SPILL LIVE REVIEW: REFUSED w/ QUICKSAND & SUNDOWNER @ HISTORY, TORONTO

REFUSED w/ QUICKSAND & SUNDOWNER

@ HISTORY, TORONTO

MARCH 23, 2025

Refused are fucking dead, and they really mean it this time. At least in the live sense. The influential Swedish rock band have just begun their farewell tour where they plan to cement their legacy all over the world starting here in Toronto.

To start the evening was Toronto’s own Sundowner. Known by locals for their raw brand of noise-rock, the 3-piece was loud and in your face. They are the definition of what you want in an opener; a band that wakes you up and makes you pay attention.

The post-hardcore veterans Quicksand and fellow Epitaph Records roster members will also be joining Refused on this leg of the tour. Although their set was plagued by some slight technical issues, they rallied and showed why they’ve been in the game so long. The chemistry between Walter Schreifels, Sergio Vega, and Alan Cage is something that can only come from playing together for decades. The band is so tight and in tune with one another and sounded terrific. Considering what a big impact this band and its members have had on the post-hardcore scene over the years, it’s incredibly inspiring to see them come together with Refused for one last run and expose new fans to the roots of the genre.

Refused has always been a no-bullshit band that speaks their mind and gives their honest opinion through their music. They’ve inspired countless bands and activists over the decades that music can be used as a tool for change and as soon as the banner was raised above the stage that read “this is what our ruling class has decided will be normal” you were reassured that nothing has changed.

They walked out and started with “Poetry Written In Gasoline” easing into the set and getting warmed up but the show really started when they played “The Shape Of Punk To Come.” The crowd immediately went into a frenzy and bodies started flying. Frontman Dennis Lyxzén was doing his signature mic swinging and dance moves on full display, this band truly hasn’t missed a beat.

What was also very apparent during their set was just how timeless the songs from that record are. They still sound as refreshing as they did 25 years ago, and although they were misunderstood at the time it’s clear that they were ahead of their time and really get the appreciation they deserve after all these years.

Halfway through the set Refused were joined by Damian Abraham for a guest spot on “Refused Party Program.” The perfect candidate for maybe the most chaotic track from The Shape of Puck to Come.

Of course, a Refused show wouldn’t be complete without them playing “New Noise”, a song that really took on a life of its own over the years being featured in everything from car commercials to football games. The band performed it flawlessly and the crowd helped Lyxzén sing every word. The show easily could have ended there but they went above and beyond playing “Coup d’etat” and “Worms of the Senses/ Faculties of the Skull” making for an unforgettable farewell.

(Photography by Jacob Vandergeer)

Refused Photos

Quicksand Photos

Sundowner Photos

Refused Links

Quicksand Links

Sundowner Links