Dislike: The Uncompromising Force of Modern Punk

Dislike is a Swedish hardcore punk band known for its blistering speed, politically charged lyrics, and relentless DIY ethic. Hailing from Umeå, a city with a storied punk history, the group achieved a significant underground milestone with their 2018 album "Rust," which charted on the Swedish national album chart Sverigetopplistan and solidified their reputation beyond the Scandinavian scene.

Early career

Dislike formed in 2012, rooted in the fertile and influential Umeå hardcore scene that produced bands like Refused. The founding members, vocalist Alva Ström and guitarist Mikael Lind, bonded over a shared passion for classic Swedish punk and a desire to address contemporary social issues. Their self-released 2014 EP, "Collision Course," sold out its initial cassette run, catching the attention of domestic label Burning Heart Records, which reissued it the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their second full-length album, "Rust." Released on Burning Heart Records, the album debuted at number 42 on the Sverigetopplistan, a rare feat for a hardcore act. The lead single, "Black Lung," received heavy rotation on Swedish national radio station P3 and its rock-focused channel P3 Rock, introducing Dislike's aggressive sound to a much broader audience and earning the album a gold certification in Sweden for over 40,000 copies sold.

Key tracks

Black Lung — This breakthrough single became an anthem for its scathing critique of industrial exploitation and its instantly recognizable, pummeling guitar riff.

Dead Weight — Featured prominently in several European skateboarding videos, this track amplified the band's reach within youth culture and action sports communities.

Rust — The title track from their landmark album is celebrated for its complex structure and lyrical depth, showcasing the band's musical evolution.

No Sanctuary — A relentless, high-speed track that remains a staple of their live set, perfectly encapsulating their raw, early energy.

Clear Cut — This later collaboration with guest vocalist Dennis Lyxzén of Refused and INVSN highlighted Dislike's standing within the Swedish punk lineage.

Following the success of "Rust," Dislike embarked on extensive touring across Europe and North America, including notable performances at the Groezrock and Hellfest festivals. Their 2022 album, "Gravity," saw them experimenting with slower tempos and more atmospheric production while maintaining their lyrical intensity, debuting at number 31 on the Swedish charts. They have since collaborated with artists like the Danish band Iceage and contributed a track to a charity compilation for the Swedish non-profit Järven.

Fans of Dislike's intense brand of Scandinavian hardcore punk should also explore the work of Refused. This legendary Umeå band is a direct forebear in both sound and political ethos. The chaotic energy and metallic precision of The Hives shares a similar Swedish garage-rock pedigree, albeit with a more pop-oriented approach. For a contemporary take on melodic hardcore, Millencolin offers catchy hooks within a punk framework. Listeners drawn to Dislike's socio-political commentary will find resonance in the fierce anthems of Raised Fist, another powerhouse of the Swedish hardcore scene.

Dislike's music maintains a strong presence on radio stations featured on this website. Their tracks are regularly spun on dedicated alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion aggressive guitar music, ensuring their voice reaches a global community of punk enthusiasts. You can also hear Dislike on specialized online rock radio streams that focus on underground and emerging talent from Scandinavia and beyond.

The powerful discography of Dislike, from the early fury of their EP to the chart success of "Rust," can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover and follow this essential Swedish hardcore punk act through the variety of stations available on onairium.com, where their music remains in heavy rotation for fans of authentic, high-energy punk rock.