All-Time Best Muse Songs

Matt Bellamy has an incredible vocal range that spans about 4 octaves, from bass notes up to soprano. His signature falsetto and those soaring high notes come from years of classical training and natural talent. He's often compared to Freddie Mercury for his range and operatic style. Fun fact: he can hit notes so high that sometimes even he struggles to reach them live, which is why some songs get played in lower keys during concerts.

Muse are pretty hard to pin down to just one genre, which is part of what makes them unique. They started as alternative rock but have evolved into what most people call progressive rock, with heavy influences from classical music, electronic, metal, and even dubstep. They're definitely prog rock in the sense that they experiment constantly and create concept albums, but they're way more accessible than traditional prog bands. Think of them as 'stadium prog' - progressive music that can fill arenas.

Actually, Dominic Howard has been Muse's drummer since the very beginning! The lineup has never changed - it's always been Matt Bellamy (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Wolstenholme (bass), and Dominic Howard (drums) since they formed in 1994. They're one of the rare bands that have kept the same three members for over 30 years, which probably contributes to their tight chemistry both in the studio and live.

Most fans recommend starting with either 'Absolution' (2003) or 'Black Holes and Revelations' (2006). 'Absolution' has classics like 'Time Is Running Out' and 'Hysteria' that show their heavier side, while 'Black Holes' includes 'Supermassive Black Hole' and 'Knights of Cydonia' which showcase their experimental nature. If you like more accessible rock, go with 'Black Holes.' If you prefer heavier, more intense stuff, start with 'Absolution.'

This comparison gets thrown around a lot, mainly because both bands emerged from the British alternative scene and both frontmen have distinctive, high-pitched voices. But honestly, they sound nothing alike once you really listen. Matt's voice is more operatic and powerful, while Thom's is more fragile and ethereal. Muse goes for big, bombastic stadium anthems while Radiohead is more experimental and introspective. Matt's gotten tired of the comparison over the years - he's developed his own very distinct style.

'Knights of Cydonia' is basically Matt Bellamy's love letter to spaghetti western movies and space operas all rolled into one epic song. The title refers to a region on Mars, and the whole thing is this wild sci-fi western fantasy about good versus evil. The famous 'How can we win when fools can be kings' line reflects Matt's political frustrations. The music video, with its western gunslinger theme, perfectly captures the song's cinematic vibe. It's become their biggest crowd-pleaser at live shows.

Matt used to be pretty vocal about various conspiracy theories, especially around government surveillance, corporate control, and stuff like that. Albums like 'The Resistance' and 'Drones' definitely reflect those themes. But he's toned it down a lot over the years and has said he's become less paranoid as he's gotten older, especially after becoming a father. He's clarified that he uses these themes more as artistic inspiration rather than literal beliefs. These days he focuses more on environmental and social issues.