AFI - Black Sails in the Sunset

Media:	Audio CD
Record label:	Nitro Records
Release date:	18 May, 1999
List price:	~~$15.98~~
Our price:	$12.99 that is 19% off!

Black Sails in the Sunset

Average rating: Stars

one great punk record

Definitely one of AFI's better records, this showcases a mix of straight as well as goth punk. Starting off with maybe the only lowlight of the album, strength through wounding, it flows with some of my all time favorites by this band, including Clove Smoke Catharsis, the prayer position, and God called in sick today, probably the best song the band has ever written. The production values are still amazing, even though the band hadn't signed with the giant Dreamworks label yet. This album also shows off some of the best bass work in any punk album, and defines the melodic punk genre. Also a highlight is Midnight Sun, a very interesting track.

Black Sails in the Sunset - AFI

hell of a record

When I first heard this one, my entire AFI experience was "the Art Of Drowning" and the all Hallow's EP. For me this record didn't have the instant appeal of those releases, so I put it aside for a while.

When I came back to it, I was on some horribly long bus ride, some school trip or something... not important, anyway when I had nothing to distract me and could focus entirely on the music, I realised how easy it was to lose myself in this record. Of course that's the case with every AFI release, but personally I think this is the most engaging. It's probably my favourite AFI album, although I like them all (I'm not going to say "since this album they've got so lame" or "all the stuff before this is trash").

Tracks that stand out instantly are God Called In Sick Today, The Last Kiss, Narrative Of Soul Against Soul and Clove Smoke Catharsis. However more recently I've found myself more drawn to the harder songs that I previously didn't like, like Porphyria, Weathered Tome and Prayer Position. Oh... and the hidden track rules over all other hidden tracks ever, in the history of time.

In summing up, this is a great AFI album although not their most accessible. Pick up "sing the sorrow" or "art of drowning" and if you enjoy them then this one may well become your new favourite record.

AFI - Black Sails in the Sunset

The Emergence of the New AFI

"Through our bleeding, WE ARE ONE!"

I remember seeing AFI in Goleta, CA when they were touring in support of this album. They began "Strength Through Wounding", and Davey as usual appeared onstage just as his part began. As he and the crowd chanted the opening lines, the energy and intensity in the room was almost physically palpable. The same holds true for this album. In addition to the punk influence of the misfits, the cramps, and rancid, there is a noticeable shift towards more complex song structures, tempo changes, and and metal riffs. The entire album (artwork, lyrics, music, tone, etc.) are extremely gothic as well, the musical equivalent of Anne Rice and Glenn Danzig's bastard child. The satanic imagery that appeared in "Shut Your Mouth..." is back. Tones of despair, fury, and alienation, combined with numerous melodic hooks and transcendent gang-vocal choruses, make this one of my favorite AFI albums ("Shut Your Mouth..." being the other).

Highlights on the album:
"Malleus Maleficarum" - An infectious, poppy verse that shows the growing maturity of AFI. Jade refrains from playing at all during the verses, and Hunter's bass comes in only midway during the second verse. The contrast during the chorus (WE ALL BEGIN TO BURN!) as all instruments come in sounds amazing. However, I detest Dexter Holland's whiny guest vocals during the bridge sections. And that holds true for every other track that features his voice.

"The Prayer Position" - Heavy. This song sounds epic. Not very melodic, but it's powerful and catchy nonetheless. AFI's gang vocals never sounded better or more apt.

"God Called in Sick Today" - This has since become a live favorite. Davey usually crowd walks a-la-Iggy Pop during this song. Slow and brooding, the song begins with an instantly remembered guitar picking before Davey sings. This track is melodic and heavy during the choruses. It's regarded as one of AFI's best songs, and for good reason.