More about: Muse

Will of the People is heavy on doom-laden lyrics observing the chaos we find ourselves in. Yet it also finds Muse at the top of their game — and having a ball — across ten distinctive songs. Ranging from geo-political commentary to deeply personal reflections on relationships via piano ballads, synth-pop, rock anthems and even a metal track, there is something for everyone on their ninth studio album. 

First up is the title track, which owes a lot to Marilyn Manson’s ‘Beautiful People’ with its "will of the people" refrain and tribal drumming, yet differs enough for Matt Bellamy’s glam-rock riff to be the defining musical feature of a song conveying the desire for revolution with confusion over what the uprising is for. With the name of the song and lyrics such as "we’re gonna smash this nation to pieces" and "the judges are jailed and the future is ours", events such as Brexit and the White House insurrection seem likely inspiration here. 

‘Compliance’ comes next and is the most ‘Muse post-2006’ effort on the album with synth the dominant instrument and a slightly cold sheen to the song which addresses the untruths fed to people through multiple influential sources which distort our sense of compassion. The second single off the album, it’s a catchy yet slightly mechanical effort. 

‘Liberation’ adopts the mindset of the oppressed with Bellamy’s piano and falsetto vocals from the whole band creating an epic soundscape for rebellion. First single ‘Won’t Stand Down’ is an all-out rock anthem with beastly bass from Chris Wolstenholme as Bellamy sings about fighting back against an abuser. 

Virtuoso piano-playing is next on ‘Ghosts (How Can I Move On)’ as Bellamy laments lost love à l'Adele. There is a lyric about "the great reset" which also suggests as much: it clearly seems a straightforward song of lost love that it could well be about the missed opportunity created by the pandemic – always a possibility with Muse! 

Electric organ introduces ‘You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween’ as the band takes on Phantom of the Opera for a song likely to be added to Halloween playlists everywhere. The lyrics contend with the claustrophobia of an abusive relationship while, musically, this is Muse at their most garish. 

Then comes ‘Kill or Be Killed’ which begins like a Slipknot song and includes an excellent riff and guitar solo. The heaviest song the band have perhaps ever produced, the new direction is the most invigorated they have sounded since ‘Absolution’ and is a more-than-welcome experiment. You will struggle to find a better metal track all year. 

The intensity drops for ‘Verona’ – a candid love song reminiscent of The Temper Trap’s ‘Sweet Disposition’ with its sparse guitar. ‘Euphoria’ is readymade for crowd clap-alongs with Dominic Howard’s dominant rhythmic bass drum providing the beat to a fast-paced electronic song about wanting to feel something, with elements of previous Muse tracks ‘Bliss’, ‘Knights of Cydonia’ and ‘Time is Running Out’ evident. 

Will of the People closes with ‘We Are Fucking Fucked’ – the most joyous-sounding outpouring of helplessness about the impending doom of the planet. Wolstenholme’s bass is the standout of a song which could be a Biffy Clyro effort in its sound yet is unmistakeably Muse in its falsetto-heavy rock opera. 

The themes of Muse’s songs largely remain the same as ever but Will of the People showcases a band enjoying their craft and continuing to expand their musical horizons to entertaining effect. 

Will of the People arrives 26 August via Warner Music.

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More about: Muse