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Refused

The Shape of Punk to Come (1998)
Burning Heart

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Contributed by: Miguel Canales
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on April 7th 2001

The title says it all. Or at least if people take the advice of the Refused, it should. These guys prove, like Minutemen and Naked Raygun, that punk can actually go beyond it's roots without sounding fake. These guys get applause simply for working a violin, techno, and some other unique touches into their searing hardcore sound. The lyrics are on a kind of retro propaganda/call to arms kind of vibe. Even without the extra touches, they pushed their instruments to the limit. For instance, the drummer sounds like he's pounding out complicated beats rather than trying to blow the drums apart by just banging on them. The lyrics booklet itself is a bizarre manifesto that seems somehow believable and ridiculous at the same time. The Refused is truly an enigma, and though I hope that other bands don't copy their sound, I hope that they take the idea that it is possible for punk to be powerful while still being very original. Some suggested tracks to listen to are New Noise and The Refused Are Fucking Dead.

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rubiksdude16 (August 23, 2009)

fantastic album. Sheerly amazing

blakrubbrduk (May 9, 2008)

This is one of those albums you can listen to over and over again and it never gets old. You just want to keep listening to it.

bassplaya (April 10, 2007)

great reveiw. great cd. great suggested tracks. although, theyre called Refused, not The Refused.

StratManX (April 9, 2003)

Good...that word becomes an understatement with this album. Simply put, "wow."

soulbleed (January 7, 2003)

this is one of the very few albums that i've decided are perfect all-around .. it's innovative without being annoying, it's hard-hitting without being repetitive, it's catchy without being ridiculously immature, and it can withstand repeat listens. highly recommended.

YellowTrash (August 20, 2001)

Good album. I love their integration of complex beats and synths. I first, I thought Refused was a screamo band, but now I can tell how hardcore they are. The Deadly Rhythm is the best song with a good stand up bass solo.

Anonymous (July 10, 2001)

fuckin love it. liberation frequency rocks it.

Anonymous (July 5, 2001)

This album is just great. One of the best ever...

Anonymous (May 27, 2001)

not much to say...very good CD