The Art of Drowning (album)

The Art of Drowning is the fifth studio album by the American rock band AFI. It was released on September 19, 2000, through Nitro Records. The album marks a significant step in AFI's musical evolution, blending their hardcore punk roots with elements of gothic rock, alternative rock, and horror punk.

The album's title, The Art of Drowning, is a metaphor for overcoming adversity and struggling against overwhelming forces. Lyrically, the album explores themes of death, despair, alienation, and the human condition, often drawing inspiration from literature and personal experiences of the band members.

The Art of Drowning features more melodic and atmospheric elements compared to AFI's earlier, more aggressive material. Davey Havok's vocals showcase a wider range, incorporating both raw, energetic screams and more nuanced, emotive singing. The album's production is generally considered more polished and refined than their previous releases.

Several tracks from The Art of Drowning became popular among AFI fans, including "The Lost Souls," "Ever and a Day," and "Days of the Phoenix." The album is considered a pivotal release in AFI's discography, solidifying their growing fanbase and laying the groundwork for their future mainstream success. It is often cited as a landmark album in the horror punk subgenre and a notable influence on subsequent alternative rock bands.