Black Holes & Revelations

by Muse

Overview

Since forming in 1997, alternative rock trio Muse have ambitiously created a sound of their own, mixing elements of glam, pop, and symphonic music into a rock hybrid. While British fans have praised Muse for years, it wasn't until 2003's Absolution that Americans discovered the band and gave them their rightful props. Whether or not you championed the grand dramatics of Absolution, it was obvious that Muse are a solid and unique band, and Black Holes and Revelations, the follow-up, confirms those strengths with a passion. Rich Costey joins Muse in the co-production of this 11-song set; together, they create the band's most realized and meticulous album to date. "Take a Bow" sets the scene by layering full rock orchestration with waves of synthesizers and percussion, all of it building up to vocalist/guitarist Matthew Bellamy's aching observance of a world torn apart by its own instability. Though frequently compared to Queen's Freddie Mercury and Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Bellamy comes into his own as a vocalist here, and he, drummer Dominic Howard, and bassist Chris Wolstenholme pull equal weight as instrumentalists throughout. The sultry, swaggering "Supermassive Black Hole" and the razor-edged, paranoiac "Assassin" are prime examples of how adamant Muse are about delivering the biggest rock & roll package possible, while "Starlight" proves they can write a radio-worthy anthem without jeopardizing their ethics. Bellamy howls "You and I must fight for our rights/You and I must fight to survive" during the riotous, Rush-like megalomania of "Knights of Cydonia," and it's true -- they've totally fought for their craft on this one. It may have taken four albums for Americans to get with the program, but with Black Holes and Revelations, the whole world should be watching. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

Product Details

Release Date:	07/11/2006
Label:	Warner Bros.
UPC:	0093624428428
Rank:	18180

Tracks

1. Take a Bow
2. Starlight
3. Supermassive Black Hole
4. Map of the Problematique
5. Soldier's Poem
6. Invincible
7. Assassin
8. Exo-Politics
9. City of Delusion
10. Hoodoo
11. Knights of Cydonia

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Muse   Primary Artist
Chris Wolstenholme   Primary Artist,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background),Bass,Double Bass,Synthesizer
Dominic Howard   Primary Artist,Drums,Percussion,Vocals (Background)
Matthew Bellamy   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar,Keyboards,Piano,Strings,Lead Vocals,Synthesizer
Edoardo de Angelis   Violin
Marco Brioschi   Trumpet
Tom Kirk   Noise
Around Art   Strings
Audrey Riley   Strings,Conductor,String Conductor
Mauro Pagani   Conductor,String Conductor,Strings

Technical Credits

Muse   Audio Production,Composer,Producer
Rich Costey   Audio Production,Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Recording,Audio Engineer,Mixing Engineer
Vlado Meller   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Storm Thorgerson   Cover Photo
Roger Lian   Engineer,Mastering Assistant,Assistant Mastering Engineer
Derrick Santini   Photography
Tommaso Colliva   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Ross Petersen   Assistant Engineer
Eddie Jackson   Assistant Engineer
Rupert Truman   Cover Photo
Myriam Correge   Assistant Engineer
Mark Rinaldi   Mixing Engineer,Mixing Assistant
Ryan Simms   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Ross Peterson   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Audrey Riley   Arranger,String Arrangements
Matthew Bellamy   Arranger,Composer,Engineer,Producer,Performer,Assistant Engineer,String Arrangements
Claudius Mittendorfer   Engineer,Recording,Audio Engineer,Mixing Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Max Dingle   Mixing Engineer,Mixing Assistant
Howie Weinberg   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Mauro Pagani   String Arrangements,Arranger
Dominic Howard   Arranger,Composer,Engineer,Producer,Performer,Assistant Engineer
Chris Wolstenholme   Arranger,Composer,Engineer,Producer,Performer,Assistant Engineer