AFI (The Blood Album)
by AFI
  • Record Label: Concord
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2017
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Kerrang!
    Jan 12, 2017
    100
    You better get ready to start your "Best Albums of 2017" list--a serious contender has arrived. [7 Jan 2017, p.52]
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  2. The A.V. Club
    Jan 20, 2017
    83
    Although AFI (The Blood Album) doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it doesn’t need to: The record illustrates that the members of AFI are deeply committed to forward motion, and remain as fired up now as they were 25 years ago.
  3. AllMusic
    Jan 19, 2017
    80
    There's certainly enough here to prove that post-Nitro AFI are a better and stronger group, unafraid to continue pushing their sound with each release.
  5. Alternative Press
    Jan 12, 2017
    80
    Epic-sounding and true to that signature AFI sound, AFI (The Blood Album) will be a record that stands out for hardcore fans, while picking up some new ones along the way. [Feb 2017, p.78]
  6. Q Magazine
    Jan 12, 2017
    80
    It still occupies dark territory but this time excellent songs like Hidden Knives are defined by urgency, as well as venom. [Feb 2017, p.111]
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  7. The 405
    Jan 17, 2017
    75
    While AFI (The Blood Album) may not have the mainstream crossover potential that the band enjoyed a decade ago with Sing the Sorrow and DECEMBERUNDERGROUND, it is still a highly enjoyable album that both diehard fans and anyone looking for massive rock hooks alike should enjoy, despite faltering a bit toward the end.
  8. Classic Rock Magazine
    Feb 22, 2017
    70
    The punk energy remains, frontman Davy Havok’s vocal delivery dripping with drama and passion, but with a glorious, gilded production job from guitarist Jade Puget, AFI (The Blood Album) luxuriates in a velvety richness that makes it a sumptuous listen.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 25, 2017
    70
    AFI has little in the way of stumbles and no real clunkers to speak of, but a sense of familiarity and repetition creep in before the finish. It’s not enough to tarnish the gems but a greater commitment to ruthlessness would have been welcome.
  10. Clash Music
    Jan 25, 2017
    70
    Tracks such as ‘Aurelia’ and ‘Feed From The Floor’ harbour familiar macabre theatrics, though this time they feel more matured and far less overwrought than in previous offerings.
  11. Rock Sound
    Jan 13, 2017
    70
    This is the sound of a band re-discovering the aggression that made them so great in the first place, and applying it ably to their new template.
  12. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jan 30, 2017
    60
    While some of it lacks creativity, expression, and comes off a tad bland, you do get a sense of what could have been, had they just unchained themselves a bit more. Ironically, the songs that stand out the most here are the ones that ape tracks off Sing The Sorrow.
  13. Exclaim
    Jan 18, 2017
    60
    It's hard to shake off singer Davey Havok's sterile lyrics, especially when many of the choruses lean heavily on his bold, operatic delivery yet are somewhat squandered on half-cocked one-liners.
  14. Consequence
    Jan 17, 2017
    58
    AFI covers most of the band’s explored genres, giving fans from every era something to appreciate. Unfortunately, this means no one will be completely satisfied.
  15. Pitchfork
    Jan 12, 2017
    50
    At least half of The Blood Album’s songs feel virtually interchangeable and the other half sound like AFI wrote this stuff in the time it takes to play it.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 5 out of 31
  1. Saudade777
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    AFI's self-titled (The Blood Album) is a bloody beautiful, and brilliant album. From front to back, this may be AFI's best album since SingAFI's self-titled (The Blood Album) is a bloody beautiful, and brilliant album. From front to back, this may be AFI's best album since Sing the Sorrow, and I predict will be on many BEST OF 2017 lists. I honestly enjoy growing and evolving with a band, and have the upmost respect for bands that are willing to experiment, and follow their muse in creating what is right for them at the time. It took me 2 complete listens to recognize and appreciate the record, and am proud to say 'I LOVE IT!', and that AFI (The Blood Album) is a true Masterpiece, in my opinion; and that it will be bring me comfort for many years to come. Enjoy the Bloodiness!… Full Review »
  2. ourtimehascome
    Feb 12, 2017
    3
    The rhythm section of bassist + drummer are still fantastic, committing to punk sounds not present on their recent albums. Unfortunately,The rhythm section of bassist + drummer are still fantastic, committing to punk sounds not present on their recent albums. Unfortunately, there isn't anything worth exploring or listening to compared to their first few albums. Furthermore, there is a disconnect between the musicians playing. It's as if Jade & Havok are on their own, playing to a different crowd, with different sensibilities. They've obviously spent too much time together to mesh well with the rest of the band.… Full Review »
  3. domotime2
    Jan 30, 2017
    4
    Without Davey's screams, you realize how boring AFI can be . Even their best songs like Still a Stranger, Aurilia, or Pink Eyes are stillWithout Davey's screams, you realize how boring AFI can be . Even their best songs like Still a Stranger, Aurilia, or Pink Eyes are still lacking that raw Havok scream. i can't tell you how many chours's would be infinitely better with a 'rawwwwwwwwwr'. Sorry guys, blood album is skippable.… Full Review »
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