I Heard A Voice Review

Release Date: December 12, 2006
This is overall a very stellar production, and fans who have already embraced the new direction of the band, as well as new fans and casual fans, should find the DVD to be quite entertaining and a very worthwhile buy.

Sound:	10
Content:	10
Production:	10
Impression:	10
Overall rating:	10
Users rating:	7.6
Comments:	52

overall: 10

Reviewed by: axeslinger0u812, on january 04, 2007

Sound: This DVD was filmed in front of 13,000 fans at the Long Beach Arena, resulting in AFI's largest headlining show to date. It is also AFI's first DVD, despite the band being around for well over a decade. While not a career spanning show, the setlist does include a few pre-Sing The Sorrow cuts. Understandable, given that they are promoting their newest release. Fans of older AFI that despise their recent changes should steer clear, while newer fans, and fans who appreciate the new direction the band have gone in will find this DVD to become one of their favorites in very short time. Many of the songs seem to become epic, grandiose characters that leave you in amazement as to how the band can't be at the top of the rock genre. // 10

Content: The DVD has relatively few features to whet the appetite of the average consumer. Aside from the live concert itself, there are interviews with the bands innovative fan club the Despair Faction, stills of the concert, a poster, and all the videos from the complicated treasure hunt the band did before the release of the Decemberunderground album (search the Ultimate-Guitar archives for more information on that). Unless there are numerous hidden easter eggs within the menu's I have yet to find, which wouldn't be surprising, the features on the surface are scarce. However, you would be hard pressed to find a better quality live show than the one AFI put on film. Again, newer and more open-minded fans will come to adore this dvd, as it has a great mixture of the last two albums, as well as the more accessible of the older songs. "Totalimmortal", "God Called In Sick Today", "Days Of The Phoenix", and a version of "A Single Second" with guest vocals from Nick 13 of Tiger Army round out the old ones. Each performance is a highlight of the DVD, especially when Davey Havok climbs into the crowd to sing GCiST while being held up by fans. Other highlights include spine-tingling renditions of "Endlessly, She Said" and "This Time Imperfect" and the faster paced "Kill Caustic" and "Dancing Through Sunday", the latter featuring a nicely done solo by guitarist Jade Puget. While I personally would have liked to have seen the inclusion of "Kiss And Control", the setlist is powerful and beautiful. Each member puts out stellar performances and, as always, plenty of energy. // 10

Production Quality: The production of the DVD is fantastic. Everything perfectly fits into AFI's style and strengths. The audio of the performance is crystal clear, and the levels are precisely where they should be to allow every member to cut through. The audience, an important factor in AFI's live show, also seems to be miked well. The performance edits are fantastic, as they tend to add to the overall effect, instead of becoming a distraction. Not overdone, they blend in seamlessly. No better live DVD of a performance, in my opinion. // 10

Impression: As a whole package, "I Heard A Voice" is a fan-friendly affair. The intended audience has probably already bought this dvd, and the extras all cater to them. However, the live concert is well worth the price, as nothing in the set list is filler, and every song is passionately performed and sure to send hairs on your neck shooting to the sky. Hardcore fans of the band will love this dvd, and causual fans of newer material will be impressed as well. I was not expecting too much, as I was excited to be able to watch the performances and that was it. This DVD really surprised me in it's almost perfect content in what it does offer. I can't complain about the lack of extra's, as I actually enjoyed the extra's, and got it for the concert in the first place. Watching songs like "Endlessly, She Said", "This Time Imperfect", and "God Called In Sick Today", it is hard to think of any better songs to come out in recent years, and, in the case of "Endlessly, She Said" a hopeful single, as it is a masterpiece. This DVD is highly recommended. // 10

Comments

[shugo449]

wow... goood DVD

[jincasa]

i still need to get it lol

[FelipeSevenfold]

Days of the pheonix \o/

[youngemerican15]

This DVD is Absolutely phenomonal!! It left me literally speechless... Get it!

[Captian Xero]

Clandestine was their first DVD.

[HavokStrife]

This is the best live DVD ever... period... even if for some reason you're a retard and don't like AFI, the show, the production(!!!!!11one) is just all brilliant.

[AWilhelmScream]

this is actually a pretty good DVD and the quality is spectacular, but axeslinger0u812 is right (when talking about the AFI's recent changes) that it is pretty much a bitch slap to the face of all the old school AFI fans. I'm glad i burned it!!

[thejester]

i was there at this. great show live except i wasnt a fan of god called in sick that night, davey was eaten by the crowd. good none the less

[bigbang2k]

ive only listened to it, and not seen it, and i like it very much. Totalimmortal

[A_New_Level]

great DVD. I loved when Davey stood in the crowd during God called in sick today. Amazing.

[punkMETALskater]

this dvd rocks,one of the best lives performences ive seen,all the great songs,and the best afi has to offer...get this DVD!!

[bblacksheepp]

lol

[DownbëloW]

I have looked all over my ****ing city looking for a month now and I still dont have it.

[ilovecanada1121]

AFI's older albums were emo. "Emo is a subgenre of hardcore punk music," says Wikipedia. Decemberunderground has no real hardcore parts in it. AFI does have emotionally driven music, but thats what makes it great. Music is supposed to make you feel. People like you prove how retarded some people can be in regards to music. AFI creates art, no whiney Hawthorne Heights shite.

[caucasian_ninja]

Oh my god, the part in 'God Called in Sick Today' when Davey climbs into the arms of the audience is just... wow. Took my breath away. He doesn't stage dive or anything like that; he just climbs out and stands in the arms of the audience, and they lovingly support him. I just think that it's amazing that a band will trust their fans enough to do that nowadayas. What a connection. Sorry if all this sounds corny or anything, but you've just got to see it. One of the most touching moments of a concert I've ever seen. AFI has got to have the strongest, most loving and supportive fanbase in the world...

[Religous Vomit]

**** afi. they used to rock up until decemberunderground. im onto better, older bands.

[ledzepprules09]

Religous Vomit wrote:

**** afi. they used to rock up until decemberunderground. im onto better, older bands.

You sir, Suck. AFI is amazing, Before, and now, as different as they are, Two totally different styles, and both are equally good. You are a douchebag, why did you even click on the link to this DVD, which I would have so bought today, if I had the money, but alas, I had only three dollars..

[ratmblink123]

ledzepprules09 wrote:

Religous Vomit wrote:

**** afi. they used to rock up until decemberunderground. im onto better, older bands.

You sir, Suck. AFI is amazing, Before, and now, as different as they are, Two totally different styles, and both are equally good. You are a douchebag, why did you even click on the link to this DVD, which I would have so bought today, if I had the money, but alas, I had only three dollars..

Dude. You need to calm down. Everyone is entitled to their on opinions, yes, he may have clicked on the DVD when he shouldn't have, but you need to give it a rest.

[dxvxb]

yea i agree everyone should be able to speak their mind and if any one doesnt like AFI then its their problem.

[Oldgreydog]

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

[demonic_fishie]

I like them for their music, I think they're great artists. But that's what they are - there's no real energy behind any of it for me.

[xanthpipe-punk]

awesome DVD. Davey goes off, Jade is brilliant as always, Hunter is typical Hunter and Adam shows what drummers should do. its totally awesome, i love it. 5 stars, more if i could. the energy is completely astounding. everytime i watch it, i get goosebumps!

[Ash on fires]

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

I actually enjoy Jade Pugett's style. And seriously, recommending MCR over these guys??? Just leave, please.

[DownbëloW]

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

I'll agree with you, AFI is NOT one of the most instrumentally talented bands, but keep this in mind: The Beatles weren't either. proving you can be a great band, and not be musical supergeniouses.

[Elmo Jade Blue]

DownbëloW wrote:

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

I'll agree with you, AFI is NOT one of the most instrumentally talented bands, but keep this in mind: The Beatles weren't either. proving you can be a great band, and not be musical supergeniouses.

I can't believe u 2 would type these words, I bet u anything that if it wasn't for AFI MCR wouldn't be here. I love MCR don't get me wrong but AFI will never die and they will never get old. You guys think what u will but I'm just voiceing my opinion.

Words can't explaine how awsome the dvd is

[Elmo Jade Blue]

caucasian_ninja wrote:

Oh my god, the part in 'God Called in Sick Today' when Davey climbs into the arms of the audience is just... wow. Took my breath away. He doesn't stage dive or anything like that; he just climbs out and stands in the arms of the audience, and they lovingly support him. I just think that it's amazing that a band will trust their fans enough to do that nowadayas. What a connection. Sorry if all this sounds corny or anything, but you've just got to see it. One of the most touching moments of a concert I've ever seen. AFI has got to have the strongest, most loving and supportive fanbase in the world...

I couldn't have said it better myself

[Funkbass796]

caucasian_ninja wrote:

Oh my god, the part in 'God Called in Sick Today' when Davey climbs into the arms of the audience is just... wow. Took my breath away. He doesn't stage dive or anything like that; he just climbs out and stands in the arms of the audience, and they lovingly support him. I just think that it's amazing that a band will trust their fans enough to do that nowadayas. What a connection. Sorry if all this sounds corny or anything, but you've just got to see it. One of the most touching moments of a concert I've ever seen. AFI has got to have the strongest, most loving and supportive fanbase in the world...

He did it to that song when they performed here, i was right near hium, i got a picture of him on my cell phone! I mjust might have to get this DVD

[Ibzman]

I totally fail to see what you guys like in AFI. In fact, the new stuff coming out of most artists sounds crap. If someone just opens his TV on MTV, he'll see that the music industry is sold out. It's only a question of money. Why are there emo bands on MTV ? 'Cause there's a ****ing swarm of emo to listen to it. I'm pissed that there's no ****in band to replace the greatness of the 70's and the 80's. When I open my radio, I want some music, something that drives me, that fills me of energy, and sorry, but AFI just don't cut it for me. I rather stick the old bands than be involved in this bullshit music era.

[winterburn69]

DownbëloW wrote:

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

I'll agree with you, AFI is NOT one of the most instrumentally talented bands, but keep this in mind: The Beatles weren't either. proving you can be a great band, and not be musical supergeniouses.

Woah, did u say The Beatles weren't instrumentally talented?!?!?! You should really actually listen to the music before making accusations like that. Do you realize John Lennon played the first recorded use of feedback? (I Feel Fine: 1964). Also, bass would still be low-key, back-seat instrument like it mainly was before Paul McCartney, who's written and played some awesome bass parts (Come Together: 1969, Paperback Writer: 1966, Drive My Car: 1965, and the list just goes on). Their instrumentation can't be that bad since they're the most innovative, influential, act, ever. They're also without a doubt, the best band ever, and they've sold over a billion (1,000,000,000) records, tapes, or discs, and that was by 1985, 22 years ago.

[Guitar|Freak]

I love afi, but the music was playing WAY too loud when they were interviewing.

[limefan913]

A billion records? Damn, thats 1,000 times platinum.

[Ignite]

I'm fan of the older stuff, as well as their newer stuff. (Though I enjoy their newer stuff more [BSITS, AOD, STS, DU])

Great DVD. Loved it. My only complaint is that there were no songs from ATASF or YPOY. I'd love to hear some live songs off those albums.

This DVD is just great. Lots of energy, and it was a pretty great performance. (Though I wish Davey could yell like he used to)

Also more songs of BSITS and AOD would have been nice.

[Shredlet]

Man AFI are just a bunch of emo pussies i only clicked on this link to see how much people hated them. i cant believe were all so musically starved to give into this emo shit.

[teenangstboy]

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

you have to be kidding..... MCR wouldn't be here if it wasn't for AFI.... and the Beatles ?!? great, but if you're talking about instrumentation, not quite....

and to the guy that posted above me, you just wasted you're time. and you're the only one that is musically starved

[TFK_62]

ok for all you people who think afi isn't musically talented, just listen to the solo in dancing through sunday. if you don't think it's good, well then you're wasting your time on a site like this.

[TFK_62]

and by the way, you are entitled to your own opinions, but so are the rest of us. you dont hear us, or at least not me, going on reviews of ac/dc and ranting about how very overrated i think they are.

[falafel]

lol one emo always watches the other emos back

[Shredder Guitar]

kinda funny how acdc has barely made any albums and and are hardly on the radio at all and you call them over rated

[frontman54]

they should have done more older songs.

[DownbëloW]

Elmo Jade Blue wrote:

DownbëloW wrote:

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

I'll agree with you, AFI is NOT one of the most instrumentally talented bands, but keep this in mind: The Beatles weren't either. proving you can be a great band, and not be musical supergeniouses.



I can't believe u 2 would type these words, I bet u anything that if it wasn't for AFI MCR wouldn't be here. I love MCR don't get me wrong but AFI will never die and they will never get old. You guys think what u will but I'm just voiceing my opinion.

Words can't explaine how awsome the dvd is

dude, don't be a dumbass. I love AFI to death, they are my favorite band. but if you honestly believe that they are incredibly talented at what they play, you're sadly mistaken.

[limefan913]

AFI is NOT a band of shredders, I'm sure even they'd acknowledge that. However they write good songs, and Hunter is a damn good bass player. Plus, Davey has a SOARING vocal range, and screaming is EXTREMELY hard to do vocally, believe it or not. It requires a LOT of diaphragm control - repeat a LOT.

Note: I am NOT emo by any extent. I'm into classic rock and hair metal, in addition to jazz and virtuoso guitar such as Joe Satriani (whom I own every album of) and Steve Vai.

[exorcise_me87]

Great DVD. I'm a bit annoyed with them playing less Old Songs. I would have loved to have heard them play more from BSITS/AH EP/AOD. Great footage tho. What really won me over was Nick 13 joining in on A Single Second like back in the day, and God Called In Sick Today.

and to whoever pushed MCR over AFI:

MCR sucks. theyre more MTV-friendly and commercialized than AFI could ever be and FAR less talented

Gerard Gay needs to be shot.

[lacey.thatsme]

To quote Jade:
"I've never been a fan of really like being the guy that's out there shredding for you know like 32 bars or something, you know?"
I think he's perfectly aware that his playing is not complex.

[ryanbrasier]

i mean i love em to death and am very aware they are not the most best at there instruments but they dont have to be the best they put it together better than alot of bands can ever do and davey is amazing at vocals so shure they dont play amazing guitar like some bands i love like children of bodom but there lyrics and vocals and how the put everything together is by far amazing and u have no room to say they are not good until u ur self can play better them. and they are no where near MCR they jus plain suck and always have face it afi has always been good there the only band i knwo brave enough to change styles almost every cd i mean that takes balls
RxB

[I Walk Alone]

Ignite wrote:

I'm fan of the older stuff, as well as their newer stuff. (Though I enjoy their newer stuff more [BSITS, AOD, STS, DU])

Great DVD. Loved it. My only complaint is that there were no songs from ATASF or YPOY. I'd love to hear some live songs off those albums.

This DVD is just great. Lots of energy, and it was a pretty great performance. (Though I wish Davey could yell like he used to)

Also more songs of BSITS and AOD would have been nice.

Agreed. Malleus Maleficarum would've been a great song to add, along with The Lost Souls, but nonetheless a great DVD.

And even if they aren't the most instrumentally talented, at least they can UTILIZE their instruments. Let's see any other band attempt to write something like "The Leaving Song Pt. II" or "Death Of Seasons". They might not be shredders, but they're crazy songwriters.

[couagr2121]

Oldgreydog wrote:

I don't see why there is so much support for AFI on a guitar tabs site when AFI is so lacking in instrumentation. They're a terribly overrated band that really isn't that great at all. Listen to Zeppelin, Coheed and Cambria, Iron maiden, Buckethead, The Beatles or heck even My Chemical Romance, anything is better than these guys ability to play their instruments.

To say that MCR is on the same level instrumentally is stretching it big time. Im a big fan of MCR, but I know that they arent that musically talented as AFI, except for maybe Toro. True, AFI is not as talented as Led Zeppelin (then again, you'd be hard pressed to find a group better - and Im looking forward to their reunion) but I think AFI is a band of extremely talented muscians in every facet. The key is that they manage to fit all their talents together, whereas MCR is very Toro heavy. They rely on his solos to get the song through. That doesn't happen with AFI. They aren't shredders, but that's not what they aim for. Their music is pure energy and emotion (even though Decemberundergroud strayed a bit).

DU was a change for the band, and it was nice that they experimented, but I think they need to go back to their STS and TAOD days.

All in all, the movie is amazing. Great work by all involved, although my one problem was that Hunter didn't get enough camera time. Maybe Im just saying that cause Im a bass player too. Ah well. You get used to it.

[RHCPhan18]

caucasian_ninja wrote:

Oh my god, the part in 'God Called in Sick Today' when Davey climbs into the arms of the audience is just... wow. Took my breath away. He doesn't stage dive or anything like that; he just climbs out and stands in the arms of the audience, and they lovingly support him. I just think that it's amazing that a band will trust their fans enough to do that nowadayas. What a connection. Sorry if all this sounds corny or anything, but you've just got to see it. One of the most touching moments of a concert I've ever seen. AFI has got to have the strongest, most loving and supportive fanbase in the world...

Yeah. I was at an AFI show on Feb. 14th and Davey did that during Miss Murder... I touched his shoes.

I was told he did this during most live shows

[Greendaygeek10]

I got this for my birthday, I have yet to watch it but I can't wait!!!

[KillerMaggot]

I love this DVD They really packed alot of songs in that one night. The greatest song that night was God Called in Sick Today. If you don't have this GET IT!

[pwninator123]

limefan913 wrote:

AFI is NOT a band of shredders, I'm sure even they'd acknowledge that. However they write good songs, and Hunter is a damn good bass player. Plus, Davey has a SOARING vocal range, and screaming is EXTREMELY hard to do vocally, believe it or not. It requires a LOT of diaphragm control - repeat a LOT.

Note: I am NOT emo by any extent. I'm into classic rock and hair metal, in addition to jazz and virtuoso guitar such as Joe Satriani (whom I own every album of) and Steve Vai.

you sir are the first person here i think i can agree with *virtual high five*

[Chelseaem8]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G34Zt3sp9Ng&NR=1

for all of you who don't think the members of AFI are talented, watch this video of Jade rockabilly jamming from his blog.... :P

[Chelseaem8]

I think you guys are underestimating how much musical talent it takes to write intricate melodies. That's what AFI is: melodic, not technical. Just listen to the different layers present in their music.