Decemberunderground
by AFI
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 143
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 143
  3. Negative: 19 out of 143

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  1. aledelf
    Jun 23, 2023
    7
    I had discovered this band on Guitar Hero and heard since then, this record feels a lot like 2010s punk rock best types, but it still have it´s own mistakes. After all it´s a good record with some great songs
  2. Decim
    Jun 14, 2017
    8
    I like AFI's new style, I really appreciate their new "dark" style.
    In my humble opinion, there are some songs that can be considered too weird, but they sound so good because of their weirdness, one example is Kiss and Control, my favorite song from Decemberunderground.
    Miss Murder and The Killing Lights represent what a common Pop-Punk band should do: makin' Pop-Punk and creatin'    I like AFI's new style, I really appreciate their new "dark" style.
    In my humble opinion, there are some songs that can be considered too weird, but they sound so good because of their weirdness, one example is Kiss and Control, my favorite song from Decemberunderground.
    Miss Murder and The Killing Lights represent what a common Pop-Punk band should do: makin' Pop-Punk and creatin' something new at the same time.
    37mm and Endlessly, She Said end this album in a sublime way, even though Affliction is nothing special at all    … Expand
  3. ToxicMike
    Jun 10, 2016
    10
    The album speak volumes, the lyrics are well written and tell such a great story that you need to decipher yourself and can relate to if you choose so. Heavy drops, great vocal range and melodic experience.
  4. Skydog
    Apr 7, 2013
    7
    One of AFI's weakest albums musicality wise, but remains very unique and superb lyrically.
    Adds alot of electronic sounds which is not seen in much of AFI's music (which later started Blaqk Audio for members Davey and Jade a little after this album)

    Don't get how AFI is mediocre though when I'm sure 98% of the trolls on here listen to Nickleback, Foo Fighters, or any of THOSE mediocre bands.
  5. ohaiKendyl
    Jun 7, 2011
    8
    Decemberunderground manages to balance a fine line between gaining new fans with the band's new polished production and satisfying older fans with its traditionally dark and deep melodies and lyrical content. The tracks can appeal to a mainstream audience without stripping away the rawness of the depth. "Miss Murder" is perfect emo pop rock that retains their traditional punk sound, whileDecemberunderground manages to balance a fine line between gaining new fans with the band's new polished production and satisfying older fans with its traditionally dark and deep melodies and lyrical content. The tracks can appeal to a mainstream audience without stripping away the rawness of the depth. "Miss Murder" is perfect emo pop rock that retains their traditional punk sound, while tracks such as "Love Like Winter" and "Endlessly, She Said" are more experimental and tend to drift away from the band's originality, but still sound just as sweet.… Expand
  6. KendylKlownfish
    Mar 6, 2011
    8
    Even if Decemberunderground betrays its genre a little bit, it's undeniably catchy. "Miss Murder" is the album's lead single, as well as its golden. "Love Like Winter" relies solely on technical elements rather than organic rock. Is Decemberunderground a concept album? Not at all. But is it the slightest bit unique? Well, yeah.
  7. MissR
    Oct 17, 2008
    7
    It's good But Some songs are just there to please the public, like Miss Murder & Love like Winter. original fans don't likle songs like the interview, but I can omnly liten to hard rock for so long before I go insane. then songs like Endlessly, she said, are fantastic. some good, some mediocre.
  8. Elsa
    Feb 14, 2008
    10
    AFI are a good band, I love them and this album is super great
  9. EricaT.
    Jan 13, 2008
    3
    AFI's music has, up until this point, been poignant and full of incredible imagery. Decemberunderground really misses the mark in comparison with other albums like Sing the Sorrow and The Art of Drowning. Quite frankly, songs like 'Miss Murder' and the rest of the album all sound the same... they lack depth and originality. They're okay to listen to, but lack AFI's music has, up until this point, been poignant and full of incredible imagery. Decemberunderground really misses the mark in comparison with other albums like Sing the Sorrow and The Art of Drowning. Quite frankly, songs like 'Miss Murder' and the rest of the album all sound the same... they lack depth and originality. They're okay to listen to, but lack substance... I thought it hardly even sounded like Havok. It's one thing to change lyrical and music styles, but another thing to start to lose meaning and depth. AFI has altered its sound from its early songs to the later ones, but never in a manner like this. I have to say, this album was a big disappointment, and I hope that Davey Havok and the rest of the band come back with something better for their next album.… Expand
  10. JohnD.
    Dec 27, 2007
    8
    Very good. Not better than STS.
  11. RyanJawnpiece
    Nov 10, 2007
    0
    AFI is one of the pussiest bands out there right now.decemberunderground is absolutley horrible.The old AFI is one of my favorite bands of all time.I like when they were actually a hardcore punk band not this pussy shit.what happened to them.their first 5 cd's and EPs were amazing,but when they left nitro records they all grew vaginas.fuck the new afi.east bay hardcore all day.
  12. BenW.
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    December Underground shows the world that these guys are talented individuals who are open to experiment and experience different production styles.
  13. mattv.
    May 19, 2007
    9
    Its funny how Entertainment Weekly gave "Sing The Sorry" a 25 and this and 80......shows how much they know theie music...
  14. SaphiraM
    Mar 10, 2007
    10
    I'll admit that Decemberunderground is pretty pussy. But that's only because its got the oldddd punk hardocre stuff to compete with! AFI EAST BAY HARDCORE FOREVER But apart from that, Decemberunderground is one of the best fucking albums they have made. Sadly though, everyone knows about them now from this album, and i HATE all those fucking teenies. True AFI fans, like myself I'll admit that Decemberunderground is pretty pussy. But that's only because its got the oldddd punk hardocre stuff to compete with! AFI EAST BAY HARDCORE FOREVER But apart from that, Decemberunderground is one of the best fucking albums they have made. Sadly though, everyone knows about them now from this album, and i HATE all those fucking teenies. True AFI fans, like myself xD, could kill all those little pussy's who make out they're the biggest AFI fans ever, when they only found out about them from Miss Murder. That realllllllly pisses me off.. AFI are the best fucking band there is. Remember that :) xxx… Expand
  15. AbelD
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    A very good album that shows the evolution of AFI's sound and how they only continue to perfect it since their shift in Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. Though not as focused and tightly-woven as Sing the Sorrow, it remains just as enjoyable, if not, more so.
  16. jerimiahc
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    any body who hates this cd can suk my balls
  17. BrookW
    Jan 9, 2007
    8
    I have liked AFI for about 4 Years now and the change in her music was hard to get used to. at first i was deviststed about how sucky there music was in this new cd. But hen i got there new dvd and listened to the cd a few more times and it grew on me. Now dont get me wrong i still loe my traditional afi but im getting used to this one . Im happy AFI finnallly made it on the charts after I have liked AFI for about 4 Years now and the change in her music was hard to get used to. at first i was deviststed about how sucky there music was in this new cd. But hen i got there new dvd and listened to the cd a few more times and it grew on me. Now dont get me wrong i still loe my traditional afi but im getting used to this one . Im happy AFI finnallly made it on the charts after 15 years of keeping at it. You rock AFI! Im proud of you!… Expand
  18. JJT
    Jan 3, 2007
    10
    Everyone who says crap about this album, just shut up!!!!! In case you didn't Know, it got #1 on the U.S.A billboard chart for 2 weeks straight. If you think this is "emo" then u have no taste in music at all. AFI is my favorite band, and they are really amazing. Everything they write about is just awesome. Davey Havok does not literally want to take his life, it's just a song. Everyone who says crap about this album, just shut up!!!!! In case you didn't Know, it got #1 on the U.S.A billboard chart for 2 weeks straight. If you think this is "emo" then u have no taste in music at all. AFI is my favorite band, and they are really amazing. Everything they write about is just awesome. Davey Havok does not literally want to take his life, it's just a song. The black bunnies are just for the video to represent an omen. And don't tell people if they like AFI, thet they need to get out more because I like a lot of other bands, but AFI is my favorite.They will not fade into obscurity either. They have the most loyal fans(literally), and you are just completely stereo-typing!!! Oh, and if they're the worst band you've heard, then YOU need to get out more.He's only 31 too, and for your info, that washis grandmom's b- day, I asked him at the last despair faction meeting!!!Weezer sux, and don't tell people not to listen to AFI because they rock and you don't control anybody. It's also not a girly voice. That's what you call good singing, and I'm sure you have no room to talk becaue you probably suk at singing. Again, "emo" isn't even a freakin word so don't be so lazy to spell out the whole word next time, and if you want "emo" then keep listening to your other crappy music. Oh, and they aren't pop at all. They also won a moon man for best ROCK video.… Expand
  19. GaryM.
    Jan 1, 2007
    9
    Amazing album! Amazing, because I am truly amazed that I love this album. I had never heard of the band before, but this album has made me a fan. Songs like Miss Murder, The Interview, 37mm, The Killing Light, etc. are really good songs. Hopefully, AFIs next album is as good or even better than this album.
  20. JohnS
    Dec 31, 2006
    10
    Wow, this album is the best of 2006.
  21. mikeh
    Dec 30, 2006
    4
    Mediocre album from a mediocre band. not as bad as some are suggesting, but this isn't the sound of a band pushing artistic boundaries or writing interesting and creative songs. There are plenty of other bands out there putting out killer albums that are far more worthy of attention. Kill caustic is a good guilty pleasure though.
  22. PhilH
    Dec 27, 2006
    9
    Wow. It's sad when a band as amazing as AFI is being abandoned by their 'fans' because they've decided to change their musical orientation. And all because of the newest fad: hating emo. What is emo? Emo is emotional music. It isn't suicidal music. It isn't depressing music. It isn't whiney in any way. It's simply emotional. It speaks to you, and is Wow. It's sad when a band as amazing as AFI is being abandoned by their 'fans' because they've decided to change their musical orientation. And all because of the newest fad: hating emo. What is emo? Emo is emotional music. It isn't suicidal music. It isn't depressing music. It isn't whiney in any way. It's simply emotional. It speaks to you, and is supposed to invite you to relate, understand, and enjoy. This is by far AFI's most lyrically and musically advanced album to date, and it's the most poetic one, too. I am a newer fan of them, but I adore all the material from the "A Fire Inside EP" and listen to it frequently, and frankly, those claiming they've become emo obviously haven't looked at the lyrics from previous albums. From "Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes" on, AFI has lyrically been what they are now. All that's changed is the musical style. And honestly, I'm very grateful for it.… Expand
  23. matth
    Oct 20, 2006
    8
    this rawks
  24. Emmanuel
    Oct 15, 2006
    10
    AN AMAZING ALBUM!! A masterpiece by AFI.
  25. SamanthaB
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    this album ROCKS davey havock has a super sexy voice and the whole album is totally original, dude!
  26. martins
    Sep 22, 2006
    1
    millie vanillie is better than this junk. melody is the only thing they have going for them but so do a million bands out there right now. go find a better one that writes real music and you won't be embarassed in 2 years for owning this and having somebody see it at your house. go buy the new phoenix record and at least enjoy for more than 1 listen.
  27. rr
    Sep 22, 2006
    1
    gayest thing i've ever heard. you people that liked it need to get out more. there is way better music than this almost everywhere. somebody that gave this re-hash of bad 80's pop/rock a 9 or a 10 couldn't be real fans of any music or they are locked away and they are comparing it to.... christian rock?
  28. pgg
    Sep 22, 2006
    0
    so bad that i popped it out after only a few songs. if you want a better album with more texture and better music that rocks, check out Snowden's new album. afi has nothing to say and it reminds me of night ranger from the 80's... they sucked then.
  29. GraceS
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    i Love the new cdit rok itz soooo Awesum!!!!!!!
  30. MattB
    Sep 16, 2006
    1
    I'm really dissapointed in AFI's new album. I mean I liked Sing the Sorrow to a certain extent but I hoped that AFI wouldnt go as far as changing their sound completely when the whole "emo" crap came into style. I'm a big fan of their old cds and have been for a very long time. I have every song that they've ever made and listen to them all.. EXCEPT their new cd. sure I'm really dissapointed in AFI's new album. I mean I liked Sing the Sorrow to a certain extent but I hoped that AFI wouldnt go as far as changing their sound completely when the whole "emo" crap came into style. I'm a big fan of their old cds and have been for a very long time. I have every song that they've ever made and listen to them all.. EXCEPT their new cd. sure you guys are like "blah blah blah AFI is changing to stay hip blah blah blah" but COME ON. I think that AFI had its very own sound and has destroyed all of their talent to become some overpopular sell-out band. I personally think that if AFI would have kept their old sound from their first cds and stayed within their boundaries they would be a much bigger influence on the oldschool hardcore/punk crowd than any other band. sure some say that the new cd has something going with the new croud but I'm sure they've lost more old fans than they gained new fans. its a sad sad day for TRUE AFI fans and music in general.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2006
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The most melodically acute distillation of that style yet.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    With a comeback pitched between the indulgent love-metal of HiM and the pubescent pop-punk of Fall Out Boy, AFI's hiatus looks increasingly less like laziness and more like a marketing masterstroke.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    70
    "Decemberunderground" is less cohesive than its predecessor and apes the band's influences far too obviously for musicians of this caliber. Even so, it's vastly entertaining.
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