I got December Underground. It's okay. It's not why I like AFI. If you liked Sing the Sorrow you'll like December Underground. The new album has a few songs I like: Prelude 12/21, Kill Caustic and Affliction. While the songs and album in itself is excelently made, it's not why I love AFI. December Underground is catchy, with decent songs to sing along and bob your head to with your little sister, goth littler brother and your house-mom--- Fun for the whole family! Weee!!
I'm not going to do the ole "sold out" thing - I hate that. If a band changes, they're hated and sold out. If a band stays the same, their hated for playing the same "recycled" songs (Except Iron Maiden)!
I disagree with nmulax, if you're new to AFI, start at the beggining and work your way to the most recent. IMO Black Sails in The Sunset and The Art of Drowning are the best. If you like "softer" stuff, definantly get Sing the Sorrow and December Underground. If you listen to all the albums in a row you can hear them change with each new album.
The new ablum is only 10 bucks. Wether you like it or hate it, is 10 bucks really a big deal to you? heh.
And I know nmulax already said this but, NO none of them are gay. It even says on their forum faq.
I started listening to AFI arond 99 or so. They are one of my top 5 favorite bands. The first song I ever heard by them was "God Called In Sick Today" off of Black Sails in the Sunset.
My favorite AFI songs in no particular order:
God Called in Sick Today
Malleus Maleifcacarium
The Prayer Position
The Days of the Phenoix
..... to each is own.