# Decemberunderground > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Decemberunderground > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Decemberunderground.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decemberunderground > Source revision: 1354562593 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}{{Infobox album | name = Decemberunderground | type = studio | artist = [AFI](/source/AFI_(band)) | cover = AFI - Decemberunderground cover.jpg | border = yes | alt = | released = June 6, 2006 | studio = * [Conway Recording](/source/Conway_Recording_Studios), Los Angeles, California * Sage & Sound Recording, Los Angeles, California | genre = * {{nowrap|[Post-hardcore](/source/Post-hardcore)}}{{cite web |url=https://www.punknews.org/review/12221/afi-burials |title=AFI - Burials |publisher=Punknews.org |last=Yancey |first=Bryne |date=October 22, 2013}} * [alternative rock](/source/alternative_rock){{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/with-decemberunderground-afi-rode-tacit-approval-all-t-1798267996 |title=With ''Decemberunderground'', AFI rode tacit approval all the way to the top |work=[The A.V. Club](/source/The_A.V._Club) |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=April 15, 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} * {{nowrap|[emo](/source/emo)}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2692351/emo-albums-2006/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104163813/http://www.mtv.com/news/2692351/emo-albums-2006/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |title=21 Emo Albums You Definitely Owned in 2006 |publisher=mtv.com |last=Hosken |first=Patrick |date=January 1, 2016 }} | length = {{Duration|m=45|s=06}} | label = [Interscope](/source/Interscope_Records) | producer = [Jerry Finn](/source/Jerry_Finn) | prev_title = [Sing the Sorrow](/source/Sing_the_Sorrow) | prev_year = 2003 | next_title = [Crash Love](/source/Crash_Love) | next_year = 2009 | misc = {{Singles | name = Decemberunderground | type = studio | single1 = [Miss Murder](/source/Miss_Murder) | single1date = April 3, 2006 | single2 = [Love Like Winter](/source/Love_Like_Winter) | single2date = September 26, 2006 | single3 = [The Missing Frame](/source/The_Missing_Frame) | single3date = February 27, 2007 }} }} '''''Decemberunderground''''' (stylized in [all caps](/source/all_caps)) is the seventh studio album by American [rock](/source/rock_music) band [AFI](/source/AFI_(band)), released on June 6, 2006, through [Interscope Records](/source/Interscope_Records). The album was supported by three singles, "[Miss Murder](/source/Miss_Murder)", "[Love Like Winter](/source/Love_Like_Winter)", and "[The Missing Frame](/source/The_Missing_Frame)". ==Recording== Over 120 songs were written for the album, the majority of them never finished or released.{{Cite AV media|date=Feb 17, 2017|title=Backspin: AFI on 'AFI (The Blood Album)'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vrGn_UsI8c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/0vrGn_UsI8c |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-18|publisher=Yahoo!|via=YouTube|time=3}}{{cbignore}} Recording took place at [Conway Recording Studios](/source/Conway_Recording_Studios) and Sage & Sound Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. Sessions were produced by [Jerry Finn](/source/Jerry_Finn) with Joe McGrath handling recording. They were assisted by engineers Seth Waldmann, Jason Gossman, Kevin Mills, Eric Weaver, Dimitar Krnjaic and Keith Armstrong. In addition to Puget's programming and keyboards, [Ronan Harris](/source/Ronan_Harris) of [VNV Nation](/source/VNV_Nation) and Dave McCracken contributed additional programming and keyboards. Finn and [Chris Lord-Alge](/source/Chris_Lord-Alge) mixed the recordings at Conway Studios and Resonate Music. [Ted Jensen](/source/Ted_Jensen) mastered the recordings at Sterling Sound in New York City. ==Music and lyrics== Mainly described as a [post-hardcore](/source/post-hardcore), [alternative rock](/source/alternative_rock) and [emo](/source/emo) album, ''Decemberunderground'' also contains a variety of genre elements, including [EDM](/source/electronic_dance_music), [new wave](/source/new_wave_music), [gothic rock](/source/gothic_rock), [hardcore punk](/source/hardcore_punk), [synthwave](/source/synthwave) and [synthpop](/source/synthpop). Some consider it to be a "[scene album](/source/Scene_music)".{{Cite web|title=17 scene albums from 2006 you probably still listen to daily|url=https://www.altpress.com/best-2006-scene-albums/|website=Alternative Press Magazine|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-US|first=Marian|last=Phillips}} Ed Thompson of [IGN](/source/IGN) compared the album to bands such as [U2](/source/U2), [the Cure](/source/the_Cure), [the Smiths](/source/the_Smiths), [Depeche Mode](/source/Depeche_Mode) and [Alphaville](/source/Alphaville_(band)). ''[Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(magazine))'' compared the album to 1980s synthwave music. Regarding the album's title, lead singer [Davey Havok](/source/Davey_Havok) said, "''Decemberunderground'' is a time and a place. It is where the cold can huddle together in darkness and isolation."{{cite web|title=AFI Official Biography |work=AFI Official Website |url=http://www.afireinside.net/bio/ |access-date=2006-05-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224173931/http://www.afireinside.net/bio/ |archive-date=2012-02-24 }} The album's title is sung in a lyric in the song "The Interview". ==Release== In late March 2006, the upcoming album was promoted by a cryptic contest known as "The Charlotte Mystery" that culminated in fans who solved the puzzles being invited to April 2006 private shows in [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles), [New York City](/source/New_York_City), and [San Francisco](/source/San_Francisco).{{Cite news|title=AFI Fans Surfing, Phoning, Traveling In Cryptic Treasure Hunt|language=en|work=MTV News|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1527079/afi-fans-surfing-phoning-traveling-in-cryptic-treasure-hunt/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222162923/http://www.mtv.com/news/1527079/afi-fans-surfing-phoning-traveling-in-cryptic-treasure-hunt/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 22, 2016|access-date=2018-11-03}} Alongside this, the album's title was revealed, and was planned for release in three months' time.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/16542/afi-confirm-tour-date-album-title-talk-about-scavenger-hunt|title=AFI confirm tour date, album title; talk about 'scavenger hunt'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 29, 2006|access-date=January 23, 2022}} The album's lead single, "[Miss Murder](/source/Miss_Murder)", was released to radio on April 24, 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/16441/afi-to-release-first-single-on-april-24th|title=AFI to release first single on April 24th|publisher=Punknews.org|author=August, Justin|date=March 23, 2006|access-date=January 22, 2022}} The following day, the artwork and track listing for the album was posted online.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17106/afi-posts-track-listing-artwork-for-decemberunderground|title=AFI posts track listing, artwork for 'Decemberunderground'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=April 25, 2006|access-date=January 23, 2022}} The music video for "Miss Murder" premiered through [MTV](/source/MTV)'s ''Overdrive'' program on May 9, 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17389/afis-miss-murder-featured-on-mtv-overdrive|title=AFI's 'Miss Murder' featured on MTV Overdrive|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=May 9, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2022}} On May 24, 2006, a 10" [picture disc](/source/picture_disc) was released featuring "Rabbits are Roadkill on Rt. 37" as the B-side. In May 2006, they appeared at [The Bamboozle](/source/The_Bamboozle) and [HFStival](/source/HFStival).{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/16169/afi-desole-pink-spiders-alexisonfire-riverboat-gambers-envy-on-the-coast-added-to-bamboozle|title=AFI, Desole, Pink Spiders, Alexisonfire, Riverboat Gambers, Envy on the Coast added to Bamboozle|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 9, 2006|access-date=January 22, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/16661/afi-panic-at-the-disco-boy-sets-fire-rise-against-misfits-riverboat-gamblers-others-at-hfstiv|title=AFI, Panic! At the Disco, Boy Sets Fire, Rise Against, Misfits, Riverboat Gamblers, others at HFStiv|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=April 3, 2006|access-date=January 23, 2022}} Leading up to the album's release, listening parties were held across Canada and the US.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17245/afi-plans-nationwide-listening-parties|title=AFI plans nationwide listening parties|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 2, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2022}} ''Decemberunderground'' was made available for streaming on May 30, 2006,{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17833/media-full-album-stream-for-afis-decemberunderground|title=Full album stream for AFI's 'Decemberunderground'|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 30, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2022}} before being released on June 6, 2006. The iTunes version included "On the Arrow" and a cover of the [Morrissey](/source/Morrissey) song "[Jack the Ripper](/source/Certain_People_I_Know)" (1992) as bonus tracks.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17717/afi-planning-two-bonus-tracks-for-itunes|title=AFI planning two bonus tracks for iTunes|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 24, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2022}} Customers who pre-ordered the album at special pre-listening events received a CD of the "Miss Murder" single, which also contained a cover of [INXS](/source/INXS)'s song "[Don't Change](/source/Don't_Change)". The first pressing of the CD in the United States contained a limited edition insert with one of four band member portraits.[http://www.afireinside.net/news/default.aspx/nid/1989 AFI | Official Site] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005021907/http://www.afireinside.net/news/default.aspx/nid/1989 |date=2006-10-05 }} On June 8, 2006, the band appeared on ''[MTV Movie & TV Awards](/source/MTV_Movie_%26_TV_Awards)'', where they performed "Miss Murder".{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17373/afi-plan-mtv-movie-awards-talk-about-delay-between-albums|title=AFI plan MTV movie awards, talk about delay between albums|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=May 8, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2022}} Between June and August 2006, the band appeared at select stops on the 2006 [Warped Tour](/source/Warped_Tour) and played various headlining shows, with support from [the Dillinger Escape Plan](/source/the_Dillinger_Escape_Plan) and [Nightmare of You](/source/Nightmare_of_You).{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/16047/afi-on-select-warped-tour-dates|title=AFI on select Warped Tour dates|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 3, 2006|access-date=January 22, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/16967/afi-on-summer-tour-warped-tour-bamboozle-89x-bash-others|title=AFI on summer tour; Warped Tour, Bamboozle, 89X Bash, others|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=April 19, 2006|access-date=January 23, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17078/tours-afi-dillinger-escape-plan-nightmare-of-you|title=AFI / Dillinger Escape Plan / Nightmare of You|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=January 23, 2022}} [Darker My Love](/source/Darker_My_Love) supported the last few dates of the tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/17918/tours-darker-my-love-plans-spaceland-residency-dates-with-afi|title=Darker My Love plans Spaceland Residency, dates with AFI|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 3, 2006|access-date=January 24, 2022}} In September 2006, the band appeared at the [Bumbershoot](/source/Bumbershoot) festival, and went on a brief West Coast US tour with support from Tiger Army.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/dmwl2l/for-the-record-quick-news-on-kanye-west-hawthorne-heights-fred-durst-korn-dilated-peoples-jermaine-dupri-more|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730122329/https://www.mtv.com/news/dmwl2l/for-the-record-quick-news-on-kanye-west-hawthorne-heights-fred-durst-korn-dilated-peoples-jermaine-dupri-more|title=For The Record: Quick News On Kanye West, Hawthorne Heights, Fred Durst, Korn, Dilated Peoples, Jermaine Dupri & More|publisher=MTV|date=April 12, 2006|archive-date=July 30, 2022|access-date=July 30, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/18999/tours-afi-tiger-army|title=AFI / Tiger Army|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=August 4, 2006|access-date=January 30, 2022}} "Love Like Winter" was released to radio on September 25, 2006; the song's music video was posted online two days later.{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771 |title=FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock |publisher=Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, Incorporated |access-date=October 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142732/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771 |archive-date=March 22, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/19961/afi-posts-love-like-winter-video|title=AFI posts 'Love Like Winter' video|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=September 27, 2006|access-date=January 31, 2022}} Following this, the band played three shows in Germany, before embarking on a UK tour in October 2006, where they were supported by [the Explosion](/source/the_Explosion) and Dispute.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/18355/tours-afi-germany-uk|title=AFI (Germany/UK)|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 27, 2006|access-date=January 29, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/19042/tours-the-explosion-with-rancid-us-and-afi-uk|title=The Explosion with Rancid (US) and AFI (UK)|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=August 7, 2006|access-date=January 30, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/19835/tours-dispute-to-support-afi-explosion-in-europe|title=Dispute to support AFI, Explosion in Europe|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=September 19, 2006|access-date=January 31, 2022}} The album was re-released on November 7, 2006, on 6 "icy clear" 7-inch vinyl. The individual record sleeves featured band member portraits, as well as a portrait of the band's tour manager Smith Puget.[http://www.cinderblock.com/wc.dll?WebStore%7ERViewItem%7EAFI%7EAFI-BOX1%7ESID=11 [7]] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114115903/http://www.cinderblock.com/wc.dll?WebStore~RViewItem~AFI~AFI-BOX1~SID=11 |date=November 14, 2006 }} That same month, they played three US shows with the Explosion and [the Loved Ones](/source/The_Loved_Ones_(Australian_band)) that led into a short tour of New Zealand and Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/19761/tours-afi-australia|title=AFI (Australia)|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=September 14, 2006|access-date=January 31, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/20023/tours-afi-the-explosion-the-loved-ones|title=AFI / The Explosion / The Loved Ones|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=September 29, 2006|access-date=February 1, 2022}} They closed out the year headlining the [91X](/source/XETRA-FM) Nightmare Before Xmas radio festival, and playing an [AOL Session](/source/Sessions%40AOL), where they performed "Endlessly, She Said".{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/20623/the-early-november-post-new-video|title=The Early November post new video|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Reinecker, Meg|date=October 31, 2006|access-date=February 3, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/21505/media-afi-covers-bowie-for-aol-sessions|title=AFI covers Bowie for AOL Sessions|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Moran, Chris|date=December 28, 2006|access-date=February 7, 2022}} On December 12, 2006, the band released the video album ''[I Heard a Voice – Live from Long Beach Arena](/source/I_Heard_a_Voice_%E2%80%93_Live_from_Long_Beach_Arena)'', which was filmed at Long Beach Arena earlier in the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/21269/afi-posts-trailer-for-dvd|title=AFI posts trailer for DVD|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=December 12, 2006|access-date=February 7, 2022}} In February 2007, they played a few East Coast shows with [Sick of It All](/source/Sick_of_It_All), which was followed by a few West Coast shows in the next month with [Viva Hate](/source/Viva_Hate_(band)) and [Love Equals Death](/source/Love_Equals_Death).{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/21087/tours-afi-sick-of-it-all|title=AFI / Sick of it All|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Moran, Chris|date=November 29, 2006|access-date=February 7, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/21890/tours-afi-europe-usa|title=AFI (Europe, USA)|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=January 24, 2007|access-date=February 8, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/22110/tours-love-equals-death-with-afi-smoke-or-fire|title=Love Equals Death with AFI, Smoke or Fire|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=February 6, 2007|access-date=February 10, 2022}} Preceded by one-off show in Mexico, AFI then went on a tour of Europe in April and May 2007, and appeared at [Virgin Festival](/source/Virgin_Festival) in Canada.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/22539/afi-adds-mexican-show|title=AFI adds Mexican show|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=March 4, 2007|access-date=February 13, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/22772/smashing-pumpkins-my-chemical-romance-afi-rise-against-hot-hot-heat-to-appear-at-virgin-fesivals|title=Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, AFI, Rise Against, Hot Hot Heat to appear at Virgin Fesivals|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=March 16, 2007|access-date=February 13, 2022}} AFI held their last concert in promotion of the album at Download Fest in October 2007. Havok and Puget then began to promote their side-project [Blaqk Audio](/source/Blaqk_Audio) before beginning work on the eighth AFI album, ''[Crash Love](/source/Crash_Love)'' (2009). ==Reception== {{Music ratings | MC = 72/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/afi/decemberunderground?q=Decemberunderground|title=Decemberunderground by AFI|website=[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)|access-date=18 January 2018}}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} | rev1 = [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) | rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web | author=Apar, Corey| year=2006| title=allmusic ((( Decemberunderground > Review ))) | publisher=allmusic.com | url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r836044|pure_url=yes}} | access-date=2006-06-17}} | rev2 = ''[Blender](/source/Blender_(magazine))'' | rev2Score = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/new/54058/decemberunderground.html |title=Decemberunderground review }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} | rev3 = ''[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)'' | rev3Score = B+{{cite magazine | url = http://www.ew.com/article/2006/06/05/decemberunderground | title = DECEMBERUNDERGROUND | author = Tom Sinclair | date=2006-06-05 | magazine=Entertainment Weekly| url-status = live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212100931/https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1200048,00.html|archive-date=February 12, 2007}} | rev4 = ''[Exclaim!](/source/Exclaim!)'' | rev4Score = (favorable){{cite web | url = http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/Punk/afi-december_underground | title = AFI - December Underground | author = Ariana Rock }} | rev5 = [IGN](/source/IGN) | rev5Score = 8.5/10{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/711/711277p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225045041/http://music.ign.com/articles/711/711277p1.html|title=AFI - Decemberunderground|publisher=IGN|author=Thompson, Ed|date=June 5, 2006|archive-date=February 25, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=July 19, 2017}} | rev7 = ''[NME](/source/NME)'' | rev7Score = {{Rating|6|10}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nme.com/reviews/afi/7950 | title = AFI: Decemberunderground - Album Reviews - NME.com | author = Dan Silver| website = [NME](/source/NME) | date = May 26, 2006 }} | rev8 = [Robert Christgau](/source/Robert_Christgau) | rev8Score = C+{{cite web |title=Robert Christgau: Album: AFI: December Underground |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_album.php?id=13397 |author=Robert Christgau |author-link=Robert Christgau }} | rev9 = ''[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)'' | rev9Score = {{Rating|3|5}} {{cite magazine | author=Strauss, Neil| year=2006| title=Rolling Stone : Decemberunderground : Review | magazine=Rolling Stone | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/10483520/review/10500531/Decemberunderground | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060612235116/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/10483520/review/10500531/decemberunderground | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 12, 2006 | access-date=2006-06-17}} | rev10 = [Stylus](/source/Stylus_Magazine) | rev10Score = C+{{cite web|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/afi/decemberunderground.htm |title=Decemberunderground review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201131620/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/afi/decemberunderground.htm |archive-date=2010-02-01 }} | rev11 = [Slant Magazine](/source/Slant_Magazine) | rev11Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web | url = https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=899 | title = AFI: Decemberunderground rewvie | author = Scott Shetler | website = [Slant Magazine](/source/Slant_Magazine) | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090827052543/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=899 | archive-date = 2009-08-27 }} | rev12 = [Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(music_magazine)) | rev12score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/decemberunderground|title=AFI - Decemberunderground - Reviews - Alternative Press|website=Alternative Press|date=June 22, 2010|access-date=18 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702192815/https://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/decemberunderground/ |archive-date=2010-07-02}} | rev13 = Punknews.org | rev13score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.punknews.org/review/5349/afi-decemberunderground |title=AFI - Decemberunderground |publisher=Punknews.org |last=Paul |first=Aubin |date=June 6, 2006}} }} ===Critical response=== ''Decemberunderground'' received generally positive reviews. The review aggregator [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic) awarded the album a 72 out of 100, based on 15 reviews. ''[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)'' awarded the album a grade of B+, and called it a further development of the band's earlier shift to "an eerie, metal-edged Cure sound", with ''Decemberunderground'' representing "the most melodically acute distillation of that style yet," unlike their previous studio album ''[Sing the Sorrow](/source/Sing_the_Sorrow)'', which they awarded a D. [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, saying the band's "ever-evolving goth-punk" sound is present on ''Decemberunderground'' in a "tighter and lighter" form, showing that the "core of AFI's sound never strays too far from what listeners have grown to love about them in the first place." ''[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)'' awarded the album 3 out of 5 stars, one less star than their review of ''Sing the Sorrow'', and claimed that "something isn't right in the world of AFI," because of their pop-rock musical structure "that would be at home on the soundtrack to the next ''[Spider-Man](/source/Spider-Man)'' movie". ===Commercial performance and accolades=== It debuted at number one on the [''Billboard'' 200](/source/Billboard_200), selling 182,000 copies in its first week of being released.{{cite news | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58141/afi-burns-brightly-with-no-1-debut | title=AFI Burns Brightly With No. 1 Debut | magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) | date=2006-06-14}} The album was certified gold by the [Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America) on August 30, 2006, and has sold at least 993,000 copies in the United States as of September 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Decemberunderground&artist=afi&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202071516/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Decemberunderground&artist=afi&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-02 |title=Gold and Platinum Database Search |website = [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America)|access-date=2009-08-07 }}Wood, Mikael. [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267404/afi-revs-up-the-rock-on-crash-course "AFI Revs Up The Rock On 'Crash Course'"]. ''Billboard'' September 14, 2009. The album was eligible for platinum certification in 2007 and received it from the RIAA in 2013. [Cleveland.com](/source/Cleveland.com) ranked "Miss Murder" at number 45 on their list of the top 100 pop-punk songs.{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/03/the-100-greatest-pop-punk-songs-of-all-time.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303183529/https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/03/the-100-greatest-pop-punk-songs-of-all-time.html|title=The 100 greatest pop punk songs of all time|publisher=[Cleveland.com](/source/Cleveland.com)|author=Smith, Troy L.|date=March 2, 2022|archivedate=March 3, 2022|accessdate=March 3, 2022}} ''Alternative Press'' ranked "Miss Murder" at number 30 on their list of the best 100 singles from the 2000s.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/36083/at-the-drive-ins-one-armed-scissor-tops-aps-haircut-100-singles-countdown|title=At The Drive-In's 'One Armed Scissor' tops AP's 'Haircut 100' singles countdown|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=November 20, 2009|access-date=October 13, 2022}} ==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = Standard edition | all_writing = AFI ([Davey Havok](/source/Davey_Havok), [Adam Carson](/source/Adam_Carson), [Hunter Burgan](/source/Hunter_Burgan), [Jade Puget](/source/Jade_Puget)), except where noted | total_length = 45:06 | title0 = | length0 = 0:20 | note0 = [pregap](/source/pregap) [hidden track](/source/hidden_track); CD exclusive | title1 = [Prelude 12/21](/source/Prelude_12%2F21) | length1 = 1:34 | title2 = Kill Caustic | length2 = 2:39 | title3 = [Miss Murder](/source/Miss_Murder) | length3 = 3:26 | title4 = Summer Shudder | length4 = 3:06 | title5 = The Interview | length5 = 4:16 | title6 = [Love Like Winter](/source/Love_Like_Winter) | length6 = 2:45 | title7 = Affliction | length7 = 5:28 | title8 = [The Missing Frame](/source/The_Missing_Frame) | length8 = 4:40 | title9 = Kiss and Control | length9 = 4:18 | title10 = The Killing Lights | length10 = 4:04 | title11 = 37mm | length11 = 3:55 | title12 = Endlessly, She Said | length12 = 4:26 }} {{Track listing | headline = 7-inch vinyl box set bonus track | title13 = Fallen Like the Sky | length13 = 3:22 }} {{Track listing | headline = International bonus track | total_length = | title13 = Rabbits Are Roadkill on Rt. 37 | length13 = 3:51 }} {{Track listing | headline = UK bonus tracks | total_length = | title13 = Rabbits Are Roadkill on Rt. 37 | length13 = 3:51 | title14 = [Head Like a Hole](/source/Head_Like_a_Hole) | writer14 = [Trent Reznor](/source/Trent_Reznor) | length14 = 4:44 }} {{Track listing | headline = Japanese bonus tracks | total_length = | title13 = Rabbits Are Roadkill on Rt. 37 | length13 = 3:51 | title14 = Head Like a Hole | writer14 = Trent Reznor | length14 = 4:44 | title15 = [Don't Change](/source/Don't_Change) | writer15 = [INXS](/source/INXS) | length15 = 3:16 }} {{Track listing | headline = Japanese bonus DVD | total_length = 35:37 | title1 = Miss Murder | note1 = video | length1 = 5:12 | title2 = Love Like Winter | note2 = video | length2 = 2:56 | title3 = [Silver & Cold](/source/Silver_and_Cold) | note3 = video | length3 = 4:11 | title4 = [The Leaving Song Pt.II](/source/The_Leaving_Song_Pt._II) | note4 = video | length4 = 3:36 | title5 = Love Like Winter | note5 = live at Long Beach Arena, '06/9/15 | length5 = 3:26 | title6 = EPK | length6 = 16:15 }} {{Track listing | headline = iTunes bonus tracks | total_length = | title13 = On the Arrow | length13 = 3:06 | title14 = Jack the Ripper | writer14 = {{hlist|[Morrissey](/source/Morrissey)|[Boorer](/source/Boz_Boorer)}} | note14 = pre-order only | length14 = 2:48 | title15 = Interactive Booklet }} {{Track listing | headline = Target bonus track | title15 = Fallen Like the Sky | note15 = bonus downloadable track | length15 = 3:22 }} == Personnel == Credits for ''Decemberunderground'' adapted from the album liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|title=Decemberunderground |others=[AFI](/source/AFI_(band)) |year=2006|type=Booklet|publisher=[Interscope Records](/source/Interscope_Records)|id=9858643}} {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''AFI''' * [Davey Havok](/source/Davey_Havok) – vocals * [Jade Puget](/source/Jade_Puget) – guitars, programming, keyboards, co-lead vocals on "The Interview" * [Hunter Burgan](/source/Hunter_Burgan) – bass, additional programming, keyboards * [Adam Carson](/source/Adam_Carson) – drums '''Additional musicians''' * [Ronan Harris](/source/Ronan_Harris) – additional programming, keyboards * Dave McCracken – additional programming, keyboards * [Nick 13](/source/Nick_13) – additional background vocals * Dan Under – additional background vocals * [Ralph Saenz](/source/Ralph_Saenz) – additional background vocals * Jacquelyn Simley – additional background vocals * Nikishia Grier – additional background vocals * Ryan Wilson – additional background vocals * Wedge – additional background vocals * [Jerry Finn](/source/Jerry_Finn) – additional background vocals * Joe McGrath – additional background vocals * Brandan Schieppati – additional background vocals * Keith Barney – additional background vocals * "Precious" Steve Cunningham – additional background vocals * Ryan J. Downey – additional background vocals * Jeff Sagud – additional background vocals * Gavin Rattmann – additional background vocals * Luke Wood – additional background vocals * The Despair Faction – additional background vocals {{col-2}} '''Production''' * Jerry Finn – production, mixing * [Chris Lord-Alge](/source/Chris_Lord-Alge) – mixing (tracks 3, 4, 6–8 and 10) * Joe McGrath – recording * Seth Waldmann – assistant engineering * Jason Gossman – assistant engineering * Kevin Mills – assistant engineering * Eric Weaver – assistant engineering * Dimitar Krnjaic – assistant engineering * Keith Armstrong – assistant engineering * [Ted Jensen](/source/Ted_Jensen) – mastering * Morning Breath Inc. – art direction, design * Alan Forbes – illustration * James Minchin – photography {{col-end}} ==Bonus tracks and outtakes== All tracks recorded during the ''Decemberunderground'' sessions unless otherwise noted. * "Rabbits are Roadkill on Rt. 37" was recorded during the ''Sing the Sorrow'' sessions, and was eventually released on the ''[MySpace Records: Volume 1](/source/MySpace_Records)'' compilation{{Cite web|last=Paul|first=Aubin|date=2005|title=AFI cancels Big Day Out appearance|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/14606/afi-cancels-big-day-out-appearance|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Punknews.org|language=en}} and as a bonus track on international editions of ''Decemberunderground''.{{Citation|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - Original Game Soundtrack {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/grand-theft-auto-san-andreas-mw0000141617|work=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=2020-12-14}} * "Jack the Ripper" is a [Morrissey](/source/Morrissey) cover and was available as a bonus track on the [iTunes](/source/iTunes) pre-ordered edition and the UK and Australian editions of the "[Love Like Winter](/source/Love_Like_Winter)" single.{{Citation|title=Jack the Ripper - AFI {{!}} Releases|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/jack-the-ripper-mw0002344415/releases|work=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=2020-12-14}}{{Citation|title=Love Like Winter - AFI {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/love-like-winter-mw0000456936|work=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=2020-12-14}} * "On the Arrow" was available as a bonus track on the iTunes pre-ordered edition and the Australian edition of the "Love Like Winter" single.{{Citation|title=On the Arrow - AFI {{!}} Song Info|url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/on-the-arrow-mt0056522296|work=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=2020-12-14}} * Four tracks from the sessions, in addition to "100 Words" from the ''Sing the Sorrow'' sessions, were planned to be released on an [extended play](/source/extended_play),{{Cite web|last=Paul|first=Aubin|date=2007|title=AFI detail upcoming EP|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/28531/afi-detail-upcoming-ep|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Punknews.org|language=en}} originally planned for December 2007,{{Cite web|date=2007|title=AFI plans new EP, rarity for 'Guitar Hero III'|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/25672/afi-plans-new-ep-rarity-for-guitar-hero-iii|access-date=2020-12-14|website=Punknews.org|language=en}} but which never materialized. **"Carcinogen Crush", written by Burgan, was first recorded during the ''Sing the Sorrow'' sessions, but this version was not released. It was re-recorded during the ''Decemberunderground'' sessions and released as a downloadable track on the video game ''[Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock](/source/Guitar_Hero_III%3A_Legends_of_Rock)'' (2007). It was also made available as a digital single on iTunes on December 4, 2007,{{Citation|title=Carcinogen Crush - Single by AFI|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/carcinogen-crush-single/1445281833|work=Apple Music|date=January 2007|language=en-us|access-date=2020-12-14}} charting on two Canadian singles charts.{{Cite magazine|title=AFI|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/afi/chart-history/can/|access-date=2020-12-14|magazine=Billboard}}{{Cite magazine|title=AFI|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/afi/chart-history/cns/|access-date=2020-12-14|magazine=Billboard}} It was later re-released on the Japanese edition of ''Crash Love'' and that album's "[Medicate](/source/Medicate)" single in the UK. **"Ether" was included in ''[NASCAR 09](/source/NASCAR_09)''{{'}}s in-game soundtrack as well as on the Japanese edition of ''Crash Love''.{{Citation|title=NASCAR 09 Soundtrack Revealed|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/21/nascar-09-soundtrack-revealed|work=IGN|date=May 21, 2008|language=en|access-date=2020-12-14}} ** "The View from Here" leaked online in 2016. ==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} ===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Weekly chart performance for ''Decemberunderground'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2006) ! scope="col"| Peak
position |- {{album chart|Australia|3|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardCanada|2|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|France|181|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Germany|58|id=35326|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|New Zealand|20|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Ireland2|66|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|UK2|16|date=20060610|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|UKRock|2|date=20060610|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|Billboard200|1|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- {{album chart|BillboardRock|1|artist=AFI|album=Decemberunderground|rowheader=true|access-date=June 24, 2021}} |- |} {{col-2}} ===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Year-end chart performance for ''Decemberunderground'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2006) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200{{Cite magazine |title=Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2006 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-billboard-200-albums |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506203721/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-billboard-200-albums |archive-date=May 6, 2018 |url-status=dead | access-date=October 11, 2025}} | 77 |- ! scope="row"| US Top Rock Albums (''Billboard''){{cite magazine| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-rock-albums |title=Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2006 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324065813/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-rock-albums |archive-date=March 24, 2018 |url-status=dead | access-date=October 11, 2025}} | 16 |} {{col-end}} ==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''Decemberunderground''}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2021|certyear=2006|title=December Underground|access-date=February 17, 2022}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=AFI|title=Decemberunderground|type=album|digital=true|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|certyear=2019|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=June 19, 2019}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=AFI|title=Decemberunderground|type=album|digital=true|award=Silver|relyear=2006|certyear=2017|id=14107-4190-2|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=April 23, 2023}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=AFI|title=Decemberunderground|type=album|digital=true|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|certyear=2013|date=April 25, 2013|access-date=June 19, 2019}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * [http://www.afireinside.net/ AFI's official website] {{AFI (band)}} {{Authority control}} Category:2006 albums Category:AFI (band) albums Category:Albums produced by Jerry Finn Category:Albums recorded at Conway Recording Studios Category:Interscope Records albums --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Decemberunderground](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decemberunderground) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decemberunderground?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.