Afi

ByLets Go Punk
AFI

AFI, short for A Fire Inside, is an American rock band formed in 1991 in Ukiah, California. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, but since 1998, the core members have been Davey Havok (lead vocals), Adam Carson (drums, backing vocals), Hunter Burgan (bass, backing vocals, keyboards), and Jade Puget (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards). Originally rooted in hardcore punk, AFI has explored various genres throughout their career, including horror punk, post-hardcore, emo, alternative rock, and gothic rock.

Discography Highlights

  • Answer That and Stay Fashionable (1995) – AFI’s debut album, showcasing their hardcore punk roots with fast-paced songs and humorous lyrics.
  • Very Proud of Ya (1996) – Their second album, continuing their punk sound while beginning to develop a more refined style.
  • Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes (1997) – Marked a shift towards a darker and more intense sound.
  • Black Sails in the Sunset (1999) – A pivotal album that introduced darker themes and a more atmospheric style.
  • The Art of Drowning (2000) – Their breakthrough album, blending horror punk with alternative influences.
  • Sing the Sorrow (2003) – AFI’s major-label debut, which brought them mainstream success and is considered a post-hardcore and emo classic.
  • Decemberunderground (2006) – Featured the hit single “Miss Murder” and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
  • Crash Love (2009) – Showcased a more polished alternative rock sound.
  • Burials (2013) – A dark and introspective album that further explored gothic rock elements.
  • AFI (2017) – Also known as The Blood Album, this release continued their exploration of new wave and post-punk sounds.
  • Bodies (2021) – Their most recent album, blending gothic rock with new wave influences.

Band History

Early Years (1991–1994)

AFI was formed in November 1991 by high school friends Davey Havok, Mark Stopholese, and Vic Chalker in Ukiah, California. The band didn’t initially know how to play any instruments, but they quickly learned and began playing local shows. Adam Carson joined as the drummer, and after a brief hiatus in 1993, AFI decided to pursue music full-time, eventually moving to Berkeley, California. They released several EPs and gained a following in the East Bay hardcore scene.

First Three Albums (1995–1998)

AFI’s debut album, Answer That and Stay Fashionable, was released in 1995, followed by Very Proud of Ya in 1996. Both albums were well-received in the punk community. After the release of their third album, Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes in 1997, bassist Hunter Burgan joined the band, solidifying their lineup.

Darker Sound and Wider Reach (1999–2001)

With the release of Black Sails in the Sunset in 1999, AFI began to explore darker themes and more complex musical arrangements. This album marked a turning point in their sound, blending punk with gothic and horror influences. The follow-up album, The Art of Drowning, further established their reputation, with the single “The Days of the Phoenix” gaining significant attention.

Mainstream Success (2002–2007)

In 2003, AFI released Sing the Sorrow, their major-label debut, which catapulted them into mainstream success. The album featured hits like “Girl’s Not Grey” and “Silver and Cold” and earned critical acclaim. Decemberunderground followed in 2006, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and featuring the chart-topping single “Miss Murder”.

Continued Evolution (2008–2017)

AFI continued to evolve their sound with Crash Love in 2009, which had a more polished alternative rock feel. In 2013, they released Burials, a darker and more introspective album. Their self-titled album, AFI (The Blood Album), was released in 2017, blending new wave and post-punk elements.

The Missing Man and Bodies (2018–Present)

In 2018, AFI released The Missing Man EP, followed by their eleventh studio album, Bodies, in 2021. The band continues to push boundaries, exploring new musical landscapes while maintaining their signature style.

Musical Style and Influences

AFI’s music has spanned a variety of genres, including punk rock, hardcore punk, emo, gothic rock, horror punk, post-hardcore, and alternative rock. Their sound has constantly evolved, with each album exploring new styles and themes. The band’s influences include The Cure, Bauhaus, Joy Division, The Misfits, and many others.

Band Members

Current Members

  • Davey Havok – lead vocals (1991–present)
  • Adam Carson – drums, backing vocals (1991–present)
  • Hunter Burgan – bass, backing vocals, keyboards (1997–present)
  • Jade Puget – guitars, backing vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers (1998–present)

Former Members

  • Mark Stopholese – guitars, backing vocals (1991–1998)
  • Vic Chalker – bass (1991–1992)
  • Geoff Kresge – bass, backing vocals (1992–1997)

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