What makes Burials by AFI notable?

Burials debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200, affirming AFI's sustained popularity within the alternative rock scene. The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its maturity and depth compared to previous works, solidifying AFI’s influence in gothic rock and alternative music. Upon the release of Burials in 2013, AFI was transitioning into a new phase after their commercially successful album, Crash Love (2006). This marked their first full-length studio album in seven years, showcasing a return to darker themes and sound that fans had come to expect early in their career. The band was also navigating lineup changes and adapting to evolving musical landscapes.

Burials works well if you're into steady emotional intensity throughout, introspective themes of despair and haunting melodies for deep focus.

How many songs are on Burials?

Burials has 15 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Released 13 years ago this October

Burials

AFI · 2013

58 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of dark melodies and introspective lyrics that encapsulate a sense of turmoil and emotional conflict.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Hope You Suffer — This track opens with an aggressive energy that sets the tone for the album's darker themes, encapsulating a sense of betrayal and emotional intensity.
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17 Crimes — With its catchy chorus juxtaposed against darker lyrical content, this song highlights the tension between melancholy and melody that permeates the album.
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The Embrace — This track features atmospheric instrumentation paired with poignant lyrics about longing and loss, exemplifying AFI's ability to blend heavy themes with lush soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Burials showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive dark theme throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere, particularly in the choruses.
The album's lyrics often explore themes of emotional conflict and introspection, with many songs featuring metaphorical language.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional intensity throughout
introspective themes of despair
haunting melodies for deep focus
immersive journey through darkness

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification
prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context: Upon the release of Burials in 2013, AFI was transitioning into a new phase after their commercially successful album, Crash Love (2006). This marked their first full-length studio album in seven years, showcasing a return to darker themes and sound that fans had come to expect early in their career. The band was also navigating lineup changes and adapting to evolving musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: My Chemical Romance· The Used· Thursday