Muse and Producer Rich Costey recorded the album "Absolution
" through 2002. On September 21st, 2003 UK (March 23rd 2004 in U.S.) the album was released.
Using inspiration from, but not limited to, the war on Iraq, the album touches on emotions of personal achievement, fear, mistrust, and joy. These lyrics continue to show Bellamy's superb writing style. Combined with way the music relates to what is being said, this proves to be a very powerful tactic.
Bellamy said that the Album Art for the album was inspired by the idea of being left behind in the world. Such as a judgment day or Revelation as said in the Bible. The art shows one man being left behind on the ground, as there are shadows of people around him being carried away, as they are "chosen".
This was the Second Muse album I was introduced to, and once again it blew me away. Starting off with the epic Apocalypse Please the album takes off from there and shows no remorse for the destruction of half-assery. The only song on the album that is even remotely substandard is the last track, "Ruled by Secrecy". When I say "substandard" I mean it is about %.001 away from being as good as the others.
Overall the whole album just brings quality, quality, and a little bit more quality. Although it may take a few listens to get into (like almost every exceptional album on the planet) once you get in, you can't take yourself out of the Muse trance. Well, at least not for a good 150 listens or so.
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