Punknews.orgPunknews.org Logo
Review Navigator

BackForward

Features

 




Reviews

Epitaph Records -- Millencolin

Honestly, I expected as much from the first round of reviews on Punknews.org for AFI’s new release, Sing the Sorrow. The album marks the band’s major label debut after migrating from Nitro Records to Dreamworks after the surprising gold-selling success of 2001’s The Art of Drowning. For most readers and patrons of this site, a major label is sacrilege, an abominating step for any band to take.

I remember I was surprised upon hearing of AFI’s migration to Dreamworks. Even with the post-pop wave of punk-lite that is infecting MTV and mainstream music culture, AFI didn’t seem like a band that would be musically accessible enough, or in that sense, malleable enough to the leagues of the majors. After front man Davey Havok’s late 90s change from the undertaker suit and sunglasses to his now pale-faced, shoulder length hair, Goth get up, maybe executives saw something freakishly marketable. Maybe Goth was coming back. After all, the suits would never fly now anyway—The Hives have that angle.

AFI does have the tats to look seemingly “punk” enough to the casual observer. Any casual listen and one could hear the energy of Havok’s screams, the starkly upbeat pace of the music. And with the natural and gradual progression of AFI’s sound, from more of a straight hardcore sound on Very Proud of Ya and Answer that and Stay Fashionable to a slightly more melodic sound on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes, to more unique Goth-rock, chanting melodic fusion with the hardcore sound on the later releases, AFI certainly had become more popular, pulling fans from outside the spectrum of the punk and hardcore sphere. Not to mention that AFI’s live performance is probably one of the top in the game in any genre of music.

But a major label? Blasphemy. Who needs to eat when we have punk and hardcore ideals to uphold? A demand for sales and marketing higher than Nitro Records can accommodate? So what. This is punk. It’s not about making money, right?

Regardless of the “scene” ethos, AFI has made the switch to the big leagues, and though many, I’m sure, negative comments and reviews are about to be hurled in the direction of Sing the Sorrow, this reviewer doesn’t see much ground for pessimistic frenzy. I’ve been listening to the album for a little over a month now after receiving an advance press copy in early February.

After a first listen, it immediately set better with me than their last release, The Art of Drowning. And too, I feared the worst. I feared that AFI’s energy would be stripped away, raped by that all too familiar over-produced sound that is the inclination of mainstream rock of recent. I hadn’t been wild with what I had heard on the advance promo videos the band had released of the studio recording sessions, and like my former reviewer, I agree that promo tracks “Now the World” and “Reiver’s Music” were subpar efforts for a band like AFI. They are not on the album.

However, major label biases aside, Sing the Sorrow is decidedly a normal progression for this band. If you’ll recall, with the release of Black Sails in the Sunset in 1999, many fans cried outrage at the change in sound. AFI had softened. There was a definite melody present in many of the songs, and (gasp) Davey flat out sang on “God Called in Sick Today.” Now most who were outraged have either lost interest or adapted to the new sound. The Art of Drowning was mostly more of the same, a very formulaic reconstruction of the work done on Black Sails.

I see Sing the Sorrow as the next step in the sequence to Davey Havok’s gradual quest to fill the shoes of the Misfits and Danzig. Fear not. The new album still sounds like AFI. True, things may be a bit slower at times, a bit more melodic at times, and, well, a bit more Goth-rockish at times, but the hardcore influence is still apparent. Both in energy and at times, chord progression.

The music here is more complex than straight-laced hardcore fair. Jade’s guitar work is still inventive, at times even breaching into 80s esque riffs, sometimes space-rock tinkering. Davey sings more, which for this market is something I expected. Simply, AFI is trying to reach a larger audience. I respect that for what it is. Their sound has not changed anymore so than the drastic difference between Black Sails and Very Proud of Ya. This band has history of change and adaptation. And don’t worry—Davey still screams.

You’ll hear the usual musically abstract crescendoing introduction with chanting vocals in “Miseria Cantare.” On a whole, there is more melody, a slightly lighter touch present. You’ll hear the AFI 6/8 sing along chorus on “Silver and Cold.” Things quiet down occasionally with Davey bringing it down to a whisper. Expect more experimentation musically. “Death of the Seasons” will even throw some electronic pounding bass beats in for a few bars. You can find the tried and true AFI melodic upbeat hardcore on that same track and on “Dancing Through Sunday.” You’ll hear some more radio friendly rock with some chanting AFI melody on “Girl’s Not Grey,” a track already on rotation here in Los Angeles. There is the standard AFI rousing ending with an infectiously melodic cry/scream, “This is my life/This is eternal” on the closing track, “…But Home is Nowhere.” Havok’s lyrics are as dark and curiously ambiguous as they have always been.

Of course, taste is a matter of subjectivity. But I am happy to report that Sing the Sorrow sounds fantastic. The production mix is well done, and the album does not have an overbearing “produced” sound. I don’t find it boring at all. Conversely, I must say that though I expected the worst, I am quite pleased by the album. I know one thing—the music present here is more inventive and harder to play than what AFI gave us last.

The album is probably not going to threaten any of the well-established mainstream rock acts—I would still say that much of it is too offsetting to the casual listener. But if you’re a fan of the AFI, and that Dreamworks label just makes you fume, shut your mouth, open your eyes and realize that this is really where AFI was going anyway. If only all major label bands were this good. To me, AFI is still AFI, and Sing the Sorrow is just the next step after Black Sails in the Sunset. And on another plus, the album has a street price for well under ten dollars—I think Target has it for $5.99 at the time of this writing. Wait—that’s pretty punk right? Who knows anymore. It’s certainly worth the purchase.



People who liked this also liked:
AFI - DecemberundergroundAFI - The Art Of DrowningAFI - Black Sails In The SunsetMy Chemical Romance - Three Cheers For Sweet RevengeThe Loved Ones - Keep Your HeartAgainst Me! - As The Eternal CowboyAFI - Shut Your Mouth and Open Your EyesWeezer - The Blue AlbumAgainst Me! - is Reinventing Axl RoseRefused - The Shape of Punk to Come



Please login or register to post comments.
What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
  • Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
  • Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
  • Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
  • Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

    Posted by tmfxjohn on 2008-01-28 18:58:02
    My Score:

    Great CD. although a little too depressing for its own good at times, afi did a lot right with sing the sorrow. jade's solo on "dancing through sunday" is still a personal favorite. much better than most people have said it is

    Posted by hatefulromance on 2007-06-05 02:29:36

    Best CD ever...i love "Dancing Through Sunday"...im learning it on guitar...its not that easy...you have to be talented (like Jade) to play it smooth and clean.

    Posted by emmie-kate on 2007-04-17 19:50:37
    My Score:

    {aah i love this album it has to be the best one that a.f.i. has put out.
    ♥}

    Posted by xdeadheartsx on 2007-01-16 22:58:00
    My Score:

    I think this the best cd AFI has ever made. (and yes, I have listened to their old stuff!) Every song is brilliant and poetic. It's the only cd I can honestly say that I like every song on.

    Posted by xohxcdancing on 2006-10-03 10:27:12

    love♥
    girls not grey would be my favorite on this album.

    Posted by xohxcdancing on 2006-10-03 10:27:11

    love♥
    girls not grey would be my favorite on this album.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 8:57 PM (EDT)

    AFI now is a sell out and isn't punk any more. They sold out 2 MTV! So don't call them punks!!!!!
    AFI IS A SELL OUT BAND!!!!!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 8, 2006 at 10:25 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Nice love 'Girls not Grey'.

    Posted by Godfather on 2005-10-04 16:02:32
    My Score:

    great album

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 31, 2005 at 7:51 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    they haven't sold out. they've been changing for a while now into something different. they were sick of playing the same thing over and over again and it had nothing to do with sales. so if you can't respect the decision they made and the fact that they were ready to change and to mature then you obviously weren't much of a fan in the first place. i listen to their old and new music and enjoy both and no i'm not a pop punker (i also listen to hatebreed, mudvayne, marilyn manson, killswitch engage, etc.) i just appreciate it. so stop calling names and get over yourself. not every person who changes is a sellout. if you don't like the change, then just say that!

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 8:23 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Just because a band changes their music because it will help sales doesnt mean shit, there are no morles in the world or in punk rock, the world is shit, so why wouldnt someone say yes to making a sucessful career choice.Not everyone wants to be a poor punk band, that has punk music. The CD isn't bad, if you like AFI you should be able to accept changes or you dont like AFI, you like the type of music they did. So find abother fucking band and stop bitching about AFI.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 6:29 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    IM a fucking old school afi fan back when i was the only one at my school listining to them then when i heard that they sold out i was pissed all these all thes fucking newby fans are making me go insane for fuck sake all they know is fuking art of drowning on up but im not going to be a fucking emo bitch and be like i dont like them since they sold out im still a true fan and i will always be this guys story was fucking good but when it comes down to it old afi is and will always be better then jade or hunter can acomplish but i still love both opld and new AFI

    Posted by chrisafi on 2004-06-24 13:48:00
    My Score:

    Fantastic Album. I agree this is where AFI would be heading even if on Nitro still. I knew they would make the melodic change (much like Tiger Army have in their new release) and I waited with baited breath for it.

    Now it is here and it is simply amazing.

    Posted by elleTHEemolian on 2004-06-23 14:40:07
    My Score:

    OH i get it now. My friend had part 2 and i had part 1 and hers said "fucking real" and mine said "skucking real"
    OOOH thanks for that. =]

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 1:41 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    BSD fucking blows a dick. Get the cock out of your ass you elitist piece of shit.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 1:39 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    This album fucking rocks. All you fans that no longer like AFI might as well fuck off cause I'm sure they don't want fucking losers like yourselves to be fans of their band anyway.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 10:02 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    What the fuck happened to good old afi. Its a fucking shame. Seriously. Someone out there please tell me what the fuck happened.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 9:59 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Im not criticizing them based on their move to a major label, thier overall move to become mainstream, or their gothic looks. However, their new album lacks a certain something that the previous three full lentgh albums had. the prior three had this energy which i can most often relate to good punk bands. AFI's previous three albums were fucking raw, meaning that i just wanted to blast it in my car and scream the melodies along with havoc. their new shit is good but it just leaves me hanging. It borders on being boring. the only time i enjoyed it was when i was really chilled out and in a calm sensible mood.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 6:02 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I hate all you homophobes. At least Davey has the pride to stand up for what he is and doesn't try to hide from it. Yeah I agree, Black Sails was better, but who cares. If a band made the same record over and over and over, we would have to call them Rancid. I am glad there are bands out there who take chances and are dedicated enough to stand behind those decisions. By the way kids, your SUV is not punk.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 9:14 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    woah! definitely my pick for 2nd to worst album of 2003. only good song is the leaving song part 2, and that's gonna get old now that it's on the radio, just like that audioslave song. what a stinking pile of fucking shit!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 3:56 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    captain sensible is cooler then jade.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 18, 2003 at 2:47 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    You fucking suck. You obviously have a minimal knowledge of the Damned, too... Before you say I judge a band by how old they are, listen to the Damned's third album, then listen to this. The Damned DID do it better. They made the transition almost perfectly from punk to goth, whereas these guys tried to make the same tansition and failed horribly. I've never liked AFI, and this shit is even worse than their old stuff.

    -BSD

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 5:11 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Its funny how, according to BSD, if one band started a genre (damned), no other band can do the same thing, no matter how good they were (afi), or else BSD will bitch. AFI was once amazing, but this cd sucks.

    -c22

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 5:08 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Yaaa... I'm neither angry, nor fake, nor gothic. I just really hate you, and this cd. AFI went to shit.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 10:58 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "So what, The Damned suck. Shut the fuck up BSD."

    ANGRY FAKE GOTHIC TEENS ARE TAKING OVER. WATCH YOUR BACK, DAVE VANIAN.

    -BSD

    Posted by Analog_Boy on 2003-08-12 01:32:37
    My Score:

    "AFI rocks because they are not from Canada."

    Hey, watch your mouth!

    Nice review. Holy Shmoly. Oh yeah, I hate this cd. Some cool guitar stuff and what not from what i've heard. Some stuffs pretty catchy, but meh. Its not for me.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 at 11:07 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    So what, The Damned suck. Shut the fuck up BSD.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 11, 2003 at 2:46 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "AFI is in a class of their own. You CANT define AFI into a specific genre, that would be impossible. And the Black on Black cover for the cd WONT be released, as said on an AFI newsletter. This whole cd is great, "girls not grey" is kinda getting like meh, since i've heard it for the past month or somewhat, but i still listen to it. And "dancing through sunday" is a very great fuckin track. Overall, BUY THE DAMN CD...FUCK AFI HATERS"

    You are kidding right? Fuck these guys, by the way, the Damned SUCCESSFULLY made this progression about 20 years ago.

    -BSD

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 2:36 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    ok afi's first couplle albums kicked ass but now there turning into gay fuckin pop rockers. whhats happening to afi man?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, August 9, 2003 at 1:02 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    sing the sorrow sux! theyre just trendy fucks now!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 7, 2003 at 1:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    OMG AFI CHANGED GRRRR SELLOTZ!

    OFMG PENNYWISE STIL SOUND TEH SAME THEY SUX

    I really, really hate every single one of you.

    Posted by Pink_Robots on 2003-07-29 03:26:15
    My Score:

    HOw can you say The Mars Volta sucks? They kick fuckin ass. Blixer is one of the best godamn songwriters of our time and all you do is bash them cuz of your ignorance. MV kicks ass and you suck.oh and by the way sing the sorrow was good..but afi's earlier stuff kicks ass over this album

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 28, 2003 at 11:04 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    reader 25000! i rule

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 11:37 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Sing the sorrow kicks soooo much ass. ok i might not be as good as answer that and stay fashionable but it kicks alot of ass. if u like goth punk u would like this. i think that they have changed alot over the years but they still know how to rock and i think that they are still gona be 1 of the best punk bands ever.

    PS. i saw mars volta like and they sucked .

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 27, 2003 at 11:55 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Well there sure seems to be a lot of debate over this album... it is true they have completely changed.... no longer really punk... and god knows why they would want to WIN IN THE MTV2 VIDEO AWARDS! ... What has happened to afi?... The music isn't bad, though it is 100 percent different...

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 20, 2003 at 11:11 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this cd is fucking terrible. what happened to afi?

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 1:44 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    canada > you

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 12:26 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    AFI rocks because they are not from Canada.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 3:34 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    best record released in 2003 with the mars volta now.AFI grew up and some fuckin stupid "hardcore" guys don't understand this.learn to listen to the music you asshole.i'm a fan since the beginning and i always think they rock even 10 years after.they evoluate.(not like the fat wreck bands like nofx ,ahah, and they call themselves punk).

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 3:34 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    best record released in 2003 with the mars volta now.AFI grew up and some fuckin stupid "hardcore" guys don't understand this.learn to listen to the music you asshole.i'm a fan since the beginning and i always think they rock even 10 years after.they evoluate.(not like the fat wreck bands like nofx ,ahah, and they call themselves punk).

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 7:53 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Has everyone forgotten the days when these guys wore baggy shorts and Decendents t-shirts?

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 3, 2003 at 6:33 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This CD is horrible.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 3, 2003 at 6:33 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This is a terrible, terrible CD.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 12:10 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    oh, by the way stick -Greenvandal under that last post. And this CD is ok. Black Sails slays it though.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 30, 2003 at 12:08 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Wow manman. You are really fucking lame. Go tell your stories to your little sister, maybe she will believe them. She might know more about music then you too.

    Posted by Manman on 2003-06-27 23:31:40
    My Score:

    A Friendly Inuit made this CD. Those who know anything don't have to continue, but for those of you who need some elaboration: here we go. In 1995 the frontman of "AFI" gave a friend of mine a gigantic wedgie-just joking-we wedgied that sucker until his lungs were stuffed with underwear. Point one, they are losers. About nine days ago, I had the privelage of propelling a rock into his skull. He cried like a baby for hours while his "friends" (security personel) removed me from his whininess' presence. Point two, he is a baby. The record sounds like beached whales giving their last in an effort to destroy all dry land. Example: "Aohhh." Point three, he sings like he was recently punched in his kidneys. Finally, the people do not understand the fundamentals of music, i.e. rhythm, lyrics, beat, music....The guys just pay off others to make their music. Point four, they suck. So let's go over that again, just for the record.
    1: AFI- That is not an I, it is a lowercase L for Loser.
    2: AFI- If it is an I, it stands for Infant.
    3: AFI- If not infant, it is Incoherent.
    4: AFI- A Fake Inside.
    Eventhough these events were not true, the points still are.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 12:41 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    A fair progression. A solid CD.

    Minor Threat

    Posted by punkrockmisfit on 2003-06-18 19:21:29
    My Score:

    afi is a wicked band and although for a second i thought they were sellin out their music still kicks some serious ass crack. don't sellout though...

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, June 16, 2003 at 1:56 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    afi stands for a fire inside this fire seem to have srunken into a a candle flame.i have listen to this cd too much davey whines his way through just about every song.this album is so depressing it makes me want kill myself.One thing is for sure they did not change they just evolved into a money making machine aimed at 13 yr old girls who think blink 182 and some 41 are punk rock this album is not punk it is far from it you want punk go pick up the us bombs latest album.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 9:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    if its only " 6 fuckin bux or something" then i guess all the other people that dont like it should stop bitchin about how they bought it. its their fault for being stupid!! they should waited to hear more songs from the CD before the went a "wasted" their money. I think the CD is great!! it was money well spent.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 13, 2003 at 6:33 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    [from below:]
    "I didn't think it was phisically possible, but AFI both sucks and blows"

    HA!!!!! Funny shit.

    Posted by Punker86 on 2003-06-11 22:40:39
    My Score:

    "And hell, if you guys were smart you would borrow the CD from a friend or download some of their music before you bought the CD"

    Dude the cd is 6 fuckin bux or somethin u cheap bastard and i like most of the songs except for the one where he screams and i cant understand wut hes sayin and it hurts my ears

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 11:38 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this album was truly, truly awful. all the songs seem to have 10000 overdubbed Davey Havocs screaming at you, then a misplaced acoustic breakdown, then a misplaced hardcore breakdown, then more screaming.

    NO AFI SONG SHOULD BE OVER 3.5 MINUTES LONG.

    this album breaks that rule with every song. they fucked up.

    i loved black sails and liked the art of drowning, though. i just think the production $$ they were given to make this album went to their heads. a serious disappointment.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 5, 2003 at 6:41 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    you people who said that AFI sold out because they changed their music... you guys are fuckin stupid!!!! Davey Havok said that they are changing their music because you dont keep fans by playing the sam type of music over and over again!! Then theres that other dumb fucker who said they sold out to make money. How stupid can you possibly get!?!? Sing The Sorrow is and amazing album and fuck they are making shit loads of money for it! And hell, if you guys were smart you would borrow the CD from a friend or download some of their music before you bought the CD. If they sold out their fans, Sing The Sorrow would never have sold any copies!! Its is the best CD ever!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 1, 2003 at 2:22 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    sigh....gothic architecture was 1300's homeboy, pre-rennaisance. don't start acting smart.
    cawknocker
    ps. this is their best album.

    Posted by punkboy_1 on 2003-04-05 16:08:39
    My Score:

    i like this.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 6:26 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    i truelly LOVE AFI so i really like sts. Why does the reviewer call davey "GOTHIC"? Gothic is an archetcture style popular in Europe during the 1800 and early 1900.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 3:14 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    there's a shift in music and if your nostalgic you can cry alone in the dark for a year but if you just don't give a damn, you could really like the "new" AFI, I sure do, it's awesome. No question about it this album rocks. The static that usually drowns out the music is you being closeminded for holding to that gay sellout crap. But take it from me, these guys will never be half as punk as Avril lavigne so don't worry about them showing up on MTV...riiiiiiiiiight

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 9:25 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    ive only heard/saw afi once. it was on a cinema beer nuts video comp. the song was ok.

    but why does the singer look like a gay edward scissorhands?

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 7:15 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I didn't think it was phisically possible, but AFI both sucks and blows

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 3:06 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    "i can't respect them cause well they've kinda sold out. They've pretty much changed the music so that they could make money they sold out and betrayed they fans."

    where is your proof for this? actually, they started working on the material for Sing the Sorrow when they were still on Nitro records. you're a fvcking moron.

    Posted by waste_elite on 2003-03-19 23:12:11
    My Score:

    quiet you, this isn't a message board

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 4:18 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I knowthis isn't a messege board or anything but I have jsut got to say "AMEN!" to what the guy below me said

    Posted by onedarkflame on 2003-03-18 11:50:13
    My Score:

    i personally love this album...i think AFI picked up right where they left off when they finished the Art if Drowning, you cant expect a band like AFI to not continue to grow and change musically...Davey's vocals are made for the music he makes on the Sing the Sorrow album. Sure the new album is different than say Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes, but true AFI fans will appreciate the new direction the band has chosen to take. And, may A Fire Inside continue to change.....because thats what punk is all about, change. We have started to become uniform and identical in our struggle to be different. Everyone is becoming different in all the same ways.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 4:16 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    i can't respect them cause well they've kinda sold out. They've pretty much changed the music so that they could make money they sold out and betrayed they fans

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 2:51 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    I liked this album after I listened to it several times, but that's beside the point. Both the people who say that AFI is awful without giving any reasons and the people who defend AFI by saying they rule without giving any good reasons are not adding anything to the discussion on this album, and those of you trading stupid insults are just idiots. You're probably all kids, but if you're not you need to learn to respect that other people are going to have different opinions than you and if you can't respect them because of that you will a sad excuse for a human being and another part of the whole world going to hell.

    Posted by wickedafipunker on 2003-03-18 02:00:21
    My Score:

    AFI is in a class of their own. You CANT define AFI into a specific genre, that would be impossible. And the Black on Black cover for the cd WONT be released, as said on an AFI newsletter. This whole cd is great, "girls not grey" is kinda getting like meh, since i've heard it for the past month or somewhat, but i still listen to it. And "dancing through sunday" is a very great fuckin track. Overall, BUY THE DAMN CD...FUCK AFI HATERS

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 12:05 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    hoobastank more power han AFI?!? HA! Don't ever say that again. What is this open mic night?

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 5:35 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I heard a lot of really bad cd's in my life and this one takes the cake. Not one solid sounding song on the cd. AFI has really let there fans down with this one , but you could almost see it coming after the release of The Art of Drowning oh and who can forget the the horrible 7 inch at hot topic. So in closing maybe afi shouldn't call themselfs afi anymore maybe they should call themselfs papa roach 2 : the darker but still just as pussy side

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 4:06 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    gotta love the techno breakdown...i was looking for more of this stuff, but didn't get it

    as much as i wanted to like this record, i decided to give it a chance

    it lacks the power of a good album... andy earnst would have done a better job than jerry finn

    for instance, BS and AOD both had epic intros into a good hard 2nd song...a great way to do it...the 2nd song on STS is weak...i wanted something more

    i listened to it, flicked on the radio, and hoobastank was on...i thought, this band has more power than afi

    though the record keeps growing on me, i would have to agree, there are 4-5 songs worth listening to, the rest are worth throwing away...maybe i could burn the good songs to one cd

    i give them 1 record before they are looking for another label

    though, that is just me...

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 12:01 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    To the guy who asked why his album cover was grey and black instead of red and black: It's a different version. As far as I remember hearing there's three version. The red and black one which is the "normal one", the grey and black one which is more limited, and last but not least a "black and black" one which is set to be copied in a very limited amount and therefor will be very rare. There's also the sepciel edition of Sing The Sorrow of course.

    Michael
    Copenhagen, Denmark

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 11:49 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Well I've been a fan of AFI for quite some time now and was expecting the worst after hearing "Girl's not grey" everywhere. I feared that maybe after migrating to DreamHoax they had gone all pop on us. Not because it wasn't punk enough. But simply because I don't like that tune very much. And feared that the entire album would be some mushy pop ballad that didn't really had anything to say or offer the listener. But I must say I was astonished when I finally heard the album. True some of the songs are a pretty big step away from what you normally would perceive as punk. But I think that goes to prove that AFI is more than a mere punk-rock band. AFI is... well AFI. I can't think of any band that has a similar sound and Sing the Sorrow just strengthens this view. I think it's a good blend of their former sounds plus new and to me very interesting sounds that all in all makes Sing The Sorrow a very complete album. The twelve tracks on the album represent a band that really knows how to play and how to play well. My only disappointment was as hinted above "Girl's not grey". It's not a really bad tune but it's just not what I'd associate with AFI. But seeing as Sing The Sorrow is a major label release there's got to be a couple of poppy tunes that could get played on the radio and TV. “The great disappointment” and “This celluloid dream” could also perform this role but they got much more substance than “Girl's not grey” music wise in my opinion. All in all I think Sing The Sorrow is an awesome album. Punk or not. And that brings me to say that if the punk scene can't accept AFI for evolving and doing their thing... then fuck the punk scene. This hole thing with saying "this is not punk enough" is pretty much not very "punky" in it self. To me it isn't the sound that makes you punk. It's the attitude and your way of life, thinking etc. I think AFI will always have this element of punk in them but as this album shows they will evolve into something much more than a punk-rock band outside of any real genre definitions and continue to be AFI and nothing else.

    Michael
    Copenhagen, Denmark

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 10:09 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Finally heard this album yesterday, and blah...its boring...bad as i expected...lacks the fire inside....-bigjerk

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 1:18 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Noy bad....it's just a fucking shame that my little brother and little sister are listening to it, now it just doesn't have the same potency.....that's my problem though. AFI still rocks and this album is no exception.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 11:42 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    dear anonymous~
    thank you for bring up that SHITTY excuse for a band, SIMPLE PAIN, i mean simple plan. this cd(if we should even compair) seems so much better now, thank you for bring that to our attention.

    best regards~
    anonymous

    Posted by krowdsurf on 2003-03-16 16:07:48
    My Score:

    Props to Ebert here for a very well written, professional sounding review. Also, I too totally thought the opening sounded like the theme from Terminator so I was glad to see Scott mention that. As for the album itself, every AFI cd I find I really like about 4 or 5 songs and the rest are totally skippable. I find this one no different thus far, so I think AFI hasn't changed too drastically. I like it. As for the major label thing, I could give a flying fuck what label someone is on in terms of the band and the music, I just hate all the bullshit that you have to put up with when everyone on earth has heard of them. Then you get these dipshits who try to discuss the band with you like they know what the fuck they're talking about but end up sounding moronic. Case in point, I was in Hot Topic today (I saw someone I used to go to high school with inside so ease up off my nizzuts) and the girl inside came up to me, saw my RX Bandits shirt and said "Oh, you like Drive-Thru records? Have you heard of AFI? You might like them." Uhhhhhh....what, bitch?

    Posted by SOYBOMB on 2003-03-16 15:17:48
    My Score:

    Hell,
    I wish I worked for Dreamworks, I need the money..

    Anyway... The AFI disc is clearly a testament to a bands natural evolution after playing for so long. I've had it for about a month or so now cause I got a *cough* promotional copy *cough* (that I downloaded) and its catchy.

    Those who're questioning its integrity and stating that its a mark of pretention are elitist dicks plain and simple because all of AFI's work after Black Sails has been pretentious in terms of poetic verse and whatnot...

    Nevertheless, the techno breakdown song is all I listen to.

    kthxbye,
    -SOYBOMB-

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 2:50 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I don't know about that JEW thing, I mean them and AFI and Sparta are all on Dreamworks, but they should naturally like each other's music. If he starts recommending Alien Ant Farm though, then you should be suspicious as hell.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 2:12 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I haven't read all of the comments here, so maybe somebody already mentioned this: in the most recent Jimmy Eat World e-mail newsletter, Zach Lind says he likes this album and recommends checking it out. Seems innocent enough, but AFI being on Dreamworks (as is JEW) makes it look a little fishy to me. Is the postive review sincere or is Dreamworks pulling some strings?

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 12:13 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    its a natural progression, and they finally have the studio budget and producers to get the sound and production touches they wanted on the last two albums (remember the drum machine on 'despair factor' oh no!!! everyone said). its a great album. its more melodic, and just downright better more mature songwriting. i mean really,if you call this a sellout project, i guess black sails was too, because davey started writings songs that were deeper than 'cereal wars' and the awesome 'highschool football hero'...hahahah, fuck the old afi, this shit is genious

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 1:26 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    GOOD. Not your typical AFI, but still exceptional as compared to the filth of the entire scene (SIMPLE PLAN). Davey Havock is stronger vocally than before, just adding to the intense fierceness that is A Fire Inside!!!! In short Get this, and all other AFI albums.

    Posted by Vien on 2003-03-16 01:20:33
    My Score:

    Black on Black album is going to be super hard to get, because it's only going to be avaliable at thier shows. I just hope I'm able to get a least a couple of tickets by next week. Anyway, I don't know about you guys, but Sing The Sorrow just gets better every time I hear.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 8:34 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Don't you like Tool, Scott? You should really dig this album.

    Posted by maverick on 2003-03-15 20:05:37
    My Score:

    To the guy 3 posts down, allow me to cut and paste from an earlier punknews.org story:
    * There will be three versions of the "normal" CD. The vast majority will be the black-red cover that is on the front page of the site. In addition, there will be a black-silver version and a black-black version for the first run, and these will be very rare. Black on black will be the most rare. All three colors will be released March 11th.

    Hope that helps you out.

    And I still think the first song sounds like the opening to Terminator 2.

    -Scott

    Posted by ommaddon on 2003-03-15 16:24:37
    My Score:

    Yeah because we wouldn't want any of those opinions in reviews. And not to insult the reviewer, but he spent more time on AFI being on a major than most AFI bashers.
    Opinionated reviews are fine, even necessary. But blindly ignorant and fact-straying opinions, which are all too frequently thrown back and forth on this site, are just annoying. Also, journalistically naive.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 4:17 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    good but not great. better than the new utters cd. i like the assemblage 23 influence on tracks 1 & 7.

    demon ted

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 3:18 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Wal Mart has it for $5.84 and Target has the Ataris CD for less than 6 bucks even with tax.I also got the Exies CD for 6 bucks at Wal Mart,even without my friends' discount.I used to buy ALL of my CDs at local stores,but lately they have been rapidly closing,to the point where I have to drive 45 minutes to get to Cactus or Atomic Records.So I tried Wal Mart and Target on a whim,they actually have some ok CDs,including a couple of Green Day CDs,The Vines CD,OK GO,AFI,FSF,Ataris,Bowling For Soup,All American Rejects,Transplants,Foo Fighters,etc.And with the exception of Further Seems Forever,all are on major labels,so I buy them there,and have saved myself shitloads of money.Now granted,FSF is on Tooth and Nail,but that was an impulse buy,under other circumstances I would have probably passed it up,seeing as they don't hold alot of my interest.But other than that,I believe that those places are acceptable places to purchase music,to an extent.I'll still buy my Asian Man stuff mailorder,my local stuff at concerts,and non-major label CDs at indie stores,but when a band I like has decided to cross to the "Dark Side"(major label),then they deserve to be treated as such.I won't lampoon a band for "selling out",because unless you've been in a band,you have no idea how tough life with no money is,always touring,not being home,etc.So I don't care who they sign with,I just believe that with that signing,they should know that they WILL get treated differently.

    Also,on a side note,can anyone tell me why my AFI CD cover is gray and black,and the picture on this review is red and black ?

    Oh,and did anyone else know that Lagwagon is on tour ? I just found out they're coming to Houston on 4/23,and somewhere in Colorado in May.I may be out of the loop,but could someone tell me who the supporting acts will be in Houston ?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 2:24 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    This is a really boring CD.

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-03-15 13:35:58
    My Score:

    Yeah because we wouldn't want any of those opinions in reviews. And not to insult the reviewer, but he spent more time on AFI being on a major than most AFI bashers.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 1:29 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    That really was a great review. Thank you for sticking to the facts instead of wildly throwing opinions.
    For those whom wish to focus on their releasing the album on a major label should actually listen to it first. It sounds perfect. On other AFI records things sounds as though the band was trying to get certain tones and effects and just couldn'tl; with this record they're able to have free reign. I'm impressed.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 1:22 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    The more I listen to this album the more I like it, cause I absolutely hated it the first time I heard it. Now I really anjoy it, about on par with AOD, but no Black Sails.

    I don't see why the diehard makeup wearing AFI fans are that big of a deal. I just laugh at em, it's no reason to hate a band that makes albums I enjoy. Get over it.

    Posted by hubitcherkokov on 2003-03-15 13:14:04
    My Score:

    This is AFI's best effort, in my opinion. Black Sails and Shut Your Mouth were my favorite AFI albums, respectively, and this blows them both away.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 11:29 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    I haven't heard this album, but the review was very well written. I might buy it.

    kxoxtxrx

    Posted by borntolose on 2003-03-15 07:50:48
    My Score:

    And god damn it, change the default album scores to 1 so stupid assholes like myself don't give an AFI record a 10 by mistake.

    Posted by borntolose on 2003-03-15 07:49:53
    My Score:

    I used to bet on Ommadon, I think they retired the poor horse though. Yeah, it fucking sucked once it got older.

    Anyways, I won't let my main point get skewed.

    Anybody musical act that takes the time out to apply make-up as part of said act, and has rabid fans inspired by said make-up that leads them to apply said make-up, fucking blows.

    Then again if MTV has shown us anything, it definately has shown us make-up on dudes is in. (OMG BENJI IS SO HAWT!!111!!)

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 2:04 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    afi fucking sucks.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 1:56 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    everyone who says to not listen to (insert band name here)and instead listen to Guttermouth are always really dumb. Why is that?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 1:19 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Great Review. But, who really cares about what label their on? It's not about selling out, that's just the stupid little punk trend these days that "I'm cooler because I listen to something you haven't ever heard of." It's music, it makes people (like me) happy, why would you want to try taking that away by calling them "goth", but those labels are only going to start fights between a bunch of guttermouth-happy-punk to afi-angry-punk, how bout this, how bout you be like me and listen to both, music wasn't made so we'd get pissed off at eachother. (my side note, this is a great album, not as good as b.s.i.t.s. however)

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 12:24 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    will all of you goth fags get a clue? screw these guys. they take themselves way 2 seriously. that's why i listen to guttermouth. at least they KNOW what's funny. fuck afi. dumb goth morons.

    Posted by ommaddon on 2003-03-14 23:56:25
    My Score:

    It has been commented that Art of Drowning did not attain Gold status--this is absolutely correct. The album was notable in the fact that it sold over 100,000 copies, truly a "Gold" like accomplishment for the independent music scene, though I am absolutely mistaken by my comment. Any independent album that is marked by sales over this 100,000 figure often piques interest--it is a sort of milestone for the lesser marketed rogues of the industry. Art of Drowning certainly did not sell 500,000 copies though, and it is a ridiculous mistake that I would indicate as such. My apologies. Midterms warped my brain--it was 3 a.m., etc., yeah, yeah, yeah.

    On the other comment, where someone pointed out that Very Proud of Ya and Answer That... are more melodic and "have I ever listened to them.." Of course I have, and I can see your side. To me, chanting vocal patterns--heard in tracks like “He Laughs Last,” "Cruise Control," "High School Football Hero," “File 13,” "Aspirin Free," etc... are really not indicative of "melody." It is certainly a chorus in the song structure, but not really a harmonious melody of any kind. I do hear the threads of what AFI would eventually develop in tracks like "Brownie Bottom Sundae,” “This Secret Ninja” and “Advances in Modern Tech.” In the latter I also hear that pure hardcore rhythmic yell. But to me, in Shut Your Mouth... there is an emergence of--yes a throatier, raspier, and in that sense "hardcore" scream, but I also hear more structure, a bridge and a melody in tracks like "Three Reasons," A Single Second," and "Third Season." It is a more developed melodic structure, beyond the chanting chorus' of the prior work. Certainly melody exists in ALL of AFI's work, but to me, on the first two albums most of it is buried in this simplistic, punk/hardcore chanting one-note sound. Which, obviously, Sing the Sorrow is far from.

    For the record, no one has mentioned it, but there is an additional mistake in the 10th paragraph..."Bleed Black" is not in 6/8 time...the subsequent track, "Silver and Cold" is the track I was referring to. Typos and misspeaking galore. It's nice to have an editor....

    If you don't want to buy the album at Target, go pay more at an indie store. Frankly, I don't care. AFI won't see a difference either way. Go buy your smaller label stuff from the indie store...for me, I live in a capitalistic society, and if Big Business is going to save me money...fine. I'm not anarchistic. I'm a poor college student. I can't buy Converge or Bad Astronaut at Target. I can at my local store. I live in LA...there are leagues of them. But this is a major label album, and I’m going to treat it as such. My indie store has my business for 95% of other purchases. I don’t see this as sacrilege in any way. Grow up.
    -ommaddon

    Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-03-14 23:38:57
    My Score:

    I don't see how Black Sails was harder than Shut Your Mouth. Songs like A Single Second, Today's Lesson(yes I know it's a cover) and the Devil Loves You were all harder than just about anything on Black Sails.

    Posted by GreenVandal on 2003-03-14 21:42:17
    My Score:

    Yeah good review. And Black Sails is the best CD by AFI. Its much harder then SYMAOYE could ever wish it was, plus its better written, and the song "Malleus Malificarum" alone kills that entire album. But its still pretty good. I dont know how this one fits into the plan yet...ill know in like a month.

    Posted by el_provocateur on 2003-03-14 20:38:15
    My Score:

    This score is for "Shut Your Mouth." AFI will never, ever, never, ever top it.

    Posted by user13 on 2003-03-14 20:36:47
    My Score:

    excellent review. AFI still rocks

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 8:34 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    "The Art of Drowning" did not go 'gold' as you say. For a record to go gold, it has to sell 500,000 records. Yeah...they're not close to that yet.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 6:28 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    its a good review because i dislike this album but can actually see where the reviewers coming from anyway.
    wyzo

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 3:37 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Why are so many people saying what a good review this is? Just because he likes the album and you agree with his opinion? Corrections:

    -The Art of Drowning came out in 2000, not 2001
    -Shut Your Mouth is definitely not "more melodic" than Very Proud or Answer That. Have you ever heard it?

    Anyway, I think Sing the Sorrow is a decent album. It does make me kinda sad that it's almost all slow-ish songs though. They're decent slow songs, but still...

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 2:34 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    This is a really good CD! Is Davey Havoc gay?

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 2:26 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Harder is better so i disregard anything not hard nyuk nyuk nyuk

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 1:58 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    this score is for shut your mouth...and know your fuckin role jabronis.

    Ramo
    (yeah i said it)

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 1:57 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    score is for teh review.. the album deserves no more than a 2... i don't care if that's where they were progressing to they should've stopped at black sails or half of art of drowning.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 1:29 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    First off, fucking great review man. Extremely well written. I like the album. I miss the energy of SYMAOYE and Black Sails, but I see this as a natural progression for AFI. Like it or not, they were probably headed this direction anyway.
    Mr. Kenzington

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 1:25 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Don't you love when the radio says "Up next 'Girl's Not Grey' the latest from a NEW band AFI."

    Actually yesterday I had the radio on and they were talking about the Good Charlotte/NFG tour. They said "A new band Less Than Jake is opening that up. Hopefully we'll have something by them sometime soon."

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 1:16 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Davey is totaly holding back when he sings, he sounds nothing like he does in black sails, but it doesn't matter there will never be another album like answer that and stay fashinoble. That ablum was written for me, I mean i love ceral and sleepping all day on ny quil, and mostly i love making fun of football jocks.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 1:15 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Very well written review, good job man.

    DonGrom

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 12:48 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    to me, Black Sails was the perfect album...
    this one is ok...

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 14, 2003 at 12:46 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Do you know why Target has it so fucking cheap? Because they sell it below fucking cost so that they can kill more independent retailers. Fuck you.

    Posted by unconcerned on 2003-03-14 12:22:03
    My Score:

    WHAT THE GAY ARE YOU SAYING??

    "straight hardcore sound on Very Proud of Ya and Answer that and Stay Fashionable to a slightly more melodic sound on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes"

    you honestly believe that very proud of ya and answer that... are more hardcore than shut your mouth?? Boy did you drink paint thinner as a child?

    It is like this... first 2 afi albums listenable but very CA pop punk ala heavy pennywise influence (not to be confused with the orange county pop punk badness).... then shut your mouth and open yo