Muse announced the release of new material when details for their comeback single were teased earlier in the month. The group’s new single “Won’t Stand Down” was released on 13th January to great critical acclaim. Frontman Matt Bellamy has described the track’s meaning, “Won’t Stand Down’ is a song about standing your ground against bullies, whether that be on the playground, at work or anywhere. Protecting yourself from coercion and sociopathic manipulation and to face adversity with strength, confidence and aggression.” The group took to Instagram to announce the single’s release.
The new track has sent ripples of excitement throughout their fan base and sees the trio take on a different sound than previously heard. “Won’t Stand Down” sees the group return to their much heavier roots whilst introducing elements from the industrial genre. The group’s new single serves as an anti-bullying anthem and utilises meaningful lyrics to cement its message. The British rockers’ back catalogue is full of powerful soundscapes, and the group’s newest single is no different despite the heavier approach heard.
The new single was produced by the group and mixed by Dan Lancaster and is the first taste of the band’s new material since their 2018 album Simulation Theory. The track has been taken from the group’s untitled ninth studio album, details concerning the new album are yet to be announced. The single was teased through social media before its release, on Christmas day 2021 Bellamy presented a short clip within an Instagram live, the official announcement of the single’s release was made on 7th January 2022.
The new release was also accompanied by a beautiful music video, featuring “a fragile, mysterious figure that siphons the collective energy of a dark army to transmute into an augmented being”. The track’s themes and message are interpreted through the music video’s dark imagery and poignant visuals. The single’s video was directed by award-winning filmmaker Jared Hogan and was shot in Ukraine.
Muse have remained a staple of rock music since their initial releases in the late ’90s and early ’00s, the group became known for their use of experimental techniques and progressive sound. The Devon formed trio receive praise for their use of influences taken from various genres of music, often incorporating unusual instrumentation with traditional instruments. Unsurprisingly the group have sired many accolades throughout their long career, having won two Grammy awards for their albums The Resistance and Drones.
Last September it was confirmed that Muse would be playing this year’s Isle of Wight Festival. The festival is set to return this year with its normal time slot in June, and Muses’ appearance will be the group’s first UK live show in three years. The band are also scheduled to play at various European festivals this year, including Germany’s Rock am Ring and Rock Im Park, Tempelhof Sounds and the Spanish event Mad Cool Festival.
Click here to download/stream “Won’t Stand Down“.
