Behind the Clock: AFI’s Shift and Singular Mood Unveiled

AFI has officially announced their 12th studio album, Silver Bleeds the Black Sun… set for release on October 3rd. This marks the band’s first full-length release in four years, following 2021’s Bodies. The announcement has stirred up a wave of clamor, probably due to the unexpected sound emerging under the renowned name of AFI. So let’s break it down a bit.

Their newest single, Behind the Clock, opens with eerie, unrecognizable sounds before crashing into low, humming guitar beats and a dark, gothic twist. It feels like it’s giving a 70s/80’s vibe, echoing the band’s noticeably updated look which seems to be a hot topic. Honestly, I was immediately reminded of a review I recently wrote for the progressive/psychedelic band Nuclear Daisies. Are we on the verge of a psychedelic resurgence? If so, I’m ready for it! This track feels like a groovy, haunting journey, with sinister guitar riffs, identifiable drum snares that keep a steady tempo, all carried by an eerie bassline, and of course Havoc’s easily recognizable, iconic voice. His vocals are an unparalleled match for whatever this project is—progressive, goth—who cares? It’s simply, beautifully eloquent.

Havoc’s voice still reigns supreme, and some might wonder, “Wait… this is AFI?” Which is totally fair…but… if you’ve followed their side projects like Blaqk Audio or Dreamcar, Behind the Clock won’t feel too far off. In an interview with Alternative Press, Anna Zanes asked Havoc about the direction of the new album. This quote stood out most to me:

“…so about our thing ‘being surprising’—that comes from our need to be surprising to ourselves…”

Yes! Lay it down.

In the same interview, Havoc shares how they arrived at the album’s concept: one built around a singular, cohesive mood. That choice shaped and limited the writing process, but intentionally so.

He goes on to say that AFI has grown, changed, evolved. While many longtime listeners may be craving that somewhat early signature of AFI angst, this new album leans fully into a specific mood, intentionally leaving behind that aggression. But the message remains and it still holds true to punk values.

The single arrived alongside a music video directed by Gilbert Trejo, a moody and artful visual piece that mirrors the song’s introspective tone. Trejo said of the video:

“We wanted the video to feel like you’re seeing something you shouldn’t. In effect you are, because that’s how Davey writes lyrics. He’s expressing himself so openly, that you’re let behind this curtain. It’s a world that most artists don’t cut to, marrow deep.”

In parallel, Havoc adds:

“Gilbert’s video has sublimated the essence of Behind The Clock. His vision and expertise is inspiring. Working with him was a privilege and utter joy. He is an artist of the purest form.”

As a longtime fan of AFI, I commend this band for always doing what they love. They’re never afraid to push boundaries, to shift, to be seen as changed. Creativity is often confined by what’s expected—but it’s so punk, SO inherently AFI, to break through those expectations and creatively explode, regardless of how the public wants to genre-fy them. AFI is that fearless, iconic band who continues to deliver the unexpected.

So now the questions remain: What type of fan are you? A periodic listener? A fan of certain songs? A Miss Murder fan? Or are you here to ride through it all?

Catch AFI on their headlining tour with support from TR/ST, beginning Sept. 30 in Madison, PA.

Check out Behind the Clock music video HERE