The Swedish punk band Refused released The Shape of Punk to Come in 1998. The album was the group’s third studio release and became known for combining hardcore punk with experimental structures, electronic sounds, jazz-influenced passages, and unusual arrangements.
Its full title, The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombshell in 12 Bursts, echoed the title of a 1950s jazz album by Ornette Coleman. Tracks such as “New Noise” and “The Deadly Rhythm” helped the record gain a strong reputation among listeners interested in more adventurous forms of hardcore.
Refused broke up shortly after the album’s release, which added to its legendary status. The record is sometimes described simply as post-hardcore, but its central identity remains rooted in the band’s punk and hardcore background.