ABSOLUTION

In fact, Muse is not a progressive rock band. I consider this fantastic young trio to be a great modern rock band. I saw them live last year and was impressed deeply. They are absolutely stunning live and every rock band should envy them and take them as an example of a strong rock group. Muse plays rock of high-quality, combining 70’s rock sound with modern rock tendencies (and adding a blend of prog in some songs).

Absolution starts off by Intro, which contains only some clapping. Then it grows into Apocalypse Please (9/10), a strong song, which starts with powerful piano chords, then all that turns to keyboard interlude and then gets back. Time Is Running Out (8.5/10) is a bit of a pop song, but I like the song overall, especially Matthew’s guitar work and strong chorus. Sing For Absolution (9.5/10) is a great ballad with heartfelt vocals and a thrilling final. And then it all begins – Stockholm Syndrome (10/10) shakes from the first heavy riff, then it turns to powerful verses and beautiful piano chorus – and the songs finishes with a prog-metal riff, which reminds me of Never Enough (from Octavarium, 2005) by Dream Theater (Yeap, I think Dream Theater of nowadays stole “Muse-formula” and paste it into some of their songs, including Never Enough) :-) Falling Away With You (8/10) is a much more silent song with beautiful keyboards. Interlude is just a short break before Hysteria (10/10) – which begins with a catching bass riff, then great guitars follow, then powerful chorus, then a guitar solo… in short, this song is very energetic and really hysterical and, in fact, is my favourite track from Absolution. Blackout (7.5/10) is my least favourite song, but it contains nice guitars and symphonic atmospheres. Butterflies And Hurricanes (9.5/10), I think, is even proggy in the middle – nice riffs and keyboards (but live version was even better and a bit longer). I like Tsp (9.5/10) for its unlimited energy, though the song is quite simple. Endlessly (8/10) is just a nice mellow song with nothing special. Thoughts Of A Dying Atheist (8.5/10) is a good song with sad mood. Ruled By Secrecy (9/10) is a very appropriate ending of the album – a slow, leisured and mysterious final.

Absolution is an excellent rock album from cover to cover and one of the best Muse efforts to date. A supply of energy is guaranteed.