Muse – The Wow! Signal
Review: G. Rossington.
After several albums that divided opinion, The Wow! Signal feels like Muse rediscovering what made them such an exciting band in the first place. Rather than simply chasing nostalgia, they blend the theatrical ambition of their classic era with fresh ideas, creating an album that feels both familiar and surprisingly adventurous. The result is one of their strongest and most cohesive releases in years, echoing the enthusiasm shared by many critics and fans alike.
One of the standout tracks is recent single Cryogen. Yes, it nods to the guitar heroics of Origin of Symmetry, but it never feels like a lazy retread. The opening riff immediately grabs your attention before exploding into a massive chorus, with Matt Bellamy delivering one of his most energetic vocal performances in years. The song perfectly captures that unmistakable Muse balance of technical brilliance and sheer fun.
Hexagons is where the album reaches another level. It’s mysterious, progressive and beautifully atmospheric, building patiently before erupting into something enormous. The shifts in dynamics are handled brilliantly, and the song feels like classic Muse without sounding dated. It’s the kind of ambitious composition that reminds you why the band became arena legends in the first place.
The Sickness in You & I delivers one of the album’s heaviest moments. The crushing riffs and dark electronic textures create an overwhelming sense of tension, yet the melody never gets lost beneath the weight. It’s aggressive without sacrificing emotion, making it one of the most compelling tracks on the record.
Then there’s Hush, which provides a perfect emotional contrast. Ellie Goulding’s guest appearance never feels like a gimmick—instead, her voice complements Bellamy’s beautifully, adding vulnerability to a song that still packs plenty of muscle. It’s one of Muse’s most successful collaborations, balancing intimacy with the band’s trademark cinematic scale.
One detail that deserves special praise is the inclusion of the authentic 1977 Wow! Signal audio clip. Rather than using it as a novelty, Muse weave the historic recording into the album’s atmosphere, grounding its science-fiction themes in a genuine moment of astronomical mystery. It’s a subtle but inspired creative choice that adds authenticity and gives the record an extra sense of wonder, making the concept feel richer and more immersive.
Overall, The Wow! Signal is Muse at their most confident in years. It embraces everything they’ve always done best—towering riffs, cinematic production, emotional vulnerability and unapologetic ambition—while still finding room to evolve. For longtime fans, it feels like a triumphant return to form, and for newer listeners, it’s a reminder that few bands can make music this huge while still sounding uniquely themselves.
