1/2 If you manage to suspend your disbelief a little, Black Holes and Revelations will push your pleasure buttons.
Bellamy's musical vision has undergone a big bang. Influences like Philip Glass, Wagner, Killing Joke, Hall & Oates, Elvis, New Order and U2 nestle alongside each other without fear of sounding utterly ridiculous.
| Muse | Primary Artist |
| Edoardo de Angelis | Violin |
| Marco Brioschi | Trumpet |
| Chris Wolstenholme | Bass Guitar, Track Performer |
| Matthew Bellamy | Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, Track Performer |
| Dominic Howard | Drums, Track Performer |
| Mauro Pagani | String Arrangements, String Conductor |
| Audrey Riley | String Arrangements, String Conductor |
| Howie Weinberg | Mastering |
| Muse | Audio Production |
| Storm Thorgerson | Cover Photo |
| Rich Costey | Producer, Engineer, Audio Production |
| Rupert Truman | Cover Photo |
| Vlado Meller | Mastering |
| Chris Wolstenholme | Arranger |
| Matthew Bellamy | Arranger, Composer |
| Dominic Howard | Arranger |
| Tommaso Colliva | Engineer |
Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
It astounds me how much growth Muse has undergone since their humble inception in 1999. Their debut album, “Showbiz,” was not as polished as their later recordings would become, but it showed what they were capable of, and showed that they had something unique to bring to a long-stagnant music industry. Since then, the band has gotten progressively better with each subsequent release. “Origin of Symmetry” finally got them some of the recognition they deserved, and 2003’s “Absolution” managed to launch them into the worldwide spotlight. Three years later, their highly-anticipated “Black Holes and Revelations” has finally arrived, and may very well be their crowning achievement. The album showcases a band that has continually improved and reinvented themselves over their fruitful career, and a singer that has come into his own. The band’s philosophies are still as diverse and mysterious as they have ever been, but the band seems so much more confident, more polished, and more sure of themselves than they have ever been. Put simply, “Black Holes and Revelations” is Muse’s finest work yet. The opening track, “Take a Bow,” functions more like an introduction than it does a stand-alone song. It speaks of an awakening to the corruption of the world around us. It is an enjoyable track, which carries a certain similarity to “Origin of Symmetry.” But as delightful as it is, it’s only a taste of what is to come. “Supermassive Black Hole” is the first single from the new album and was wisely chosen, in my humble opinion. Thought it frightened some veteran Muse fans with its unsettling dance-like beats, it proved that Muse is not afraid to try something new. Not only that, but it can pull off yet another reincarnation of the band with grace and style not typical of most modern bands. Following “Supermassive Black Hole” is the fantastic “Map of the Problematique,” which would also make another worthy single. It features expert percussion and guitar work, as well as some of the finest vocals that Matthew Bellamy has ever served up. I am prepared to call it the very greatest Muse song ever. Other stand-out tracks include “Assassin,” “Exo-Politics,” “City of Delusion,” and the fantastic closer “Knights of Cydonia.” “Assassin” is one of the heaviest songs on the album, and its paranoid rambling complements the atmosphere of the album quite flawlessly. “Exo-Politics” and “City of Delusion” are two other tracks which speak of rising up against tyranny and “Demonocracy.” “Knights of Cydonia,” besides having one of the coolest song titles ever, is another exceptional track. It combines unearthly sound-effects with a theme that would fit in with any Western movie. It is a thoroughly enjoyable song, and one that makes quite an excellent closing track. The only real complaint that long-time Muse fans may have is the glaring absence of Matthew Bellamy’s insanely talented piano work. The long piano ballads that permeated “Absolution” are largely absent on “Black Holes and Revelations,” except for the song “Hoodoo.” Bellamy’s impressive piano solos were part of what made Muse so unique and appealing while they were “growing up.” “Black Holes and Revelations” is surely the band’s most mature album, but I hope they have not chosen to shed the piano for good. Still, the band’s undeniable prowess with their other chosen instruments makes up for the lack of piano. Muse’s latest is what fans and critics alike have hungered for. Throughout the years, Muse has tried to prove to the world that they are world-class musicians. Some of us have never doubted this fact, but their
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I Also Recommend:
I put this disc in and didn't skip a track all the way through. You know you have a winner when that happens. The songs vary in style, beat, and tempo. Some are part of my workout playlist and others have made it into my yoga mix if that gives you an idea. It's artistic yet still can fit into mainstream radio. Bottom line if you like Muse you'll love this one. Enjoy!
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Posted October 1, 2010
I Also Recommend:
this is a great album...
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Posted October 1, 2010
I love it! It's groovy!
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Posted October 1, 2010
I liked this album a lot! This is my first muse album, but won't be my last. Matthew Bellamy has great vocals in these songs. Some of my favorites are "starlight", "map of the problematique", "city of delusion", "exo-politics", and "knights of cydonia". Good for all ages.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Testicus
Posted October 1, 2010
I recently saw the movie Twilight... ya know, the vampire flick... and was pleasantly surprised to discover the soundtrack rocked! Muse was just one of the musical artists in that score.
Muse has a vivid sound. their lyrics are intelligent and actually make sense. you know how sometimes you'll listen to a CD and how every song can sometimes sound like every other? well, that is not the case with this album... Muse has a great sound with cool musical transitions within each tune. the song from the movie was Supermassive Black Hole... but in my opinion it isn't their best song, though it is pretty good. the lyrics have nothing to do with baseball though. if that doesn't make sense to you, see the movie and you'll understand.
Also, some bands are better in the studio and others are better live... very rarely does a band sound good doing both... Muse sounds good either way, and perhaps just a tiny bit better live. i like the sound of the audience freaking out at the first few notes of a song they like. so, in summary, i would recommend this group especially if you are a little on the intellectual side and lyrics mean something to you. good music is very important too, but if the lyrics are nonsense then in my opinion it really doesn't matter what the song sounds like. anyway, Muse is a little like coldplay (the lead singer can hit some pretty high notes) but without that faggy, limp-wristed whine, and apologetic rhetoric. "oh baby, i'm so sorry, let's talk" or whatever junk coldplay says. not so with Muse, they're just too cool... in my opinion, of course :)
this coming from a guy who likes Metal... muse is not metal, but i still like it, remarkably... hope this was helpful, enjoy!
Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
This CD is probably one of their best. Muse is an incredible band that has originality and great potential. Muse is probably one of the best bands I've heard and this CD is excellent and I recomend it to anyone who likes their style.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A good album, but not my favorite.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
this is the best band ever. well at least in my opinion. i came upon this band thanks to stephenie meyer. the wonderful author of the twilight saga. i first listend to the song time is running out and hysteria from another album from muse and i loved it. then my best friend bought this CD. and i though it was the best- sorry i keep repeting myself.:P - so yea i recommend it a lot and i also recommend the twilight saga. please read it, and listen to it.i recommend more music which i'll write in the space provided. k bye....
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Posted October 1, 2010
I've been an avid fan of Muse since I heard " Time is Running Out" on the radio a few years ago. Every album is a gem, and " Black Holes..." is no exception. From the swirling electronica in the opener, " Take a Bow" , to the heavier driving sound of " Assassin" , each track is full of the hard work of the Muse crew. Matt Bellamy's vocals are excellent as always, as is evident in the beautiful harmonics that seem to be synonymous with the back. His guitar work, when paired with Chris Wolstenholme's wicked bass and Dominic Howards excellent drumming makes every song a joy to listen to, and amazing to sing.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Muse is my absolute favorite band in the world. I have listened to all their CDs, and I loved them all. My favorite songs are Muscle Museum, Sunburn, Assassin, Escape, Cave, Time is Running Out, Stockholm Syndrome, the Small Print, Exo-Politics, City of Delusion, Hyper Music, Dead Star, Citizen Erased, Plug in Baby, New Born, and Feeling Good. I have actually planned to use some of their songs on the soundtrack of a movie I'm writing. I love the lyrics. Muse is the greatest band of all time.
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Posted October 1, 2010
This review comes from a music addict that listens to music so much that he fears he's going deaf from the right ear. Nevertheless this album must be treasured for generations to come. It's just insane how brilliant these guys create music and an atmosphere that does not bore the listener.I sincerely thought that they could match or much yet surpass Absolution but to my surprise(open Jaw) they did that and much more. The first song is a prelude to the manic themes and ideas to come. Lets just say that every song has a puropose and a motif. Brilliant. This is music at its finest. What other band can hybridize an orchestra and a modern rock band to create this magnus opum.Its a hard this decision made simple this is by far the Best album of 2006 PERIOD.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I first fell in love with Muse after hearing "Time is Running Out" and "Hysteria." But After buying this album, I realize just how talented Muse is. Their music today is so original truly stands out from all those annoying bands. There's so much passion in their music. I love everything about Muse......the vocals, the GUITARS, the drums, everything their music is timeless. I find myself listening to their album without ever skipping tracks. Some of my favorite songs from this album include "Supermassive Black Hole, Hoodoo, City of Delusion, and Knights of Cydonia." Buy it and listen........you won't be disappointed
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Posted October 1, 2010
The new Muse album, Black Holes And Revelations, has a great sound, I love every song on the cd. I HIGHLY recommend getting this cd.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Black Holes and Revelations is a rock album of staggering range and beauty. Raging guitar, heavy beats, rock-solid bass – Muse are a power trio in the truest sense. Add to that the beautiful melodies, thought-provoking lyrics and soaring voice of Matthew Bellamy and you have some of the most exciting music of our day. Influences can be heard from Steve Reich & Philip Glass, Queen, Millionaire & Queens of the Stone Age, Depeche Mode, the Strokes, atomic surf guitar and spaghetti westerns, jazz standards and Prince, but make no mistake, it’s all quintessentially MUSE. Be part of the Zeitgeist – buy this album.
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Posted October 1, 2010
After hearing the new record I can fully say that this is the best they put out. With songs like "Knights of Cydonia" and "City of Delusion" it's a very nice change from the normal. If you are a fan of epic grand music this is the album for you. The album flows very well and goes strong to the end.
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Posted October 1, 2010
This is the 4th worldwide released album by Muse and it is a testiment to their versatility and their love of music. The songs are so amazing. They shift in subject matter from neglected countries, lazy politicians, warriors of fun/good/life, hope, burning in hell, and a love stronger than a black hole.... The album doesn't really have any thread of cohesion, every song is rather different from all the others, it begins with an epic opening reminiscent of Philip Glass dancing with the devil then migrates to a very electronic/dancish song of love, to a despereate and tired song of a soldier, then into an Arabic/Spanish combo of secret societies and then ending with an epically charged masterpiece in reference to the ever-living cowboy in us all.... You have to get it, it is bloody amazing!!! Buy it 7/3 UK or 7/11 USA!
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Posted October 1, 2010
I've been a long time fan of Muse and i like all of their music. But this CD has done it for me. It is the best one yet. I highly recommend that you buy it.
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Posted October 1, 2010
just how amazing this cd is. i remember thinking before i heard it that there was no way they could do better than their previous albums but after listening to it all the way through two times in one sitting i realized they had gone above and beyond. this album will leave you speachless. love every song.
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Posted January 20, 2009
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Editorial Reviews
All Music Guide - MacKenzie Wilson
Naysayers listen up: Muse refuses to be the "next" Radiohead. Since forming in 1997, the alternative rock trio has continuously battled comparisons to the famed Oxford group while ambitiously creating a sound of its own, mixing elements of glam, pop, and symphonic music into a rock hybrid. British fans have praised the group for years, despite Americans taking until Absolution to discover Muse and give them their rightful props. Whether or not you championed the grand dramatics of Absolution, Muse is a solid, unique band and Black Holes and Revelations defines those strengths with a passion. Rich Costey joins Muse in the co-production of this 11-song set; together, ...