Eclectic rock band Muse leapt onto the musical pedestal way back in 1994, and from then on have become one of the most revered band’s playing today. Their music is eventful and diverse in its complexity, a brand of rock music many bands cannot enforce. This may be because lead singer Matt Bellamy has redefined the way we listen to modern rock, a singer-songwriter original in his output, a guitarist monumentally pushing the boundaries. And within the music there are these poignant, ground-breaking lyrics that shatter the norm and connect fluently to the masses. Throughout their tenure as front-runners, they have overshadowed their peers, and their live set is a thing of beauty.

Even before the wonder that is Black Holes and Revelations, Muse had their stint in the underground playing evocative, rich, raw rock songs which were hailed by critics and fans alike. Take songs like “Bliss” and “Plug in Baby,” which both shattered the landscape, and prompted many music fans to fall softly into a trance. They are both intense, brash, and unapologetic tracks built up in layers. Many Muse songs are like this, songs comprising technicalities and complex ideas. Intelligence is fundamental to this band, implementing a thought process clearly is their best attribute.

Writing songs with substance will be a difficult challenge even for established artists and bands. Executing a beat, a guitar riff, and poetic sensibilities will take a band to the outer limits. For Muse their catalogue has always leaned towards extravagance and the fundamentals. Good, honest wordplay and guitar trickery measured with a mix of boisterous potency has always been an instrumental part, and their musical makeup has always implemented these techniques.

One album that has benefited from true art and concise instrumentals and cutting wordplay is Black Holes and Revelations. The 2006 juggernaut placed the band upon a platform many bands only dream of. An absolute dream, the record connected to the world in such a unifying fashion. Bellamy directed the force; he spun ideas and integrated all these diverse philosophies into this record, which utilised every sinew of the band’s talents.

A massive statement, a colossal stab at magic, Black Holes And Revelations is a tour de force to many critics and rock fans. It struck a chord, showcasing a meaningful, somewhat mind-shifting storyline that had not been done before. It also spawned many singles including “Starlight” and “Nights Of Cydonia.” Both tracks conjured up talking points, and they highlighted Muse’s growth as a band. “Starlight,” in truth, was a simple track in terms of broad guitar wizardry, but it had become a go to supplement for the rock fan.” Night Of Cydonia,” however, had showcased a rock opera feel.

These tracks had become revelations in themselves. “Invincible” and “Assassin” added to the mix, both experimental and joyous but harboring dark undercurrents. Emotion and drive have always been a crucial part in Muse’s contributions, and on these two diverse tracks, the band experimented diligently. Bellamy’s vocals escalated, the drumbeats battered in, and the bass lines added tone.

Black Holes And Revelations broke ground. It has become a source of entertainment and captivating imagery. Loved by many and maybe scorned for its experimental influence and extravagance. But the band had to keep it fresh and had to propel. And with their signature sound and undying momentum, they did so.