Since their previous and most recent breakout album "Absolution," Muse has become synonymous with being over the top and downright epic in all aspects of their music.
Not only do they produce some of the most intricately composed songs, but they are notorious for having a very involved and highly entertaining live show, which mostly consists of all kinds of solos and the kind of theatrics that we thought died in the 1980s with hair metal.
With that kind of expectation, it's hard to imagine how much pressure this British band was under while making "Black Holes and Revelations."
Fans were expecting the same kind of experience felt throughout their previous albums, including the quirky, concept-themed sci-fi-influenced lyrics that have carried on ever since the band was a goth/glam group called Rocket Baby Dolls (seriously).
Part of what makes the music so consuming has to be all the influences they draw from while making songs, which in turn keep you constantly on your toes.
The genre Muse is most easily classified with is "prog rock," but the members also draw inspiration all the way from classical to Latin music.
Perhaps the most fascinating part - and what was most surprising - is that there are only three members of this band, which makes what they've created all the more impressive.
Some might pass off this band as being made up of pretentious rock stars who stroke their ego on and offstage with outlandish "rocking out."
However, listening to even one song by the band can silence the critics by making them realize that being magnificently pretentious can still create one heck of a great record.
'Black Holes and Revelations'
3 out of 5 pitchforks
Artist: Muse
Label: Warner Bros/ Wez