat in "Death of Seasons" It just seems to me like they tried a more artistic approach to the albumn. If you listn closely all the elemnts of old AFI is still there, only its incoporated differently this time around, which is what makes this band so great. The guitar riffs in "Dancing through Sunday," "The Great Dissapointment," and "Celluloid Dream" are reminiscent of older stuff. The Chanting is still there. Davey still screams when he wants to, albeit, it sounds like someone tried to coach him or something. They arent afraid to try new things.

This is just my opinion though. I happen to like the albumn. If you dont, thats your business. Im not going to try and force my opinoin on you.

-Evllxavior

I'm not an AFI fan, but I am a broke punk rocker and Target has this CD on sale for $5.99.

And it's actually $5.99 well spent because this CD is the musical equivalent of a car crash. It's definitely not good, but it's hard to turn away from. Every time I'm about to write it off as nothing more than bad 80s hair-metal there's a burst of chunkka-chunkka punk or some screaming or a great bass line.

I think the best description is Jimmy Eat World meets Danzig played by a bunch of guys who used to be part of a scene that valued integrity and musical honesty. I might actually keep this CD as a cautionary tale and a musical oddity - but there's no way in hell (no pun intended) that I would ever spend another dime on this band.

overpriced rock show the tickest for the afi tour are 13 dollars so fuck off

Zak totally deserves comment of the day. The whole farting into the microphone thing was fucking funny as hell. And whats sad is everthing he said was true.

Sorry, I think that insincere dave wins comment of the day award. He's long overdo. That schtick cracks me up everytime.

-sickboi

what happened if dave became a woman? you know, a transsexual? would all his fruity male fans with their black nailpolish and goth girls still swoon over him during shows? (please, please let that get the comment of the day award, please, please please.......)

apples and oranges

The only Album I ever had by these guys was Black sails, which was decent at best I think. It's funny cause it's not that i really hated Afi, but I had a freind who was so obssesed with them that it killed whatever small affection I had for them. I really honestly don't think there original at all and I don't think this album is really any diffrent, but I guess I can't get mad at the 90 million people who would kill themselves for this band, cause opinions are opinions. But I will say that despite the fact that I really don't like his band, Davey does seem like a genuine, nice guy. Then again I don't know him personally, but whatever.

The score is for this comment:

"i wonder what the fans would think if davey made a record of him farting into the microphone. i wonder how they'd all react. they'd probably get a bunch of comments like "it's the most out there thing ever" and "davey is just so unbelievably awesome with his new cd."

Comment of the day, sensational.

Hope the record sells well guys. Good luck on your new label!

insincere dave

Check out this great band that sounds just like AFI on sing the sorrows...

http://www.backontrack.live.com.au

fuckers

I like 1 AFI song, and 1 only. It's not on this album. I can stand "girl's not grey" but hey, it sounds totally like Pop Punk....Take out Davey Havok, add Jordan Pundik, and it's NFG.....

1. Sellout man, plenty of bands have integrity, a lot of Fat's lineup has been offered deals in the past (Strung Out, NOFX, No Use For A Name, etc.) but you know what, they stayed. Not all people are that concerned with money, they're the ones who don't "sell out." Christ, did you actually just defend selling out? What next, Dennis Lyxzen teams up with Blink 182?

2. Coffee is the main component of the ALL philosophy. See, there was this one band, way back when, called The Descendents, they liked coffee, they also liked saying "ALL!" The statement was valid and funny. Learn yourself some history, young 'un

-El Vaquero

AFI has been a band around for TEN years... I personally think its about time they start making some major cash off being a band. Now don't tell me you would pass up being on a major record label to "not sellout." I would take the money and the benefits like any other person.

"AFI singing about sorrow is about as different as ALL singing about coffee.

go make me a sandwich.
wyzo"

Name me one ALL song other than World's On Heroin (which barely mentions it) that's about coffee.

I love how someone mentioned Los Crudos, what a great band. And to address the guy who bitched about everyone bitching: that's what the posting is for, expressing an opinion. If you didn't read all this shit to see what people are thinking, then what the fuck did you read it for? Get over yourself. Express yourself. The world just needs to start listening to The Travoltas and stop complaining.

-El Vaquero

HEY! good idea guys! The music sucks cause davey looks like a girl, or because theyre on dreamworks! its all a conspiracy to steal your money with shitty music! oh please. take it for what it is. if it sounded like any other AFI album, id be dissapointed. You didnt even review Synthestesia or this time imperfect. Synthestesia i can understand leaving out, but This Time Imperfect is on every CD...and is one of their greatest.

The reviewer can go to hell!! This record is REALLY good! Its something different then the other stuff, which is what it was meant to be. Plus, I got it signed monday night/tuesday morning at Tower Records on Sunset Blvd, i waited in line from 9 til 1:20 in the morning. They are obviously fuckin' great if a shitload of people wait outside a store on a monday night, at midnight. The reviewer is simply closed minded when it comes to AFI. This cd is great PERIOD!

I just felt like this list of comments needed to be longer.

If A band sucks they need to change their sound. I personally like AFI and I like Sing The Sorrow. AFI doesn't suck.

how good can the songwriting be on an album called Sing the Sorrow? i mean, really.

"You ever listen to 'Sing the Sorrow'.....on weed?!?!?!"

the new record sounds like firehouse.

if anyone cares, the comment below was written by me.
~Zäk

you know what i hate, afi fans who are live breathe and think this fucking band 24/7. i swear to god, my school is full of them. i cant stand them, the talk about how every song is so meaningful. like they could never put out a bad record. i wonder what the fans would think if davey made a record of him farting into the microphone. i wonder how they'd all react. they'd probably get a bunch of comments like "it's the most out there thing ever" and "davey is just so unbelievably awesome with his new cd." dont get me wrong, i'm not saying all afi fans are like this, but geez. there are fans like this out there. and it fucking annoys me to hell. as for the cd, i didnt like it. but i also dont like afi.

I love how Wuss bashes Davey for singing like a girl and then praises the CD in which he sounds most like a girl.

Haha, this score is for Devo. I haven't formed an opinion on this AFI yet...I'll need to listen to it a little more.

Oh and you can get this entire cd for free off the internet. Don't bother giving your money to Dreamworks, they rip us off enough.

There are many times on this album in which davey havok manages to sound like a girl. This is my biggest complaint about the album. It doesnt catch me at all. Blah blah they gave up their hardcore roots etc. But seriously.. I dont mind the goth themes, as long as they make it kick ass. It was better when they were just like misfits ripoffs. More people should rip off the Misfits. But i've realized what is lacking about the new direction AFI is constantly headed. This music isnt honest at all. I mean... If you've ever seen Davey in normal conversation, you might have noticed that he's a rather happy, energetic guy. So why does he write about sorrow and despair all the time? He's going out of his way to be "goth" because he thinks that "goth" is cool and it will make the kids like him more, and it works, in its own little creepy way. This music is so unenthusiastic and overproduced to fit some image that they've created for themselves. The first time I saw the "days of the phoenix" video, I honestly thought it was Orgy, and theres something fundamentally wrong with that.

Overproduced overated piece of shit. Misfits/Damned rip offs. Davey Havok, please kill yourself. I hope the fire inside burns through and kills your entire band while you are all asleep on you huge tour bus while heading to some overpriced bull shit rock show. Fuck AFI and especially fuck those limited edition cds they distributed, and flat out burn at the stake the person responsible for the Hot Topic vinyl single release. Money hungry leaches. And fuck anyone who tries to pull that bullshit that "just because they're making money" because I always hated this band, regardless of their popularity. Listen to some Limpwrist, Los Crudos, Life's Hault, Mail Mary, 9 Shock Terror or Devo (the out of place one) if you want some great music.

"http://www.nothingnice.com/old/06-28-02.shtml

You mean sort of like this?"

yeah, just like that.

You all are a bunch of bastards. Youre not punk, hardcore, goth, what have you. Youre just a bunch of people sitting on a computer bitching about an opinion. Get over it. And I think those who have listened to the band a lot longer than most, generally have a good idea of what they are talking about. Boohoo to all of you. Bunch of spoiled babies. Cry if you cant get it your way.

Did bon jovi's producer produce this... because it sounds great. they will be proforming at the super bowl half time show in no time.

I really gotta agree with wuss here.

This is a stellar job by AFI, and it shows. This reviewer I think...is loopy.

If you've been a fan of every album since "Black Sails..." you'll enjoy this album. It's slower than the last few albums, but not a departure from their style by any means. AFI fans will enjoy this album, and I'm sure alot of new people will get into AFI because of this disc.

It's a steal of a deal for the price, so really what are you waiting for?

http://www.nothingnice.com/old/06-28-02.shtml

You mean sort of like this?

some of the more intense jerks here who mock people they dont even know for supposedly shopping at hot topic, seem to know a lot about hot topic themselves.

I completely DISAGREE with you. First off, I'd like to say my friends all are at their "secret show" or whatever you want to call it right now at the new venue here in Hollywood, Henry Fonda Theatre. I would like to tell you all that even though they had 10 tickets, they did not invite me because of one reason: I think AFI is garbage, and that they suck (minus their background vocals). BUT, This Cd is seriously incredible. If you listen to it all the way thru, you really do get the effect that you are inside of a haunted house, and every song is stand out.

*****Wuss-Emo-Rock***** (Isn't life better with me back? I thought so...)

I love AFI (especially Black Sails to Art of Drowning). I also happen to love a lot of music that sounds similar to what AFI went for on Sing the Sorrow (and the music that influenced them directly in their creation of this album).

That said, I should really like this album. It's a band I love, playing music I love.

In reality, I found this album to be mediocre at best. Sing the Sorrow seems to be the product of forced song-writing and lack of inspiration. There is not a single song on this entire record that I consider to be thoroughly good (the complete opposite of my feelings about BS and AOD).

This is not about a band maturing, or a band selling out, or a band not playing punk anymore (all of that stuff -- except for the selling out bit -- would most likely make a band MORE appealing to me).

It's simply about a good band writing sub-par songs, whatever their style may be.

I have been a fan for a while and the album rules. The progression of the band throughout the years is great. AFI is getting better with every album

sorry, i made a ton of spelling errors, but you get the point.

Just because an album is slower in tempo, lighter in guitar sounds, not as harsh in the vocals, and has song with contrasting styles, and sounds lighter than their old stuff, doesnt mean that they matured!!!!!
If anything it normally means that it's dumbed down!
Does this mean that Rancid "immatured" when they released their second self-titled CD in 2000? After all, it was faster and more aggressive than their previous CD!
Aggression or lack there of isn't a measure of musical soundness or "maturity"
Melody, harmony, song structure, technically, dynamical transitions, are ways to judge whether has matured musically!
That said I kinda like the new sound. It will never touch my favorite AFI CD, but you have to admit that's pretty catchy. I happy for them, theyve worked really hard over there career, I hope they find success.

terrible terrible review. i have written and submitted another one. hopefully it will see the light of day and be posted.

- ommaddon

AFI ranks as high as Alk3 on my "bands that aren't nearly as good as their fanbase makes them seem" list.

Besides, any band that has SHOES they sell at Hot Topic most definitely sucks.

Ok i've been an AFI fan like long time ! I originally liked AFI becuase of their hardcore stuff! Older stuff that is! I do agree this album is different. Umm i'm kinda glad they changed their sound but i think they needed to leave some of their hardcoreness!! I mean i think thats what made AFI what they are ! That and daveys lyrics ! Overall it's ok !

"It's pretty obvious nothing's going to please any of you, so do the world a favor and shoot yourselves and let the rest of us enjoy some good music."

Well, im pretty sure Minor Threat's Complete Discorgaphy pleased us all, same with Bad Religion's suffer, Lots of the Beatles stuff probably too. So you lose. oh...pet sounds too.

"then you piss & moan when a band like AFI actually does put out something different"

AFI singing about sorrow is about as different as ALL singing about coffee.

go make me a sandwich.
wyzo

The majority of you are fucking idiots. You slag bands like Pennywise for not changing their sound, then you piss & moan when a band like AFI actually does put out something different.

It's pretty obvious nothing's going to please any of you, so do the world a favor and shoot yourselves and let the rest of us enjoy some good music.

You're not punks. You're a bunch of spoiled rotten kids who spend way too much fucking time in front of your computers pretending you didn't just buy your wardrobe at the Hot Topic in your local po-dunk mall.

Thanks for listening.

i like it.
it really doesn't compare to their older stuff, but it's still a good album.

i guess i like this because its afi. that sounds kinda shallow or whatever, but if nickleback recorded and released the same exact songs, i'd fucking hate the cd. i guess i was just mislead, i read some interviews/reviews awhile back and they were like "although afi is abandoning their hard-hitting punk sound and experimenting with new things, dont expect too many of the new things to appear on the album." this album was highly mediocre at best. i should probably listen to it more, but i doubt i'll change my mind. im just a fan of "hard-hitting punk" and this was a letdown. i dont give a shit about anyone saying "oh they had to change you fag, its called progression", yeah i realize that, i just like the faster and harder stuff. go away leave me alone.

I bought this at Best Buy for $6.99. I've loved AFI for a long time and no this doesn't sound like their old stuff. If I wanted to hear them play old stuff, I'd break out the old stuff. Cheers to a band who is willing to take a chance and God forbid, MATURE!!! The songwriting on here is 10 times better than most punk/hardcore/emo/ blah blah blah that is out there today. I hope AFI get HUGE because they deserver it. I actually expected this to be chock full of radio friendly songs due to the major label being involved but that's not that case. Sure there's some catchy stuff on here, but AFI have ALWAYS written catchy songs. Deal with it. They'll be all over MTV in a matter of months.

hell this cd is better than most of the crap that shows up on this site, ever heard of a band changing their sound over the years and not releasing the same thing over and over.....this is drawing more mainstream attention to them. even today i heard them on some alternative rock station that plays creed and shit like that all the time, this cd is a good effort from them but they will get shot down because it's just not "punk" enough for alot of you punkers ha

I don't consider AFI part of the hardcore/punk scene anymore, as it's been said, they've moved on and grown more mature. And in that sense, this album kicks all ass. As punk or hardcore, it fucking sucks. As moody, dark and original rock, this is awesome. You're comparing apples to oranges here, dude.

So AFI isn't just a punk band anymore, boo fucking hoo. Sing the Sorrow represents a band that has matured and gotten better. The melodies are better, the lyrics are better and the vocals are better. I'm glad AFI decided to experiment outside of the punk realm and become a more well rounded ROCK BAND. Bands who don't experiment become stale, boring and predictable. Props to AFI for making one hell of an album without abandoning totally abandoning their roots.

The first time I listened to "Sing The Sorrow" I was disappointed, but it's starting to grow on me, and I'm really starting to like it...The same thing happened with "Art of Drowning" and now I love that CD, so I'll probably end up loving this one too...

All you kids already knew if you were gonna lke the album even b4 u lsitened to it so poo

The problem with the reviewer, and many people who don't like the album (not all) is that they think AFI is selling out. If they were this album would be much poppier, which it isn't in the slightest. This album is the definition of progression. It is incredibly original and sounds like nothing I have ever heard.

Uhhh... yeah. Genuine. Now that they're on a major they can finally play the music they want.
Oh, and that is sarcasm.

I love the new album, I have all the AFI alubums also. So, they changed a little, they have changed a little bit on each album. I can't say enough great things about this CD. The songs on the album flow so well from beginning to end it's incredible. I'm sorry for those who don't like this CD, you're missing out on something that is so genuine and comes from the heart of AFI.

"I don't know if many of you have heard of the amusement park Knott's Berry Farm, but anyways the opening track's first music comes from a lame ass ride at Knott's called Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. Just incase any of you were wondering."

That ride fucking rocks. I haven't heard all of this album, and I don't plan to, so I guess I'll never get to hear the cool intro...

apparently the "skucking" is used to get around the censors so that dreamworks wouldn't put a parental advisory sticked in the cover thus ruining the artwork so don't worry if you have that printed in the song death of seasons on your copy that's just how it is okay cya later dudes

Afi has definitely gone bad.

Too bad too. I'll have to stop wearing that sweatshirt.

Not bad. A little soft for my tastes but worth $5.99. They have it marked as $9.00 at Target, but its $5.99 at the register.

Terrible review. He liked dancing through sunday and hated the rest??? wTF?

Anyway,
Anyone seen the black version? I only saw silver ones and red ones. I think the red ones are a lot better looking actually. The secret songs are cool as hell too.
You can get this CD at target for $5.99 !!
Does anyone else's CD have the lyrics censored on the song "death of seasons"? Mine deos and i got it from best buy (silver colored one)

i like this alot.

sue me for being a sell out

Correction. You ARE a typical AFI fan. Most of us who saw them in their hardcore days have moved on. Shit, I saw them the Swingin Utters, Vandals, and the Descendents. Scene points for me!

--Cos

It's a shitty album and only furthered my proof that AFI is one of the most overrated bands I've ever listened to.

I tried it, there are a few decent songs on here, but for the most part, it's crap.

On track 7 what's with Davey singing with his heavy metal voice and than 30 seconds later singing the softest he ever has. How shitty is that.

I don't know if many of you have heard of the amusement park Knott's Berry Farm, but anyways the opening track's first music comes from a lame ass ride at Knott's called Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. Just incase any of you were wondering.

After my first listen, I didn't like it at all.
After my fourth listen, I deeply loved it and I still do.

Break out the eyeliner, motherfuckers

They are defintely taking to a new approach towards thier songwriting and so far I don't really see anything wrong with it. In a way they didn't really lose alot of thier hardcore aspects in the music, although you can still hear it in davey's voice, but they are totally taking to new level which I respect. Thier music is getting more and more articulate, so in my opinion I think it's going to go really well with them in the future.

this album is quite good and i like the direction the band is heading, although it definately is "softer" than their other releases. like others have said, what's wrong with progression? you can't play the same stuff over and over and over again...and you can't please everyone obviously. go fuck off if you don't like it.

I'll just listen to Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes and pretend it's this CD.

this album sounds like afi has been phil spectorized (and i dont mean killed).

"Hearing my 18 year old littlesister and 13 year old little brother blasting it in their rooms kind of detracts from me really taking it seriously"

18 years old is plenty old to have a developed sense of what good music is. Also, kids can still like good music, it's just that they also like bad music, although plenty of adults like bad music too.

Hmmmm. Who wants to bet this is going to be the number one review? Top five for sure...

It's ok...not bad by any means...but nothing special...very "controlled". Hearing my 18 year old littlesister and 13 year old little brother blasting it in their rooms kind of detracts from me really taking it seriously. I guess that' just my problem, not AFI's. A couple of the songs are REALLY great, but many are boring. I like Davey's attempt to scream, but the "wannabe alt-rock" stuff on this recordis really annoying.

I heard that it costs 5.99 or 6.99 at Best Buy or Circuit City. I still say it's too expensive for this.

Ramo

i agree, but the leaving song a straight up emo song? why is the only qualification to being emo is a song that isnt really fast and political.

wyzo

look for both Strike Anywhere and the Exlosion to blow AFI out of the water on the upcoming tour.

im surprised this review hasnt been read 10 000 times yet!
oh my afi! ooooo ahhhhh! blah blah blah. this record puts me to sleep!

I saw AFI when they used to put X's on their hands, yeah me.

AOD is still my favorite AFI work, with All Hallows coming in at a close second. STS definitely takes the #3 spot though. Then the AFI EP, then BS, then Shut. And the first two suck my ass.

You kids need to shut up about all the "BS is when they reached their apex, then they died and sold out!" Fuck you. BS has become AFI's Dude Ranch, if you get my drift. It's all a joke.

STS rocks. You people are just a bunch of pussies who hate change, wish you were punk (but are too young and stupid, and you felt insecure ever since that street punk sitting on the curb in NY spat on you), and you are all homo/goth phobes. Daveys lyrics probably go over most of your heads, and your only insecure reaction is "Any depressed high school kid could have written this same shit." Yeah, right. They is a very thick line between punk influences, true to the scene, energetic goths like Davey, and those fucking junior high pot head junkies wearing all black who never bathe.

i'm punk. i never want any punk band to make any changes to their sound. they can only put out album after album of what i want to hear and that is punk. progression is for sell outs. i'm punk and only want punk. what ever. this album is amazing.

Alan Forbes

The cd is only 6 dollars at best buy and I have a 25 dollar gift card I want to get rid of, so I might as well get it with the new Everclear.

For 6 bucks it can't be a total waste, shit thats only a little more than a 7" vinyl.

AFI sooooo overrated

not the worst album i've heard, but definately the worst afi album...
if i wanted to hear a lot of god called in sick todays and days of the phoenix i'd listen to their other albums... i was hoping for a better major label release

wait, so this reviewer is saying that only on THIS record do davey's lyrics sound chessey? are you for fucking real? afi lyrics are pretty much the stupidest bunch of crap EVER! wake up kids, it's all bad goth poetry that any depressed high school student could write. for example, track one off of the art of drowning has such gems as: "When you blink do you only find the misery between the lines?", or "If you feel fine, just give it a little time I'm sure you'll contract my disease", and to seal the deal, "Look what you've done to me now, you've made me perfect". this shit is not deep, people, it's dumb and pretentious. if you want gothy lyrics well done, pick up a nick cave album or something. peace in tha middle east

Well I've been a fan of AFI's since 1869, and blah, blah, blah, blah...

I have this CD...bottom line - It fucking rocks!

AFI... My opinion of Sing The Sorrow is not one of shockingly polarized love or hate for this record. When I listened to it for the first time I was suprized the most at how ORDINARY it sounded. With the exception of a few tracks we've all heard this before on the last few full lengths. I'm not a fan who's been with the band from their "old school" days, so this isn't that "sell out!" sentiment. I'm actually hoping this album DOES grow on me, because I do believe this band is fairly honest in their convictions and I'd have no problem admitting I liked this record.

adam

i love how afi fans try to back up their faithfulness to the band by saying how long they've listened to them. it's really sad.

im not a big afi fan but i do like the art in the sleeves of their albums. does anyone know who the artist is?

I know that nick 13and geoff of tiger army appear on here, and of course adam used to be in tiger army,so for that alone i will give this a chance-oldpunker-

good review. this record is kind of boring except for a few pretty good songs like "death of seasons" for example.

this cd is great. they have more options because they are on a major label and the cd that is produced is amazing.

Ive been listening to AFI since Very Proud of Ya came out, and own every title since. And to be honest, I love this cd. It doesnt sound any more polished the AOD or BSINS, and besides AFI was pretty much given complete control over as Davey mentions in articles. This release just shows the progression the band is making right now, just like any other band out there. Look at the Ataris, they used to be psuedo-punk, but now look at them, and even then their music is still catchy as hell. This cd just needs time to sink in. Every single AFI fan that I know who has been with them over the last seven or so years, is happy with this album. Where would the fun be if all their albums just sounded the same? It would just be one continuous goolash of noise. As much as we all fear change, its inevitable.

I think you gave this too high a score for what you made it seem like...

Black sails was great, this is too polished, or too major label if you will.

Just so you know, Jade joined AFI in late 98 and didn't appear on an album until Black Sails was released in May 99.

-xxJNxx

I really hope they just drop the whole "East Bay Hardcore" thing after this album...

Is there a guest singer in one of their singles? I couldn't tell if it was him or a girl.Also, when is AFI going to sing "We Are The World" with 10 million major league bands? Just kidding. hehe

Yup I agree it's pretty much crap, my girlfriend who is a diehard creed fan said that this CD is bad ass ( so that means the CD is gay )

I dont like these guys, but if you are gonna buy this cd get it at circuit city or target for like $5. It might be worth it then, i dunno . . . . ( i know this sounds like an ad for those stores but im just letting people out there know where to get this thing cheap)