English progressive rock band Muse released its 6th LP, The 2nd Law, on Monday.

A noble follow-up to the ultra-successful album The Resistance, The 2nd Law presents a sound as versatile and as edgy as its predecessors. With infusions from 80s music masters such as Queen, U2, Michael Jackson and David Bowie, Muse manages to make a sound that's all their own. 

The album is filled with intricately composed songs that are woven together so skillfully, it seems only natural that after a decade of epic success, the members of Muse don't shy away from claiming they’re the best band in the world.

As drummer Don Howard stated: “Someone has to be the best in the world. Why not us?” The band may well be one of the best with their expansive and innovative sound.

In “Explorers,” lead singer Matthew Bellamy croons “Free me from this world. I don’t belong here,” with the same kind of discontent Pink Floyd presented in “Comfortably Numb,” yet turns into escapism from reality.

It’s not all gloom, though. “Panic Station” is coated with enough disco booms and dubstep beats that fist pumping will be inevitable.

Finally, Muse infuses tracks like 2012 Summer Olympics anthem “Survival” with dramatic beats and mini opera choruses that would make Queen proud.

The album is jam-packed with 80s throwback sounds, overlaid by metal dub step, hair metal, disco, pop, and enough strings to suspend a bridge. All of this is engulfed by the classic Muse prog-rock sound that has made them famous.

It’s gloomy, edgy and defies all the ties of the music industry. 

Listeners will also enjoy: Passion Pit, AWOLNATION and The Black Keys

Rating: 8.5 out of 10