ABSOLUTION

I have been listening to Muse ever since the release of Origin of Symmetry, however, Absolution was the first Muse album I fully listened to and also the album that got me Hooked up on their music. This is my first review of the album, I have listened to it countless times.

Absolution for many is Muse's breakthrough album, featuring a concept-like feeling with innovative themes revolving around the end of the world, politics and love. The album is distributed in 11 songs with 2 interludes, the Japanese version features the bonus track Fury and the album featured various singles which featured music videos.

1.Intro The first track of Absolution is a segment of marching steps, increasing dynamically as if an army was increasing in number and getting nearer to the listener. There is a small voice segment, similar to Hitler's voice, yelling the infamous Hail speech. The track is the intro to the theme of the whole album and prepares the listener for the upcoming tracks.

2. Apocalypse Please The marching is covered by drums, the music increases progressively into forming an atmosphere, this is well done by the chords Matt Bellamy uses along with the rhythm of Dominic's drum tempo. The lyrics are rather mellow, and they go from low registers to increasingly falsetto cries. Matt Bellamy's theme in the lyrics is The end of the world! this is it! The lyrics depict politicians betrayal to society and involves religious and social themes. This song is very well remarked for the guitar/bass interludes between verses. The bass is distorted and uses technical progressions to create an electric effect. The song slows down near the end a bit, with intense piano chords. a 5 out of 5.

3. Time is Running Out Probably the best known track of the album. Let's start with the bass, Chris Wolstenholme uses a lot of distortion in this song, the bass line is the shining star int his song, very catchy with a touch of blues, the bass line is a must for any muse fan to learn. Then there is the guitars, the small solos and effects change quite a lot in this song, from marimba effects to reverb solos. The percussion is rather simple but some very good use of the tom drums and crash symbols, if you notice, they change from chorus to chorus, in addition to that, there is a snap effect in the bridges. The lyrics are all politically-oriented, Bellamy expresses his determination for not giving up even when time is running out and the earth is on the verge of destruction. Bellamy's most notable part in this song is his ascending vocals to his high register, going from his normal register to high falsetto. Incredible song, yet a bit overplayed, a 5/5

4.Sing for Absolution Probably one of the most underrated Muse songs of all time, this is a masterpiece in experimental piano music. Let's start with the theme: Love. This is a love song in all regards, a very gloomy song by the way, Bellamy uses a the full power of his mellow-tone voice to express the feelings of the character. This is all well supported by the Piano and bass chords, that progress into the song, forming a type of Progressive ballad. However, the percussion used here is very simple, the rhythms don't change much. The most amazing thing of this song is the value of the 3-front band, there are so many effects on bass, piano and guitar that is kind of hard to believe only 3 people play this song; Bellamy changes from piano to guitar between verse and bridges, and uses a bunch of space-like effects on the solo. a 5/5.

5. Stockholm Syndrome The tone of the album changes quite a bit, this is muse using more progressive techniques. The chords are simple, yet they are arranged in a very powerful way. The combination of guitar bass and drums works splendid to create the effect of musical madness. The lyrical content is very heavy and features a nice back-up by bassist Chris Wolstenholme. The song features a nice use of synths during the chorus, (done by Bellamy as well). A full set of effects is the highlight of the song, is kind ahard to believe how many effects they can use and effectively as well. 5/5

5. Falling Away with You An acoustic song by Bellamy and co. Falling Away with you is the most personal song by vocalist Matt Bellamy, it has NEVER been performed live due to the personal effect of the song. It is a tragic love song, the amazing thing of this song is how the instrumentation comes together to form a sense of personal tragedy. Theme and concept makes this song very proggy as well as the chord progressions by bass and synths. 4/5

6. Interlude An effect interlude, that's it....it intros the song Hysteria

7. Hysteria Also Known as Distorted Bass Masterpiece.Hysteria is one of Muse's best, everything about this song, from the bass line to the guitar makes it truly a standout. Chris Wolstenholme is simply amazing creating this one-of-a-kind progressive bass line, this song truly reveals some of Muse's influences: Rush. Bellamy's solos are incredible as well, taking full advantage of the Mason's effects (Mason is the brand of guitar Bellamy uses) The theme of this song, well, simple: Sex. The song revolves around the struggles of someone lustful and greedy. What else can one say about this song? Not much really, you have to listen for yourself to understand the song. 5/5

8. Blackout Turn the lights out, it is Blackout. One of Muse's more classically-inclined songs. It uses a string orchestra and acoustic guitar, the songs' theme is that of Love in the Modern Age Musically speaking, it is a ballad-like song, very jazzy, very classical, very mellow....it is a pleasure to listen, specially at night, it is one of those songs that make you feel relaxed. The chords used is one of the reasons, and slow beats...around 80 bpm. 4/5

9. Butterflies and Hurricanes Behold, this is a progressive-classical masterpiece by Muse. First, the theme: War, determination, confidence and the end of the world. Second: Bellamy's lyrics, they are simply incredible, full of dynamic changes that build-up and break down. Third: The musical value of this number, from the back-up vocals to the string quintet used, the song simply uses the full value of the instrumentation which includes: A violin, viola, bass, piano, chello, guita, and synths. Fourth: The Piano solo..........simply AMAZING! listening to it, once can hear Bellamy's classical influences, a fully beautiful fast classical solo with string accompaniment. IT is a MUST for any pianist. And finally, well, the song is simply a work of art which makes it my pick as best song of the album.

10. The Small Print A Fast moving song! The mood changes once again with this religiously-themed song. Progressing chords and minor rhythm changes make this tune a heavy one....very heavy actually...Musically speaking it is a standard song with progressive tendencies. 4/5

11. Endlessly Back to the mellow-side of music. An awkward percussion intro starts this Piano melody. The sons is an experimental prog tune which incorporates Synthesized Piano with a handful of effects. If you listen closely you can pick out the various effects the song uses. Chris Wolstenholme plays the maracas in the first couple of bars of the song then changes to bass in the final minute. A String quintet also provides some nice chords. The theme is very depressive however, it relates to the lost of someone loved. Overall a nice tune with many experimental techniques.

12. Thoughts of A Dying Atheist The song can be characterized by its nice use of Prog-related chords. The theme and concept is that of the fear of death, the story revolves as our character faces the end of his life; where he feels uncertain of his future. A nice tune that provides an arrangement of Vocals, Rhythms, Bass and Guitars.

13. Ruled By Secrecy Based on a book by Jim Maars ( A Book based on conspiracy theories) Ruled By Secrecy is a piano tune filled with the well-known minor chords of Bellamy. A very slow song, but with a very nice piano part....where Bellamy shines as a piano virtuoso, worth listening to the very powerful small Piano solo that features some chord progressions.

Overall the album is very well made, If there is one Essential album to pick from Muse's collection, Absolution is a must. A Very nice mix of experimental-progressive rock, each song has somehthing in common yet differs in many ways. The theme is the key, I do believe this is a concept album in its own, the way the album flows is phonomenal. Truly a work of art! If you have not listened to Muse yet, get yourself a copy of Absolution or tell a friend to burn one for you is a nice way to start in Muse's discography.

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