Description
AFI – Burials – Double Vinyl Records
AFI’s Burials, released on October 22, 2013, is the band’s ninth studio album and one of their most emotionally intense and sonically ambitious works. The album blends the dark, introspective themes that AFI is known for with a more atmospheric, cinematic sound, showcasing the evolution of their signature style. Produced by Gil Norton (known for his work with The Pixies and Foo Fighters), Burials is a deeply personal and layered album that explores themes of betrayal, despair, and rebirth.
By the time Burials was released, AFI (A Fire Inside) had already built a storied career spanning over two decades, evolving from their roots in hardcore punk to a more polished, goth-inspired alternative rock sound. Their previous album, Crash Love (2009), leaned heavily into radio-friendly rock, but Burials marked a return to the darker, more emotionally charged tone of earlier works like Sing the Sorrow (2003) and Decemberunderground (2006).
The album was created during a turbulent time for lead singer Davey Havok, whose personal struggles heavily informed the lyrical content. This emotional rawness is paired with a more expansive soundscape, reflecting the band’s desire to push their creative boundaries while staying true to their core identity.
Burials blends elements of post-punk, gothic rock, and alternative with AFI’s signature intensity. The album features lush instrumentation, electronic textures, and powerful hooks, creating a layered and dynamic listening experience. Havok’s dramatic vocal delivery is a focal point, seamlessly moving between melancholic croons and impassioned cries.
Lyrically, Burials delves into themes of isolation, betrayal, heartbreak, and the search for redemption. The album’s title reflects a sense of finality and transformation, with many songs exploring the idea of burying the past to find new beginnings.
Track Highlights
The Sinking Night
Opening with atmospheric soundscapes and haunting spoken-word vocals, this track sets the tone for the album’s dark and introspective journey.
I Hope You Suffer
One of the album’s standout singles, this powerful and vengeful anthem is driven by pounding drums, soaring vocals, and a cathartic intensity.
A Deep Slow Panic
Featuring an infectious melody and energetic rhythm, this track contrasts its upbeat sound with introspective lyrics about anxiety and despair.
No Resurrection
A brooding, slow-burning track with haunting vocals and a dramatic build-up, reflecting themes of loss and hopelessness.
17 Crimes
A more accessible and pop-leaning song, this track became a fan favorite with its anthemic chorus and youthful rebellion.
The Conductor
One of the album’s most cinematic tracks, it features lush layers of instrumentation and a theatrical vocal performance from Havok.
Greater Than 84
A driving, post-punk-inspired track with shimmering guitars and poignant lyrics that explore longing and disillusionment.
Wild
A frenetic, high-energy track that channels AFI’s punk roots while maintaining the album’s polished production.
Heart Stops
A moody, synth-driven ballad that showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally charged atmospheres.
The Embrace
The album’s closer is a sprawling, reflective piece that brings the record full circle with its contemplative lyrics and powerful climax.
The central theme of Burials revolves around emotional and psychological turmoil. Davey Havok’s lyrics often depict feelings of abandonment, revenge, and existential dread. However, amid the darkness, there are glimpses of hope and transformation, suggesting that burying the past can pave the way for renewal.
Musically, the album’s layered arrangements and intricate production mirror the complexity of its themes, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.
Burials was well-received by critics and fans, many of whom praised its emotional depth, sonic ambition, and the band’s return to a darker aesthetic. It debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and earned critical acclaim for its lush production and Havok’s compelling performances.
While some fans of AFI’s earlier, punk-driven work found Burials to be a departure, many appreciated the band’s willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound.
Burials reinforced AFI’s status as one of the most versatile and enduring bands in the alternative scene. Its introspective themes and expansive sound resonated with listeners navigating their own struggles, solidifying the album as a standout in the band’s catalog. Songs like I Hope You Suffer and 17 Crimes have become staples in AFI’s live performances, showcasing their enduring appeal.
Burials is a dark, immersive, and deeply personal album that captures AFI at a moment of emotional intensity and artistic exploration. With its blend of gothic atmosphere, post-punk influences, and raw vulnerability, it stands as a testament to the band’s ability to continually reinvent themselves while staying true to their core identity. For fans of alternative rock and emotionally charged music, Burials is a powerful and rewarding listen.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
The Sinking Night
I Hope You Suffer
A Deep Slow Panic
No Resurrection
17 Crimes
The Conductor
Heart Stops
Rewind
The Embrace
Wild
Greater Than 84
Anxious
The Face Beneath The Waves
