AFI’s fourth studio album, Black Sails in the Sunset, marks a significant turning point in the band’s evolution, both sonically and thematically. Released in 1999, this album sees AFI diving deeper into darker, more complex territory, blending their punk roots with gothic and hardcore influences to create a uniquely compelling sound. Having begun as an East Bay hardcore band with their first two albums, Answer That and Stay Fashionable and Very Proud of Ya, AFI started experimenting with a darker sound on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. This darker sound with more melodic vocals would take center stage on Black Sails in the Sunset. For its twenty-fifth anniversary, Craft Recordings is reissuing AFI’s pivotal album on Neon Orange vinyl.
The album opens with “Strength Through Wounding,” a chant that immediately sets a haunting and intense tone. The repetitive cries of “Through our bleeding, we are one!” draw listeners into the album’s brooding atmosphere. Following this, “Porphyria Cutanea Tarda” delivers a fast-paced and aggressive track showcasing Davey Havok’s commanding vocal delivery. The song’s driving rhythm and relentless energy make it a standout early in the album. “Exsanguination” builds on this intensity with intricate guitar work and powerful drumming, while Havok’s lyrics delve into themes of despair and defiance, a recurring motif throughout the album. “Malleus Maleficarum” slows things down slightly, offering a more melodic yet equally dark vibe. The gothic undertones become more pronounced, adding depth to the album’s sonic palette. “Narrative of Soul Against Soul” blends hardcore punk energy with gothic ambiance, perfectly illustrating AFI’s ability to merge different genres seamlessly. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Havok’s voice soaring over the frenzied instrumentation. “Clove Smoke Catharsis” is one of the album’s more experimental tracks, featuring intricate guitar riffs and a varied vocal approach. Its unconventional structure showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries.
The punk roots of AFI come through strongly in “The Prayer Position,” which combines fast and furious energy with darker elements. The raw intensity is palpable, making it a fan favorite. One of the standout tracks, “The Last Kiss,” combines melodic elements with hardcore intensity. The emotional weight of the song is evident in Havok’s passionate vocal delivery. “At a Glance” keeps listeners on their toes with its rapid tempo and dynamic shifts. The interplay between the instruments is particularly tight, highlighting the band’s technical proficiency. The album closes on a somber note with “God Called in Sick Today,” a slower and more introspective track. The haunting melody and melancholic lyrics leave a lasting impression, encapsulating the album’s overall tone.
Black Sails in the Sunset is a landmark album for AFI, showcasing their growth as musicians and their willingness to explore darker, more intricate themes. Davey Havok’s vocals are particularly noteworthy, ranging from raw and aggressive to hauntingly melodic, perfectly complementing the album’s diverse musical landscape. Thematically, the album delves into darkness, despair, and defiance, reflecting the band’s shift towards more gothic and introspective content. The lyrics are poetic and often cryptic, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into their meaning. Black Sails in the Sunset stands as a testament to AFI’s ability to innovate and evolve, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that continues to resonate with audiences more than two decades after its release.
