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Refused

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Band Timeline

1991

Formation of Refused and early years

Refused is a Swedish hardcore punk band that formed in early 1991 in Umeå, Sweden. The original lineup included Dennis Lyxzén on vocals, David Sandström on drums, Pär Hansson on guitar, and Jonas Lindgren on bass. The band aimed to play beyond their hometown and initially released a demo the same year. Early on, the lineup fluctuated with Kristofer Steen joining on guitar. Their sound was rooted in hardcore punk with politically charged lyrics, often aligned with far-left and straight edge ideologies.
1994

Debut album and EP releases

In 1994, Refused released their first full-length album, "This Just Might Be... the Truth," which showcased their hardcore punk style. The same year, they also released the "Everlasting" EP. The years leading up to this saw several demos and smaller releases, helping to establish their name in the underground punk scene. Guitarist Jon Brännström joined the band around this time, completing the lineup that would persist for many years, although they never had a permanent bassist and rotated through many throughout their early career.
1996

Release of 'Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent' and extensive touring

Refused released their second album, "Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent," in June 1996 through Victory Records. This album marked a shift towards a metallic hardcore sound, infused with politically radical themes, and accompanied by a fanzine explaining their ideas. To support the album, Refused toured with notable bands such as Snapcase, Millencolin in the US, and Mindjive in Europe, further solidifying their reputation as an intense live act and politically engaged band.
1998

Release of 'The Shape of Punk to Come' and band breakup

In 1998, Refused released what would become their most influential album, "The Shape of Punk to Come." This album expanded their sound by incorporating elements outside traditional hardcore punk, such as electronica, jazz, and ambient music. Although initially met with mixed reviews and poor sales, the album has since been regarded as groundbreaking. The band embarked on a US tour to support the album, but the tour was plagued by difficulties, leading to chaotic performances and cancellations. Internal conflicts and creative exhaustion culminated in the band's breakup after a turbulent final show in Atlanta, Georgia. They announced the breakup with a blunt open letter titled "Refused Are Fucking Dead."
2012

Reunion and renewed recognition

After more than a decade apart, Refused reformed in 2012, driven by the lasting influence and growing legacy of "The Shape of Punk to Come." They embarked on a reunion tour, reintroducing their intense live performances to a new generation of fans. The band's reunion was met with enthusiasm and critical reevaluation of their work. This period marked the beginning of their second phase, where they not only revisited earlier material but also prepared to release new music, reaffirming their importance in the hardcore and punk scenes.
2015

Release of 'Freedom' and continuation of their legacy

In 2015, Refused released "Freedom," their first album of new material since their reunion. This album maintained their characteristic blend of hardcore punk energy with political and social commentary but demonstrated growth and experimentation with new sounds. "Freedom" was received positively by critics and fans alike, showcasing the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. The release helped secure their relevance in modern punk, accompanied by tours that reconnected them with audiences worldwide.
2019

Release of 'War Music' and ongoing influence

Continuing their comeback, Refused released "War Music" in 2019. This album reinforced their status as a politically charged and musically innovative band. ‘‘War Music’’ features aggressive, confrontational lyrics and embraces a rawer hardcore punk sound. The album reflected the band's response to contemporary political and social issues, solidifying their role as a voice for resistance and dissent in punk music. The release was followed by extensive touring, further embedding Refused in the modern punk landscape.

Albums

refused_1st_album
This Just Might Be… the Truth
12 tracks
1994
refused_2nd_album
Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent
12 tracks
1996
refused_3rd_album
The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombination in 12 Bursts
12 tracks
1998
refused_4th_album
Refused Are Fucking Dead
12 tracks
2006
refused_5th_album
Freedom
10 tracks
2015
refused_6th_album
War Music
10 tracks
2019
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Dennis Lyxzén

N/A

Lead vocals

Magnus Flagge

N/A

Magnus Höggren

N/A

David Sandström

N/A

Kristofer Steen

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jon Brännström

N/A
2013

Story of Refused

Refused: The Swedish Hardcore Pioneers

Refused, hailing from Umeå, Sweden, emerged in the early 90s as a powerhouse of hardcore punk. Formed in 1991, the band's lineup solidified with vocalist Dennis Lyxzén, guitarist Kristofer Steen, drummer David Sandström, and bassist Magnus Flagge. Guitarist Jon Brännström joined the ranks in 1994, remaining through several reunions until his departure in late 2014.

Refused's music was fueled by a distinct non-conformist spirit and a politically charged, far-left ideology. They were also, for a time, associated with the straight edge subculture. Their debut album, This Just Might Be… the Truth (1994), established their sonic identity, followed by Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent (1996) and a string of EPs.

Their 1998 masterpiece, The Shape of Punk to Come, pushed boundaries with its unique blend of hardcore punk, jazz, and electronic elements. However, despite its revolutionary sound, the album initially received a lukewarm reception, commercially and critically. Sadly, this led to the band's disbandment during their subsequent tour.

Despite their limited success at the time, Refused's influence on rock music has reverberated across decades. Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to their beliefs left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of musicians to come.

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