AFI: Davey Havok (vocals); Jade Puget (guitar); Hunter (bass guitar); Adam Carson (drums).

On its seventh full-length album, AFI (A Fire Inside) reunites with renowned producer Jerry Finn for a strikingly dynamic outing that builds on its highly successful predecessor, SING THE SORROW. While the California-based goth-influenced band still excels at hard-edged punk-pop, as best revealed on the catchy anthem "Miss Murder," it also makes impressive forays into techno-tinged rock on the surging "Love Like Winter" and the brooding, Depeche Mode-like "37mm." Although DECEMBERUNDERGROUND's few "screamo" moments prove to be a bit distracting, particularly on "Kill Caustic" and "Afflication," they reinforce both frontman Davey Havok's vocal range and the group's willingness to journey around the stylistic map, resulting in a bold, assured record.

What the critics say...

Rolling Stone (p.91) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]here are moments on DECMBERUNDERGROUND that are poppier than anything AFI have ever done....A thoroughly enjoyable album to listen to..."
Spin (p.81) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "DECEMBERUNDERGROUND sounds terrific....[It] has enough catchy refrains to make it a summer favorite for anyone looking to work out their aggressions."
Kerrang (Magazine) (p.52) - "[F]ull of unpredictable high gloss anthems....The sound of AFI exceeding all expectations."