Legendary alternative rock band Muse have announced that they will be releasing a special, 20th anniversary boxset of what is arguably their most important album, Absolution. The record, released in 2003, achieved number one on the UK album charts and also gave the band their first top ten single with “Time Is Running Out.”
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our third studio album, we’re releasing ‘Muse Absolution XX Anniversary’.
Coming November 17th, the new edition of the album features remastered audio, never-before-released live versions, demos and photos as well as a new, in-depth interview… pic.twitter.com/QXmB9Nozeq— muse (@muse) September 15, 2023
It may come as an astonishing surprise to those who grew up with Muse blaring out of their bedroom speakers, but Absolution turns twenty years old this month and the band are set to celebrate their seminal album with a massive new release. Absolution will be presented to fans as a deluxe boxset reissue that will feature a complete remastered edition of the record, plus bonus tracks and live recordings.
With Absolution, Muse were able to hit brand new heights, the likes of which the band had aspired to since their creation. Released on 15th September 2003, the album spawned four singles including “Stockholm Syndrome,” “Hysteria,” “Butterflies And Hurricanes,” and “Time Is Running Out.” The calibre of the songs, resonating with fans still to this day, also paved the ground for Muse to begin selling out arenas and included a headline slot at 2004’s Glastonbury festival.
The album was immediately praised by critics and fans alike, with most lauding the apocalyptic concept of the music and its finely polished sound credited to producer Rich Costey. Singer songwriter Matt Bellamy attributed at least part of the album’s success to the band’s conscience effort to take their time with the writing and recording process, instead of rushing it through as on previous efforts.
The album also became the first to break into the American market for the band, with the album eventually being certified gold in the United States. Importantly, the album signalled an evolution with the group that would continue to shape and define the sound that has made Muse a unique force within the genre and easily recognisable to their fans the world over.
The deluxe edition of Absolution will also feature demo recordings, photos, vinyl and CD versions and exclusive interviews with both the band and Costey. The boxset can be pre-ordered here.
Muse formed in Devon in 1994 and have maintained a consistent lineup throughout their history with Bellamy on guitar and lead vocals, Chris Wolstenholme on bass and Dominic Howard on drums. The band have won numerous awards over the nearly three decades that they have been active, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.
Muse will embark on a short run of UK and Ireland tour dates later this month. Tickets can be purchased here.
Muse UK and Ireland tour:
27/09/2023 – 3Arena – Dublin
29/09 – AO Arena – Manchester
01/10 – O2 Arena – London
02/10 – O2 Arena – London
