Must-Hear: Refused Release New Music For First Time In 17 Years

–Written by Kevin Madert

Remember when words like “punk” and “hardcore” meant more than donning all black and playing the Vans Warped Tour? Refused does, and they’re here to give us a refresher. The long-defunct Swedish foursome – cited as an influence by everyone from Blink-182 to Rise Against – originally broke up in 1998, and other than a string of festival appearances in 2012 haven’t made much noise since.

That’s until today, when the group premiered “Elektra,” an acerbic, shot-from-a-gun track that will serve as the lead single for the group’s upcoming fourth album Freedom. “It’s not a reunion anymore,” frontman Dennis Lyxzén said in a press release. “This is one of the most radical things we’ve ever done, both musically and lyrically.” You can stream the video for “Elektra” below and decide for yourself.

Freedom:

1. Elektra
2. Old Friends / New War
3. Dawkins Christ
4. Françafrique
5. Thought Is Blood
6. War On The Palaces
7. Destroy The Man
8. 366
9. Servants Of Death
10. Useless Europeans

Refused had already confirmed a world tour earlier this year, including stops at both the intimate Rock & Roll Hotel on June 5 and the massive Merriweather Post Pavilion (in support of Faith No More) on August 2; head here for a full list of dates.

Freedom is out June 30 via Epitaph. Connect with Refused: (Facebook / Twitter / Official site)