Review: AFI - 'I Hope You Suffer' / '17 Crimes'

AFI 
'I Hope You Suffer' / '17 Crimes' 
REPUBLIC RECORDS 

It’s been four years since AFI have released any material since 'Crash Love' back in 2009, whilst Davey and Jade continued with their side project Blaqk Audio releasing their second album 'Bright Black Heaven', as well as the other members pursuing their own goals, it begged the question when would AFI come back?

Thankfully the wait is over and they have returned with not one but two new releases 'I Hope You Suffer' and '17 Crimes' which also features as a remix on the new The Mortal Instruments – City of Bones movie soundtrack out at the end of August. Their return has come as a breath of fresh air, AFI are sounding better than ever, after acknowledging the world ebbed in mystery and haunting poetry we were teased with a series of small trailers to promote their new work, over the weeks anticipation has grown. Now with their first single release 'I Hope You Suffer', out now via iTunes and just recently the release of '17 Crimes' gives us a glorious insight as to what's to come from the highly anticipated release of their new album 'Burials' due for release on the 22^nd October 2013. AFI seem ready to set the world on fire once more.

With an unnerving opening sequence 'I Hope You Suffer' punches out a furiously dark and immerse cry! With its beautiful hooks, melodic choir break down and Davey’s impeccable voice with its first play alone it will leave you with shivers and eager for more. It's a hauntingly stark and direct rock song, manifesting itself into a harsh and evocative piece which seems to have been conveyed reminiscent from that of earlier works from the 'Sing the Sorrow' era. 

While I am inclined to agree '17 Crimes' seems completely the opposite with fast rhythmical and extraordinarily catchy verses this song holds dear to everything AFI do, more uplifting and highly infectious this will bring out your inner punk adolescence. AFI have always aimed for perfection and so far this really isn’t far from it. This will be AFI’s first album on new label Republic Records, produced by Gil Norton and mixed by Andrew Scheps, whose work includes the likes of Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Posted in: 17 crimes,afi,i hope you suffer,music