Muse | Black Holes and Revelations
Like their previous albums, Muse delivers an annoying techno album intersperced with beautiful melodies. And, much like their previous albums, there is just too much annoyingness to make this one a worthwhile listen.
Muse is at their best on slower, instrumentally-driven songs like “Soldier’s Poem”, “Take a Bow”, and “Invincible”. But they are at their worst on Map of the Problematique, a song that lacks both clarity and direction - just like this album.
Yet, for all the nonsense on the album, there are fine qualities as well. With a staid drumbeat and timely chromatic shifts, “Invincible” pours out emotion that was buried beneath cracked surfaces.
But “Invincible” is followed by “Assassin”, a song that must have been written by Sepultura back in 1997. Repleat with chanting devils and double bass staccato, “Assassin” further entrenches this album in a cycle of soul searching.
(Above: Sepultura file photo)
If this band would just stick to what they do best - writing powerful rock ballads - they could be something special. Instead, they remain a band with an ephemeral reputation for consistency.
Summary: Good for a mind-numbing experience, and not much more.
May 31st, 2007 at 4:19 pm
you’re entitled to your opinion but i think that muse’s use of electronic sound is amazing and i personally think that this is their best album yet, it is certainly the most entertaining to watch live.
muse have a unique sound that will be around for quite a while.
May 31st, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Thanks for the comment. In hindsight, I was probably a bit hard on this band, as their earlier stuff is pretty damn awesome. I still listen to their older tracks quite a bit, but I’m just not into the sound on “Black Holes and Revelations”. Perhaps their next album will draw me back into the fold.
July 14th, 2007 at 3:29 am
This whole album in my opinion is almost perfect. I disagree that techno sounds are annoying in there, this is their unique style that makes them have so much fans. They made many experiments in BHAR - they used trumpets in plenty of songs, in “City of Delusion” they added some flamenco feel, in Supermassive Black Hole they added distorted vocals… Every single song is unique over there and I’d say that this was one of best albums in 2006. Cheers
July 14th, 2007 at 6:21 am
Thanks for your thoughts, Kurisu!
It has become clear that I am in the minority on my opinion of this album. And to be honest, Black Holes and Revelations is growing on me…
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
sorry but um… when a band is popular because of their “rock ballads” which so many shallow fans of muse love them fore. The worst thing they can do is make an album FULL OF ROCK BALLADS… Why the fuck would i want to listen to that? I have very few bands that i like. Muse is one of them. I like them because it feels like they are different in every one of their songs.. I think you need to broaden your horizons a little bit and try listening to more than your favorite sub-genre.
btw map of the problematique and assassin are great songs… sure i dont want an album full of those songs. The reason i can put a muse cd in and listen the whole way through is because it changes.
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
oh yah… All the songs you said you like… they also rock
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Adroit!
As I mentioned in an earlier comment, this band and album have been growing on me - a sign that their songs have depth and staying power.