AFI (also known as A Fire Inside) made their way back to Nashville for the second half of their Fall 2025 Tour. After an opening act from TR/ST, a darkwave synth-pop dream, there was no denying that Nashville was in for a dark and emotionally pulling show. Their newest album, Silver Bleeds The Black Sun, AFI fully honed in on their goth-punk influences, with songs having riffs that show close connection to iconic bands such as The Cure, Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy. AFI has been consistently changing their sound throughout their entire career and this album was no different. Much like the new album, Davey Havok was full of energy and he couldn’t help but dance on stage as his band played behind him.
He was consistently leaning on and singing to his guitarist, Jade Puget, who was bouncing around the stage. At one point of the set, during “Behind the Clock” bassist Hunter Burgas and Jade came together and while playing the bridge, he lifted his guitar and almost dropped it. Thankfully he caught it, but his reaction and facial expression as he turned back to the crowd brought a feeling of connection. It showed that even professionals can almost make mistakes and still recover amazingly. Throughout the night, Hunter and Davey consistently interacted with the crowd. Hunter would point his bass at the crowd or make direct eye contact during heavy parts of their songs. During the bridge of songs, Davey would hold out the microphone for the fans to scream their hearts out. When he wasn’t jumping from the stage riser, he would be squatted down and singing to his fans. When the lights fell, the whole crowd immediately started chanting “Through our bleeding, we are One” right as the band opened with “Strength Through Wounding”. The song is from their 1999 album Black Sails In The Sunset.
Hearing this classic as the opener, sent the crowd roaring. The group went through a few songs from the new album but a lot of the setlist came from older albums such as Black Sails, AFI (The Blood Album), and The Art of Drowning. If you are an OG AFI fan and have been listening for a while, this show was one for the books. Despite being shrouded in smoke and likely unable to see more than 6 inches from his face, Adam Carson never once missed a drum beat. Adam and his drum kit became one in Nashville, and seeing his passion after 27 years with his boys, was breathtaking. The love that the band has for their music and their fans is undeniable and the band shows it every single night, even after tour is over. The band now has a rewards program for loyal members of the Despair Faction and it allows you to use your streaming time for their music as the points. Overall, AFI brought an electric, gothic, and mysterious night to Marathon, which aligned perfectly with the season we are currently in. An AFI show at Halloween with a perfectly spooky setlist? Yes please. AFI has definitely made this tour one you don’t want to miss.
- Ashlee Riggins
Photos Courtesy of Ashlee Riggins (For Bell Music Magazine)
