Depeche Mail 101: Dennis Lyxzen the end of Refused.

Dennis Lyxzen and Refused: The end of an Era

There’s something in the water a few hours south of the Arctic Circle. Sweden, a country known for its pristine landscapes and progressive policies, has also been a breeding ground for groundbreaking music since the 1970s. From the global pop phenomenon of ABBA to the theatrical rock of Ghost, Sweden has consistently punched above its weight in the music world. Among these luminaries was a band I like to call the Pixies of the hardcore scene: Refused.

When I was 18, Refused released a record that changed my world—and the world of countless musicians since. That record, *The Shape of Punk to Come*, was a masterpiece that redefined what hardcore music could be. Its title, a nod to H.G. Wells’ utopian novel *The Shape of Things to Come*, hinted at its ambition: to push the boundaries of punk and hardcore into uncharted territory.

The album was a perfect storm of influences. It combined the eclecticism of Radiohead’s *OK Computer*, the raw power of Helmet’s guitar riffs, and even the jazz-infused complexity of Dave Brubeck. Refused played with the precision of an orchestra, mastering the peaks and valleys of musical dynamics. The tension built to a breaking point, only to be released with the iconic scream: “Can I scream!?”

At the time of its release in 1998, Refused was a group of Swedes who looked more like they belonged in a library or a Gap ad than on a hardcore stage. This was before nerd culture was cool, but Refused made it work. They dressed sharp, looked sharp, and then unleashed absolute chaos on stage. Their performances were electrifying, heartfelt experiences that felt like sticking your finger in a light socket.

Over the past 25 years, *The Shape of Punk to Come* went from a cult classic to a cornerstone of modern music. Refused influenced everyone from Blink-182 to Metallica. In fact, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett once told Refused frontman Dennis Lyxzén that he was listening to their music while recording *St. Anger* in 2002. The band’s reach extended beyond the hardcore scene, with their songs featured on Emmy-winning shows like *The Bear* and their performances headlining festivals like Coachella.

Dennis Lyxzén, is the heart and soul of Refused. Born in Umeå, Sweden, Lyxzén’s journey in music began with his passion for punk and hardcore as a form of resistance. He co-founded Refused in 1991, and his vision and energy propelled the band to legendary status. Outside of Refused, Lyxzén was and continues to be involved in numerous other projects, including The (International) Noise Conspiracy, INVSN, and Fake Names. He also co-founded independent record labels like Ny Våg and Desperate Fight Records, further cementing his influence on the punk scene.

Despite their success, Refused never lost sight of their roots. Lyxzén remained as passionate about music and its ability to influence counterculture as he was in his twenties. When I spoke with him ahead of their final North American tour, we discussed the DIY scene, the state of hardcore music, and the “key” that music had been in both of our lives—a key that opened doors we never thought possible.

Refused’s journey from basement shows to sold-out venues was a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries. As they close the chapter on their storied career, their legacy as a movement, a force of nature, and a beacon of resistance will continue to inspire and challenge the status quo. As Lyxzén himself might say, we need new noise—and Refused delivered it.