ABSOLUTION

"Absolution" is definately a must have for all rock fans not just progressive. I was first introduced to this band from my then-girlfriend and, although their ballads can be somewhat .. well boring sometimes, Bellamy still shines and sings his heart out on almost all the tracks on here.

An involved beginning leads into a track which lives up to it's name.. Apocalypse Now is one of the best songs on the album. This is followed by Time is Running Out.. A track which I personally can't help but dance around to. Other notable inclusions into the "Rules!!!" column are Stockholm Syndrome, Hysteria and Butterflies & Hurricanes, all of which go one step further in their rock elements to achieve their own sound setting them (IMO anyway) in a portion between Rock and Prog.

While there are some great tracks on here, some of the slower songs can get dull at times, but this by no means shows that Muse can't write a ballad. Falling Away With You has to be one of the best I have heard in a long time.

If you're into looking around for a kinda-proggy-but-not-really band then Muse's Absolution is definately my pick.