AFI

Let’s applaud the staying power of these Californians who, against all odds, have been keeping their rock flame alive for more than three decades. AFI’s perseverance has paid off. It took many stages to become the reliable force they are today. Taking their first steps as early as 1991, they released a debut album four years later rooted in hardcore punk under the guiding influence of Tim Armstrong of Rancid, but true recognition only came in 2000 with their fifth record, The Art of Drowning, a major commercial and critical success, proving to be a springboard towards punk stardom. Seven further albums have since added to their catalogue, including the emo surges of Sing the Sorrow (2003), and Silver Bleeds the Black Sun…, released last October, poised between post punk and gothic rock.