Recently, the influential Swedish punk band Refused announced their impending split after one last tour. Alongside their farewell North American tour dates with Quicksand, they revealed a tribute album honoring their landmark 1998 release, The Shape Of Punk To Come. This album, titled The Shape Of Punk To Come Obliterated, features remarkable reinterpretations from various artists, including Quicksand, IDLES, Fucked Up, Touché Amoré, and Gel, each covering or remixing tracks from the original.
Among the contributors, the renowned Swedish post-metal band Cult Of Luna stands out. Originating from the same hometown as Refused, Umeå, they began their journey in 1998, the same year Refused released their iconic album. Cult Of Luna has chosen to cover the ambitious eight-minute track “Tannhäuser / Derive” from Refused, extending it into a 10-minute rendition. Their interpretation feels grand and powerful, diverging significantly from the original sound. The heavy riffs resonate differently, showcasing their versatility.
Johannes Persson, the vocalist and guitarist of Cult Of Luna, expressed his sentiments regarding cover songs, stating, “I generally dislike covers and hesitate to engage with them. However, this opportunity allows me to explore another artist’s work and infuse it with my creative expression. To me, a cover must retain the essence of the original while presenting a unique twist.” He further shared, “Being asked to cover a Refused song was an honor. They are a band we revered during our formative years and were instrumental in the Umeå hardcore scene, which birthed our own group. After the release of The Shape Of Punk To Come, I remember Dennis proudly mentioning their six-minute epic ‘Tannhäuser.’ That’s why I chose this track; if you’re seeking epic, we will deliver!”
You can listen to Cult Of Luna’s version of “Tannhäuser / Derive” alongside Refused’s original track below.
The tribute album The Shape Of Punk To Come Obliterated is set to release on November 8th via Epitaph.
Comment