Refused

Refused are a hardcore punk band from Umeå, Sweden, active since 1992. The group forms around vocalist Dennis Lyxzén, drummer David Sandström, guitarist Kristofer Steen, bassist Magnus Flagge, guitarist Jon Brännström, and bassist Magnus Höggren. Their music is generally described as hardcore punk, post-hardcore, punk, and punk rock.

History and line-up

The band forms in the early 1990s out of the remains of Step Forward. Its early line-up includes Dennis Lyxzén on vocals, David Sandström on drums, Jonas Lidgren on bass, and Pär Hansson on guitar. Kristoffer Steen joins on guitar in the mid-1990s, followed by Jon Brännström, Henrik Jansson, Magnus Höggren, Ulf Nybérg, and later Mattias Bärjed. The line-up changes over time, but Lyxzén and Sandström remain central figures throughout the band’s activity.

Lyxzén later works in other groups including the (International) Noise Conspiracy, AC4, and INVSN.

Style and themes

Refused are associated with revolutionary politics in their lyrics, with references to Marxism and anarchism. The group also develops a strong anti-establishment profile early in its career, and its members are vegan straight edge until the band’s final show in 1998.

Reputation and recordings

The band is widely regarded as highly influential in underground music. Its studio albums include This Just Might Be... the Truth, Songs to Fan the Flames, The Shape of Punk to Come, Freedom, and War Music.