AFI

AFI is currently on tour for their new record, Silver Bleeds the Black Sun…, an album of 10 songs that perfectly encapsulates A Fire Inside. Since 1991, Davey Havok has been bringing us our punk rock favorites while reinventing the band’s sound time and time again. This week, AFI brought the fire to New York City on October 15th.

Set at the renowned Brooklyn Paramount, AFI was the perfect artist for the iconic location. With its jaw-dropping 1920s gothic architecture and a stained-glass roof over the room, the standing room-only venue was sold out, making the space feel like a collective home for the fans. Built in 1928, the former jazz theater has hosted legends such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and has since opened its doors to other genres, keeping it alive and packed every weekend.

Clad in double leather and a red tank top, Havok (vocalist), stepped on stage with Adam Carson (drummer / backup vocalist), Jade Pudget (guitarist), and Hunter Burgan (bassist) after opening electronic duo TR/ST closed out their set. Fans began their signature chant, “through our bleeding, we are one," as the band began with “Miseria Cantare." It was an explosive start to the show, bringing the energy through the roof within the first three minutes, and it was clear just how much the crowd truly loved AFI. Havok's stage presence made it clear he was meant for this life, with his larger-than-life personality and fluid dancing. He made sure to keep the audience connected the entire time, standing on speakers to extend his microphone to the audience and using the entire length of the stage to show the fans just how much he wanted to see them too.

The set was a mix of beloved classics from the early 2000s and the new release. “Girls Not Grey” and “The Days of The Phoenix" had the audience crowd-surfing and singing their hearts out, feeling like a family. New project tracks included “Holy Visions” and “Behind the Clock”, showing just how evolved AFI has become throughout their time in the scene, while still inventing a fresh, authentic sound that never strays from who they are.

After closing out their incredible 16-track main set, the crowd was still begging for more, beginning their chant again. AFI slowly made their way back on, and then erupted into “Silver and Cold” and “Totalimmortal”, giving fans their last adrenaline wave of the evening.

AFI has been playing shows since 1992, and they have amassed a dedicated and loyal following ever since. This show was the perfect night for fans, giving them the chance to revel in nostalgia and still see the new AFI.