A funny thing happened since Refused played their last show in a basement in Harrisonburg VA in 1998. Their recently-released album The Shape of Punk to Come, got popular. Then it got more popular, becoming a defining album of the post-hardcore and punk scene, also finding acceptance from metal and emo fans. Then when they reunited in 2012. instead of small clubs and college basements, the Swedish band were playing Coachella and headlining theaters. While the band didn’t have any initial plans to make new music, they decided to, and Freedom, out on Tuesday (30) is an album that easily fits in alongside their last album.
While the album still is instantly recognizable as Refused, there are some new aspects of their sound. Working with pop producer Shellback for a few songs, the album runs the gamute, with some dance elements, proggy riffs like previously-released video “Dawkins Christ,” and ragers like the first single released, “Elektra.” It’s already on our short list of the best albums of the year. If you like what you hear, they’ll be on the road with Faith No More for some dates this Summer.
You can pre-order the album here.
