Photo by Tim Tronckoe

Commencing a rollout of anniversary festivities marking 25 years of one of punk music's most groundbreaking records in The Shape of Punk to Come, Refused have carried out their directive of "rearrange or deconstruct" with The Shape of Punk to Come Obliterated. 

The comprehensive compilation album features covers, remixes and reimagined versions of the seminal 1998 release from bands like Quicksand, Zulu, Gel, IDLES, Cult of Luna and more. Both Dennis Lyxzén and David Sandstrom provide commentary in the form of liner notes, providing context on the weight of the album and each of the new bands fresh takes on the songs. 

The release of The Shape of Punk to Come Obliterated coincides with the physical release of the extremely limited vinyl re-issue of the original, The Shape of Punk to Come. With another pressing of just 2000 units on opaque purple expected to ship in March 2025, fans are encouraged to order fast via Epitaph Records - HERE

Following the initial preview of the Obliterated compilation which featured Cult of Luna taking on “Tannhäuser / Derive”, Refused have shared an emotive rendition of “The Apollo Programme Was A Hoax” from post hardcore champions, Touché Amore. 

Touché Amore shared of their fond tribute, “There’s only a handful of records that are so singular and unique that few ever attempt to replicate. ‘The Shape of Punk to Come’ is the highest echelon of what’s being described. Over twenty years later this album stands alone, so, when Dennis approached us about covering a track, we knew we were up for the task.

We chose the closing track because we heard elements of what TA could pull from to create a new song out of the foundation they had laid. Our instructions were to make it our own, and luckily with the song being so avant-garde and unique, we found it inviting. Thank you to Refused for the opportunity and to you for listening.”

The arrival of The Shape of Punk to Come Obliterated also precedes the band's farewell touring plans set to kick off in March of next year. With Support from Quicksand on the run, Refused will perform their final ever North American dates with cities including Vancouver, New York, Toronto, Seattle, and Portland having all sold out already. Get tickets - HERE

Check the complete list of cities and dates on Refused Are Fucking Dead Tour below. Get The Shape of Punk to Come Obliterated via Epitaph Records - HERE