Refused refuses to just go away for good...not that we're complaining. The Swedish punk icons have finally confirmed a new album, 17 years following the release of the legendary The Shape of Punk to Come. The band confirmed that new album Freedom would come out on June 30, and fans can check out a preview with the new track "Elektra" right now (available for viewing at the bottom of the page).
"Refused are F*cking Alive," the band declared in a statement, referencing the song "Refused Are F*ckin Dead."
The group released three albums during the '90s, culminating in the fiery and influential Sound of Punk to Come. The tour in support of the album was a nightmare for the group however and it ended up canceling a number of dates and splitting. The group then returned for a number of reunion shows, finally pulling the plug "for good" during 2012. Now here we are.
The reasoning behind the album was curious.
"Nobody wanted us to f*ck with the image of the band who makes a great album and splits up," said drummer David Sandström. "Nobody wanted us to dilute it. That actually provoked us."
Essentially, the group was bothered by the idea that people appreciated them for pulling the plug before it could release watered-down, irrelevant work. Now all they can do is hope that Freedom lives up to expectations...otherwise the band has played right into rock scheme that fans had long praised them for avoiding.
The group is already doing some eyebrow-raising things this year, such as opening for Faith No More on an arena tour. No one would label Faith as a corporate band, but it sure ain't punk.
Oh well. In the meantime, check out the tracklist for Freedom:
01) Elektra
02) Old Friends / New War
03) Dawkins Christ
04) Françafrique
05) Thought Is Blood
06) War on the Palaces
07) Destroy the Man
08) 366
09) Servants of Death
10) Useless Europeans
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