Exploding with inspiration and a ferocious spirit, Refused formed in the early 90’s in Umea, Sweden. Their music paid tribute to independent American hardcore punk defined by labels like Revelation and Victory Records and bands like Earth Crisis and Snapcase. They spent the 90’s releasing mosh worthy EP’s and albums – largely derivative of their influences.
However, their 1998 album The Shape of Punk to Come (Burning Heart Records) was a creative epoch. On it, the band brought musical complexity, dexterity and artistic ambition to punk, interpolating a number of musical genres, all the while remaining committed to an uncompromising disruptiveness. Unusual time signatures, electronic flourishes, jazz samples, giant guitar riffs, an unshakable anti-capitalist fervor, a vision for the future, suits and ties.