After a hiatus that spanned over half a decade, the legendary Dutch hardcore punk band Seein Red is back, louder and more defiant than ever. On December 6th, Armageddon Label will unleash their long-awaited comeback album, Refuse Resist, available on vinyl LP format. This release marks a significant moment not just for the band but for the global punk community that thrives on messages of resistance and unity.
“Refuse Resist is reading Antifa all over it because we live in a time that far-right politicians and parties are gaining more power,” the band states, referencing the recent electoral victories of right-wing parties like the PVV in the Netherlands.
“This record is a reflection of this swing to the far-right. The contours of fascism we see right now is a form of capitalism in acute crisis and decay. It relies on hyper-nationalism, open violence, state terror, bigotry, injustice, and extreme racist scapegoating. We are under attack, and we have to stand up and fight back!”
Their message is clear and uncompromising. “Refuse Resist” is a rallying cry—a clenched-fist salute to the underground DIY punk community. “Most, if not all, the lyrics on this record are dealing with this fight back, working-class politics, and the runaway acceleration of exploitation of this capitalist society. It’s a f***ing political record,” they declare with unabashed fervor.
Seein Red invites everyone to stand up against the rising tide of far-right politics and social injustices. “We are under attack, and we have to stand up and fight back!” they urge.
For those new to the scene or needing a refresher, Seein Red’s roots run deep.
Formed around 1988 from the ashes of the influential band Lärm, the lineup of Olav (drums), Jos (bass), and Paul (guitar/vocals) sought to explore new musical territories. “After eight years of short, fast, and noisy hardcore punk, we wanted to try out something new,” they recall. Influenced by bands like The Rondos, The Faith, Ignition, Fuel, The Clash, and Minutemen, they aimed to craft a sound that was both melodic and politically charged.
Despite their ambitions, the band faced challenges. “We started to realize that our musical skills were not good enough to keep our new sound interesting,” they admit. A pivotal moment came in 1994 at the Vort’n Vis Fest in Belgium, where witnessing performances by Stack and Dropdead reignited their passion for the fast-paced hardcore sound. “It made such an impact that we slowly but steadily started to play short-and-fast hardcore punk again.”
Over the past 36 years, Seein Red has been prolific, releasing around 50 records, CDs, and tapes. They’ve toured extensively across Europe, America, and Japan, playing hundreds of gigs and solidifying their place in the hardcore punk pantheon.
In 2012, the band’s future was uncertain. Jos faced severe ear damage due to multiple infections and prolonged exposure to loud music. “It seemed to be the final end of Seein Red,” they reflect. But in a testament to resilience and determination, after surgeries and a six-and-a-half-year hiatus, Jos’s hearing improved. By the summer of 2018, Seein Red was back in action, ready to deliver their hardcore punk noise attack once more. Their motto? “Keep on keeping on until the fight is won!”
Recorded in a swift three-hour session in 2021, mixed in 2022, and mastered and released in 2024, Refuse Resist is a product of urgency and raw energy. The album encapsulates the band’s response to the current socio-political climate, channeling their anger and hope into 27 blistering tracks.
Fans can get an early taste of the album with the brand-new track “Rebels,” available now on Armageddon Label’s Bandcamp.
Keep in the loop!
🗞️ Subscribe on Substack
🔔 Join our Messenger and WhatsApp
📜 Get daily news via Instagram Stories
Your support keeps us alive!
IDIOTEQ is a one-man DIY operation, tirelessly spotlighting the local cultural scenes and independent bands that often go unreported elsewhere. Born in the early 00s, this platform has been committed to giving hard-working artists the high-quality coverage they truly deserve.
No ads, no distractions—just pure inspiration and a genuine focus on independent artists and their stories.
Please consider helping keep IDIOTEQ ad-free and in tune with the indie scene by donating today.
DONATE via PayPal 𝗈𝗋 SUPPORT via Patreon
100% of the funds collected go toward maintaining and improving this magazine. Every contribution, however big or small, is super valuable.
Your support ensures that we continue to be a place where you can discover, learn, and get inspired, without any advertising noise. Thank you for being a part of this musical journey.
