The Swedish hardcore act are still brimming with teeth-rattling riffs, and there are moments when it sounds as if they want to bring some Southern-fried boogie, but there is little cohesion.
There's no lack of hooks, as you might expect after a 17-year hiatus, but in their obvious haste to push their strong leftist politics, some of the songs get a little confused.
However, in light of modern hardcore, this is a relatively small gripe.
Taken as individual nuggets of fury, Refused still crank better than most of whom they inspired.
• Refused. Freedom. Warner Music.
• Three and a half stars (out of five)
Single download: War on the Palaces
For those who like: Tool, AFI, At The Drive-In, Rise Against
- Mark Orton
