What makes War Music by Refused notable?

War Music was met with critical acclaim upon release, with multiple publications praising its fierce commentary on modern society. It debuted at number nine on the Swedish Albums Chart, establishing Refused's enduring relevance in the punk scene and influencing a new generation of hardcore bands. Released on October 18, 2019, War Music marks Refused's first album in nearly two decades following their acclaimed 1998 release, The Shape of Punk to Come. The band reunited in 2012, performing live before finally delivering this new studio work that showcases their signature intensity while addressing contemporary political issues.

Who is War Music for?

War Music works well if you're into steady energetic flow throughout, politically charged lyrical engagement and explosive moments of catharsis.

How many songs are on War Music?

War Music has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 7 years ago this October

War Music

Refused · 2019

34 min · 10 tracks · hardcore punk

A blistering fusion of hardcore punk and post-hardcore that channels raw energy into confrontational, politically charged anthems.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Violent Reaction — This track embodies the album's urgent energy and direct lyrical confrontation, making it a standout anthem of resistance against societal apathy.
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I Wanna Watch the World Burn — The song's explosive chorus and aggressive instrumentation encapsulate a sense of chaos and rebellion, reflecting the band's signature style and thematic focus.
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Economy of Death — With its sharp critique of capitalist structures, this track serves as a powerful commentary that resonates with current global issues, showcasing the band's evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines intense energy with sharp political commentary, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining intensity through the first half before introducing more varied tempos.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability.
Lyrically, the songs tackle socio-political themes directly, often employing aggressive vocal delivery and repetitive hooks to emphasize their messages.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady energetic flow throughout
politically charged lyrical engagement
explosive moments of catharsis
short bursts of intensity
in-order listening experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, reflective music
seek lengthy immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 18, 2019, War Music marks Refused's first album in nearly two decades following their acclaimed 1998 release, The Shape of Punk to Come. The band reunited in 2012, performing live before finally delivering this new studio work that showcases their signature intensity while addressing contemporary political issues.
Stylistic neighbors: At the Drive-In· Glassjaw· The Blood Brothers