Art of Drowning

I would have first gotten this album around the time Sing the Sorrow came out but lost it when I was transitioning between my previous vehicle to the one I am driving today (previously, it was a pretty typical practice for me to keep my music CDs in my vehicle to listen to while I was driving around). At the time that I would have initially gotten The Art of Drowning I probably preferred Black Sails in the Sunset but that seems to have changed these days for reasons that I seem unable to fully appreciate. Something that really stuck out to me with reacquiring this album was where exactly the band was at with their development as musicians at the time of it’s release. Certainly, they have come a long way by comparison to where they were at during their Nitro Records, punk rock days. As much as I have enjoyed hearing the band’s sound evolve over the years there is a part of me that continues to have a soft spot in my heart for their old work. Listening to this album for the first time in probably close to 15 years definitely evoked a strong emotional response within myself that likened to feelings of nostalgia, gratitude, and self-loathing for having been so careless to lose the album in the first place. I am truly grateful to have this album back in my music collection. One of the main reasons I wanted to review this purchase is so that I could discuss the album cover art. Right here is another great example of why I continue to advocate for music media in physical formats. The artwork on this particular album by Alan Forbes is truly incredible and an experience that will be entirely missed if only a digital copy of the album is acquired. The impressive album cover artwork spans both the front and back of the CD jewel case and folds out into a gatefold when viewed entirely. Further, the liner notes in the album feature several additional works by Forbes and as a result will also be something that is missed if only a digital format of the album is acquired. I would also like to provide a brief commentary on the service I received from Amazon on this purchase. When the album showed up at my residence the front of the jewel case had a significant crack in it. Given that CD jewel cases tend to be pretty fragile, in general, I wasn’t too upset by the crack since the CD and liner notes were undamaged. After all, the main objective here was to reacquire a physical, working copy of this album which clearly wasn’t the easiest thing to accomplish given it’s age and availability. In fact, I would consider it a miracle that I was actually able to track down a new copy of this album for purchase and I would provide Amazon a heartfelt “thank you” for providing me a means by which I could score a new copy of this CD. That being said, this wasn’t the only CD I ordered through Amazon that showed up at my residence with a cracked jewel case. I think maybe the business ought to think about using better shippers for items like this or maybe make it so that the customer can pay extra for a more secure shipper. After all, another album that I ordered through Amazon that DHL serviced showed up in a sturdier shipper by comparison and had no cracks in the jewel case whatsoever. Overall, I consider myself very satisfied with this purchase. After admiring the artwork on Black Sails in the Sunset, All Hallows EP, and this album I couldn’t help but think that it would be sort of cool if the band were to reach out to Forbes to see if they couldn’t get him to do some artwork for their next album (or EP). It certainly would be a way for the band to reach back to their roots which they continue to claim as being important for them as their careers as musicians continue to progress. That is my opinion on the matter, I guess. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope my feedback is useful in some regard.

We start out with a very crazy beginning guitar solo, which moves into the Lost Souls. This is a fun, dark and crazy song, about two people in a conflict. "Look what you'e done to me now...you made me perfect." It's a sarcastic mystery. The Nephilium is even faster, and has this great beat. Davey yells about the shadow and spirits. But then, I love the coda; and he talks about angels and devils. It gives me goosebumps. Beautiful. Ever and a Day is probably one of my favorites, starting out slow, and quiet and a giant poem, with amazing guitars from Hunter and Jade. Davey cries out to a lost lover to whom he cries for. The next one is almost like a "Fall Children part II" about feeling warmth and tasting life. Again, an amazing quota! All of their heart and soul is heard with the fierce yells. Next, a wonderful Halloween-esq song. Check under your bed, there might be a monster. There is a secret show, and Davey says "no need to worry." Somewhat fast with occasional woahs. Hold on tight for the song Smile, which should be innocent, but it could easily have been written for BSITS. If you love that album, you'll like this yelling about humanity of a song. A Story at Three is really thrilling too, he's tired and there are deathless ones...spooky :)! The morning choir sings a poem of death. Days of the Phoenix is really cool too, like many of AFI's songs, this has alot of imagery. Most people may have heard it. Next is a song that oculd have easily been on an EP. Awesome! It reminds me of the book Lord of the Flies, just listen and you will be amazed by the great lyrics and extreme vocals. Sing alond to "now show me." Very hardcore people! Wester is really good too! It gives off this really cool pirate vibe! The guitars and beat, again, are superb! The breakdown is incredible! Six to Eight is a little more melodic, and Davey and Jade sing quiet in the beginning. The chorus is beautiful and the background couldn't be better! Davey holds every note perfectly...one of my favorites. The Despair Factor rocks! Again, amazing imagery! Read the lyrics! So good! There is even some talking and the coda should go in coda history! "Weightless, Endless, Faithless, I'll adore you!" BEAUTIFUL! THen the one and only Morning Star, which is very mourning :'( Here it is evident to have a good voice, quiet or yelling or normal. Davey has it all in this album!!! There may be a surprise too!(shhh) 1. Initiation (N.R.) 2. The Lost Souls (9) 3. The Nephilium (9) 4. Ever and a Day (10) 5. Sacrifice Theory (8) 6. Of Greeting and Goodbyes (10) 7. Smile (7) 8. A Story at Three (8) 9. Days of the Phoenix (10) 10. Catch a Hot one (10) 11. Wester (10) 12. 6 to 8 (10) 13. Despair Factor (10) 14. Morning Star (9) shhhh... :)

Best AFI album by far, although Black Sails is a close 2nd

This was a gift for my partner and he loved it. It works perfectly

I love this album. This is AFI from their skatepunk days, so the music is a bit faster-paced. I like the gothic/spooky vibe as well. Days of the Phoenix is such a good track! Great album to add to your collection.

As someone who was introduced to AFI by Sing the Sorrow. At first I though this album was good but each listen it gets better and better.

One of AFIs best albums! Came in great shape! Happy to have in my collection

The album came earlier than expected and in perfect condition. Highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys punk. There really are no negatives about this album in my opinion every song is great. I prefer this era of AFI much more than their newer stuff.

Thank you

Todo bien y a tiempo

It said it was the grey marble version, but what I got was just standard black vinyl. Description says it could differ, so I don’t mind at all. Happy to finally have this vinyl in my collection. Fantastic album. I AM happy that the listing doesn’t include the vinyl only track “Dream of Waking” but the version I got has that song on it.

Bello da acquistare per gli amanti del genere in particolare i si volo tratti erano validi

Record plays fine. Be aware prior to purchase that this is not the limited edition mentioned in the description. I was a little disappointed to open and find it's not what I was technically sold...