Refused - Protest Song '68

     Sometimes -- not often, but sometimes -- it feels like the universe is speaking to me in strange ways. Just this morning, on my way home from work, the shuffle gods that govern my mp3 player deigned to give me some of Swedish legends Refused for my commute. Then, not an hour after getting home, I read the rumour that Refused are working on a new album.

     Sure, the "evidence" that work on a new record is indeed happening is somewhat scant, limited largely to some online whispers of vocal tracking progress and the late October "firing" of guitarist Jon Brannstrom (which at least suggests that the band might be looking to tour or record again). But, like their fellow Swedes At the Gates, Refused have the kind of following and legacy that a new record from them could be a pretty big deal.

     Or it could suck, shattering the rose-tinted image of Refused we've built up in our memories. Maybe there's no living up to the expectations that will surely precede any follow-up to the band's seminal The Shape of Punk to Come. Maybe Refused should just be a Refused cover band forever more, playing tracks like "Protest Song '68" to packed clubs of nostalgic devotees like some badass post-hardcore version of Kiss. I guess we'll all just have to jam some old stuff, like the aforementioned "Protest Song", while we get our collective hopes up.

Tuesday: The Haunted - Cutting Teeth

     It seems like 2014 is the year of venerable Swedish metal bands getting back in the saddle and putting out new material. New In Flames, new At the Gates, and new these guys too.

     "Cutting Teeth" is the first true/full track from Exit Wounds, the latest from Gothenburg's The Haunted, and it's a fast-paced, thrashy little number with an old-school feel. The whole record is similarly aggressive, but I think "Cutting Teeth" is a good place to start. It's not going to wow you with its originality or innovation, but it will make you bang your head.

Song of the Day: At the Gates - Blinded by Fear

     I told you I'd be back with another song today, and here I am. This evening we're going back in time a bit to feature a song themed around the plans the girlfriend and I have for tomorrow morning.

     What plans, you ask? Why, every man's favourite: a trip to Ikea! But at least it's an excuse to revisit a classic album by an influential band. That's why your song this evening is the opening salvo "Blinded by Fear" from At the Gates' landmark Slaughter of the Soul. If the originators of the Gothenburg sound can't keep you going through a couple hours of shitty, put-it-together-yourself furniture, nothing will.