After 17 years, iconic Swedish hardcore punk band Refused have broken their silence with a new album, Freedom. The album is scheduled for release on June 30th, via Epitaph, and until then you’ll just have to enjoy the promo material, such as this compelling video for the powerful “Dawkins Christ” track. Watch it in the player above.
According to drummer David Sandström:
The title [“Dawkins Christ”] refers to the famous biologist whose atheist theology has inspired a semi-cult who in turn sees him as a messianic figure, an irony that partly inspired the lyrics. The music draws from the film scores of Hans Zimmer and Ennio Morricone as well as pre-Reign in blood Slayer.
About Refused:
Seventeen years ago Refused played their final show, in a basement in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The show was shut down by police in the middle of their final set and days later the band published a manifesto online proclaiming “Refused is fucking dead.” Thus the legacy of Refused was born. Word of mouth of the anti-capitalist, avant-punk band from Sweden that split up in their prime spread until global cult-status was a fact.
Freedom was produced by Nick Launay. “Elektra” and “366” were produced and co-written by fellow Swede and longtime Refused fan Shellback, who’s not only the No. 1 producer on Billboard but the No. 1 song-writer as well. Refused will tour in support of Freedom with Faith No More this summer.
Pre-orders for Freedom, including a limited-edition exclusive CD package are available at refusedstore.com.
Rock Hard \m/
