REVIEW: Muse – The 2nd Law

   13 years after their first album, Showbiz, and Muse have just dropped their eagerly anticipated 6^th studio album.

   It has definitely been a long journey for the Devonshire rock band, who have been recording for almost a year. Following the slight over-ambitiousness of The Resistance, which failed to meet expectations due to its seeming over experimentation, it seemed the trio would have their work cut out to produce something new and exciting, but still most importantly them. Although, it seems they’ve succeeded in conquering any fears of producing a low-achieving album.

   After the arguably disappointing release of the Olympic song Survival, which disappointed many fans, expectations of the new album were waning. However, after many teasers which seemed to include dubstep-esque guitar effects, Muse have certainly created a masterpiece which reflects both their growth as a band and their ability to keep with the times.

   Opening track, Supremacy, has echoes of previous albums, embodying the core of what Muse are about. Following tracks, however, especially Madness and Follow Me, clearly show the band’s new direction, so to speak, with a more modern edge which sets the album up for inevitable greatness.

   The most surprising tracks, however, disregarding the final two, are Save Me and Liquid State, which feature lead vocals from bassist, Chris Wolstenholme. Not only do these tracks offer variation from Matt Bellamy’s cutting vocals to the more mellow tones of Wolstenholme, but also re-affirm that this band is made purely of talent.

   The album closes with two very dubstep based tracks, which can only be listened to in one way: loudly. They successfully capture the energy of the album overall, bringing it firmly into 2012.