Messed!Up
Few rock bands of the 21st century have managed to reinvent themselves as successfully, or as fearlessly, as Muse. Formed in 1994 in Teignmouth, Devon, the trio of Matt Bellamy (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Wolstenholme (bass) and Dominic Howard (drums) quickly established themselves as one of Britain’s most ambitious rock acts. Blending alternative rock with progressive influences, classical music, electronica and stadium-sized hooks, Muse broke through with Showbiz (1999) before cementing their status through acclaimed albums such as Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Black Holes and Revelations.
While those records made them international stars, the latter half of Muse’s career has been defined by a willingness to evolve rather than repeat themselves. Beginning with The 2nd Law (2012), the band embraced electronic music, dubstep-inspired production and funk-driven bass lines, proving they were unafraid to challenge fan expectations. Its follow-up, Drones (2015), swung back toward heavier guitar rock while exploring themes of dehumanisation, modern warfare and technological control. The album became Muse’s first to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, further underlining their global appeal.
The synth-heavy Simulation Theory (2018) leaned into 1980s aesthetics, drawing inspiration from retro-futurism, video games and science fiction. Although divisive among some longtime fans, it demonstrated the band’s commitment to experimentation and was accompanied by one of the most visually spectacular live productions of their career, complete with giant inflatables, dancers and cyberpunk-inspired visuals.
In 2022, Muse returned with Will of the People, a politically charged collection that combined glam rock, metal, pop and electronic influences. The album reflected a world shaped by social unrest, misinformation and political division, while reaffirming the band’s talent for writing arena-ready anthems. It also showcased the heaviest material of their career, including the thunderous “Kill or Be Killed.”
Rather than slowing down, Muse continues to push forward with The Wow! Signal (2026). Inspired by humanity’s fascination with extraterrestrial life and the mysteries of the cosmos, the album – released today – balances cinematic storytelling with colossal riffs, orchestral arrangements and soaring melodies.
More than three decades after their formation, Muse remain one of rock’s most uncompromising arena acts. Their concerts continue to rank among the most spectacular live experiences in modern music, combining technical precision with theatrical production on a scale few bands can match. While trends have come and gone, Muse have consistently refused to stand still, choosing instead to evolve with every album while retaining the grand ambition that has always defined them.
**********
Muse: ‘The Wow! Signal’
