AFI Silver Bleeds The Black Sun...
Review coming soon...
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Behind the Clock
3 mentions
"‘Behind the Clock’ is their Lynchian opus, an ode to the late director."
The Bird of Prey
2 mentions
"‘The Bird of Prey’ hears Havok’s vocals stylised in a haunting croon, singing of the passage of time."
A World Unmade
2 mentions
"to the cavernous, Cure -esque "A World Unmade,""
‘Behind the Clock’ is their Lynchian opus, an ode to the late director.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
The Bird of Prey
Behind the Clock
Holy Visions
Blasphemy & Excess
Spear of Truth
Ash Speck in a Green Eye
VOIDWARD, I BEND BACK
Marguerite
A World Unmade
Nooneunderground
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 4 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
The review highlights several standouts that crystallise AFI’s gothic reinvention, notably the haunting opener 'The Bird of Prey', the cinematic intensity of 'Behind the Clock', and the poetic peak of 'Ash Speck in a Green Eye'. 'Holy Visions' and 'Spear of Truth' are praised for their heavy synths and mature lyricism respectively, while closer 'NOONEUNDERGROUND' reconnects with the band’s hardcore roots. The critic frames these tracks as exemplars of AFI’s successful evolution, balancing reverent influences with fresh, electrifying composition.
Key Points
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‘Ash Speck in a Green Eye’ is the album’s poetic high point with Baudelaire-like lyricism.
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The album’s core strengths are its gothic theatricality and AFI’s successful evolution blending influences with fresh energy.
Themes
Critic's Take
The review highlights several standout tracks that embody AFI's deliberate pivot into goth-rock and post-punk, praising production and atmosphere. "Behind the Clock" and "A World Unmade" are singled out for their feedback-drenched lurch and cavernous, Cure-like scope respectively. "Holy Visions" and "Ash Speck in a Green Eye" are noted for their driving beats and heightened tension, with vocal theatrics emphasized. Overall the album is framed as a tight, enthralling, fully committed exploration of darker sounds.
Key Points
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"Behind the Clock" is the best example of the album's successful goth-rock pivot due to its lurching, feedback-drenched presentation.
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The album's core strengths are lush, layered production and faithful homage to goth/post-punk influences while remaining tightly executed.
Themes
Critic's Take
The review highlights several standout tracks — notably 'Behind the Clock', 'The Bird of Prey', 'Holy Visions', and 'A World Unmade' — for their evocative lyrics and strong vocal performances from Davey Havok. Praise centers on moments where the band nails a dark, stately post-punk aesthetic and Havok’s weathered, majestic delivery. Criticism targets repetitive instrumentation that makes multiple songs blur together, reducing the impact of otherwise brilliant lines. Overall the album offers glimpses of revelation but lacks consistent realization of its ambitious vision.
Key Points
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‘Behind the Clock’ is best for delivering the album’s promised dark, stately evolution with heavy riffs and haunting vocals.
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The album’s core strength is Davey Havok’s weathered, majestic vocal performances and evocative, poetic lyrics despite repetitive instrumentation.