Average Metacritic score 75 (31 reviews):

http://www.allmusic.com

Muse
Black Holes and Revelations (Warner Bros.)
US Release date: 11 July 2006
Rating: 90

by MacKenzie Wilson

Naysayers listen up. Teignmouth, England's Muse refuse to be your "next" Radiohead. Since forming in 1997, this alternative rock trio has continuously battled comparisons to the famed Oxford group while ambitiously creating a sound of their own. U.K. fans have praised the group since the albums "Sunburn" and "Hyper Music" despite it taking Americans until Absolution to discover Muse and give them their props. Whether or not you championed the grand dramatics of Absolution, Muse is a solid band and Black Holes and Revelations defines that with a passion. Rich Costey joins Muse in the co-production of this 11-song set; together they've created the band's most realized and meticulous album to date. "Take A Bow" sets the scene immediately; a mesmerizing, full orchestrated rock sound, layered in waves of synthesizers and percussion, build up to vocalist/guitarist Matthew Bellamy's aching performance of a world torn apart by it's own instability. Frequently compared to Queen's Freddie Mercury and Thom Yorke, Bellamy has totally come into his own here. He, drummer Dominic Howard and bassist Chris Wolstenholme appear completely in sync for the first time, really. Sure, their previous work has shown promise, but they sound like a complete band on Black Holes and Revelations. Songs such as the sultry swagger of "Supermassive Black Hole" and the razor-edged paranoia of "Assassin" are good examples of how adamant Muse is in delivering the biggest rock & roll package they possibly can. Bellamy howls "You and I must fight for our rights/You and I must fight to survive" on the riotous Rush-like megalomania of "Knights of Cydonia," They've totally fought for their craft with this one. It might have taken four albums for Americans to get it, but with Black Holes and Revelations, the whole world should be watching.

uh oh. rush-like.

This album is good, but it quickly lost a spot in my top ten.

I wanted to love this. A couple of great songs but has too much filler. Not what I want from Muse.

The DVD is great.

Good album. There's nothing even remotely Rush-like about it, however. Reviewer is high, confused. Not a top-10, but solid nonetheless.

good album, but not as tight as "absolution". another 2006 disappointment.

I developed a newfound respect for them after their ear-splittingly loud and air-tight performance at ACL. I just get bored with their albums too fast.

currently riding #74 on the 2006 elephantstone hott 100.

Sounded kinda delicious first couple times through... and then lost it very quickly. Doubt it'll make my top 50.

Good sounds but some really crappy lyrics. Has a shot at my top 20 though.

This album is pretty much where they crashed and burned for me. I never noticed the lyrics being as bad on other albums as they were on this one.

last three posts: yeah

It's fun, but.

Definitely no Absolution, but solid effort from the boys. The two b-sides this album produced are worth tracking down. (Glorious & Crying Shame)