Muse at Spring 2006

"In an MTV interview, Matthew Bellamy said that he wants the next Muse album to be more "upbeat". While Absolution and Origin of Symmetry were characterized by lyrics with a dramatic melancholy and apocalyptic feel, on the next album Bellamy is looking to "draw on things like optimism and hope". The intention is to expose this side of the band's music, and the strength which carried the bandmembers through the difficult times following the death of Dominic Howard's father. Matt said to MTV, "[Depression] is the beginner's emotion. I find it more of a challenge to explore different sides of your personality apart from just the downside." He is also trying to channel his emotion into writing new songs with a positive vibe, looking to "draw on things like optimism and hope." However, this may or may not happen as Matt explains. "It's much easier to write dark songs than uplifting ones, or it is for me. I've always had periods of my life where I've felt optimistic, but I haven't been able to express that in music without sounding cheesy.

A DVD biography called Manic Depression was released in April 2005, but the band wasn't involved with the project and did not endorse the release. Another DVD was released on December 12, 2005 'Absolution Tour', containing re-edited and re-mastered highlights from the Glastonbury Festival 2004, and previously unseen footage from London Earls Court, Wembley Arena and the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles.

As of January 2006, the band are recording with Rich Costey at a studio in New York. According to managers of "Studio Miraval" - South of France, the band recorded there from August to October. They left 20 October and continued their sessions in New York.

Muse, by various accounts, have about 25 songs for potential inclusion - a probable number as the band are writing new tunes in the studio during recording sessions. Some of these will probably be scrapped, while between eleven and thirteen songs will appear on the album, and forthcoming singles will feature more original B-sides than the Absolution singles. Crazybobbles have created a summary of all the possibilities and uncertainties surrounding the forthcoming Muse Album album.

Muse revealed 2006 in a Christmas message to fans: "The album and tour are expected in spring 2006." The follow-up to 'Absolution' will be followed by a tour, the group also revealed. "Thanks for the amazing support over the last year," they said on their official website. "We are really looking forward to the next one, with a new album and touring expected in spring. Have a great time wherever you are." The band have informed their record company that they would like to release the new album in May 2006; it appeared as a pre-order item on HMV's online store due for release next May."

This is what the vision of the album could be based on the evidence:
NAME: Cryptology
PRODUCER: Rich Costey
CURRENT TRACKS: DES, A Crying Shame, Pee Candle (no arguments please), New Song IV, Dracula Mountain (the Lightning Bolt cover), Debase Mason's Song

Sources: NME, Q magazine, Muse Rock, Micro Cuts

Led (can’t wait)