AS staunchly idealistic left-wing punks in the 1990s, Refused encapsulated a generation’s rebellion against commercialism and capitalism. With the release of their third studio album, The Shape Of Punk To Come, in 1998, they influenced dozens of successful bands across the hardcore and punk scene as well as in wider genres. The band’s untimely split a mere few months later saw it revered and idolised - unbridled talent that was halted on the cusp of its glory.

With this in mind, their unexpected reunion and the release of 2015’s Freedom were viewed with trepidation. Refused won’t be the last band to come shuffling out of retirement after swearing it’d never happen but few had sworn it with such intensity. Well, not any more.

Dennis Lyxzen opened with a ferocious energy, whipping the microphone across the stage and at one point walking out on the crowd’s outstretched hands. A decade away from the band hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm, or his politics, with songs interspersed with passionate speeches about the refugee crisis, being an outsider and jibes at the venue for the (perfectly standard) curfew time.

Musically, they put on a professional and tight show. Their songs sound as muscular and complex and ever, with old favourites New Noise and Liberation Frequency sparking a fervent mosh pit at the front. Melding The Deadly Rhythm with Slayer’s Raining Blood made for a robust, meaty combination.

The evening sold out, with many of the attendees being committed, life-long fans of the band, relishing their luck at finally being able to see the musicians live. They won’t have been disappointed - despite the lukewarm response to the last album the old classics have held their power.

In these times of economic and social strife across Europe, the Swedes’ dramatic, rebellious rhetoric was as heartily welcomed as ever.

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