Asymmetry [Import]

1. Prayer

2. Japanese Title

3. Japanese Title

4. Japanese Title

5. Gray Ocean

6. Japanese Title

7. Japanese Title

8. Bewhere

Asymmetry,Taia,3d,Japanese,World Music

Average customer rating: Muse is Amazing a good rock album Their big sound now upon the US Mesmerizing Not Muse's best work

Origin of Symmetry Muse Manufacturer: Maverick ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Showbiz Absolution Black Holes and Revelations Black Holes & Revelations (Limited Edition CD+DVD) Hullabaloo Soundtrack ASIN: B000AMPZF8 Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

1. New Born
2. Bliss
3. Space Dementia
4. Hyper Music
5. Plug in Baby
6. Citizen Erased
7. Micro Cuts
8. Screenager
9. Dark Shines
10. Feeling Good
11. Megalomania

Amazon.com

Pomposity, bombast, pretension and prog-rock: they're four crimes that blight the landscape of modern music and Origin Of Symmetry--the second record by Teignmouth, U.K. angst-rockers Muse--is guilty of every single one. But the truly astonishing thing about this record is the way it twists every one of these cardinal musical sins into spectacularly silly and starkly individual strengths. Where their debut album Showbiz was rightly dismissed as little more than Radiohead-lite, here Muse sound defiantly like their own band: on "New Born", they're torn somewhere between the purity of front man Matt Bellamy's angelic vocal tones and the corruption of a huge, dirty, distorted bass riff that electrifies the sound into crackling life; on the fraught, operatic "Bliss", they sound like an unholy--but very welcome--cross between synth-heavy Krautrock legends Tangerine Dream and youthful choirboy angst-peddlers JJ72; and even a wonderfully dippy take on the Nina Simone-popularised jazz standard "Feeling Good" is carried off with the requisite deadpan countenance. Bellamy's impassioned voice, in particular, is on spectacular form, soaring skywards until it cracks into a beautiful falsetto reminiscent of Jeff Buckley's greatest vocal moments. So gloriously overblown, it deserves to be huge--Origin Of Symmetry is a fascinating, flamboyant and satisfyingly individual album. --Louis Pattison

Album Description

After 2004's U.S. breakthrough success for U.K. favorite Muse, the band's second album, 2001's Origin of Symmetry, finally earns its stateside release. Last yeasr's Absolution and major performances across the country won legions of American fans for the band that was the prestigious closing act at London's V2004 Festival. Now these new fans can experience an earlier Muse with Origin of Symmetry.

Customer Reviews:

Muse is Amazing.......2007-06-27

If you're unfamiliar with Muse, pick up their most recent album, Black Holes and Revelations. If you already own that one, then this is a great album to continue your collection with.

a good rock album.......2007-06-06

this cd is good all the way through. if you think you like muse at all THIS IS THE ALBUM TO OWN! rocks the whole time. other albums of theirs can become, slow, monotonous and even boring at times, but this one keeps right on moving. A good mix of their early basic rock sound, and the digital side they were getting ready to bloom into.

Their big sound now upon the US.......2007-05-27

This record will never get old. I think that the best of their musical catalog is right here. Bliss, Hyper Music, Plug-in Baby, Citizen Erased, Micro-Cuts...Ahh, never fails to please. Im sure you die hard fans already have, but check out Hullabaloo if only for Hypochondriac Music. It is a chillingly good track.

Mesmerizing.......2007-05-22

Muse's second album is an adventure in style and sound, from the tinkling piano introduction of "Bliss," to the rocking and rollicking "Plug In Baby," to the jazzy, lilting "Feeling Good." Joining Freddie Mercury, Matthew Bellamy has quickly become one of my favorite musical geniuses.

I have experienced Muse's four albums in a somewhat reverse order (3,4,2,1), which makes me curious how my perceptions might have been different had I gotten to know them chronologically. I highly recommend all of their albums.

Not Muse's best work.......2007-04-10

This CD is an obvious beginner for Muse. A few songs are ok, but overall, get their newer stuff. Especially if you are new to Muse. Took a risk on this one and it didn't pay off. Some may like it, but again, personal preferrence.

Average customer rating: where did these guys come from? Great Stuff A solid debut... Good but could be better Impressive debut if not completely original.

Symmetric in Design Scar Symmetry Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pitch Black Progress Under Reprisal Since the Day It All Came Down Passenger Eclipse ASIN: B000AA4LP0 Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

1. Chaosweaver
2. 2012 -- The Demise of the 5th Sun
3. Dominion
4. Underneath the Surface
5. Reborn
6. Veil of Illusions
7. Obscure Alliance
8. Hybrid Cult
9. Orchestrate the Infinite
10. Detach from the Outcome
11. Seeds of Rebellion
12. Eleventh Sphere

Customer Reviews:

where did these guys come from?.......2006-11-17

this is a superb first effort from Scar Symmetry. Jonas Kjellgren, who was the vocal powerhouse in Carnal Forge, now showcases his guitar skills. this band would be a welcome addition to your collection if you have Soilwork and Fragments of Unbecoming in your collection or if you are a metalhead.

Great Stuff .......2006-08-06

Just found out about this band from a friend I heard the song REBORN, and was blown away. As a huge fan of the melodic Deth, I was hooked to this band right away. The Heavy riffs, fast drumming, and vocals are really easy to get into. Both clean and Growling vocals on this album are awesome!!! I could go on and on about how much I love this band, but I'll tell you that if you love metal, then this CD is for you.

A solid debut..........2006-07-25

I first heard and listened to SS with their second album Pitch Black Progress (which rocks). I like their newer stuff so much that I bought this one. It is a solid debut, but unless you love their second album, you probably won't like this one a whole lot. The vocals are a little too unpolished for me (both the clean and growls). Musically, this album does showcase the enormous progressive metal potential they have. All in all I think they are a great band to support, and look forward to their 3rd album.

Good but could be better.......2006-07-19

It seems everyone compares SCAR to SOILWORK. SOIL was great at Natural born chaos, everything after that sucked. SCAR seems to have gone in a better path of where SOIL tried to go. This album to me has 5 good songs: 1,2,3,5,7. The rest of the album seems to be filled with FILLERS, just something to give them a complete album. I recommend only if you are in the need for a band that has over shadowed the NEW soilwork. My opinion is that SCAR has a better sound and playing ability than the new soilwork, so there is no comparison between the two.

Impressive debut if not completely original........2006-05-21

Well, what have we here? Scar Symmetry is made of members from various other entities including Theory in Practice and Carnal Forge. Before I had a listen to this, their debut album "Symmetric in Design", I'd read a few positive reviews about it, but I didn't really know what to expect. What it's turned out to be is very much in the vein of Soilwork, but with much more of a technical death metal side to it.

For anyone wanting to give the album a listen, I urge you to listen to more than the first 20 seconds before making up your mind, as the first moments sound something like Iron Maiden. It's a strange opening, since the rest of the album doesn't sound anything like it. Soon enough we are dished out some seriously shredding technical guitar work, awesome powerful drumming and fantastically brutal guttural vocals.

But this really does sound like Soilwork, including having clean vocals mixed with screaming and shouting vocals. The only thing that makes it sound any different at all is the added keyboards and extra technicality due to some very impressive guitar wizardry. So should Scar Symmetry be written off as a clone? Normally I'd say yes, but I have found "Symmetric in Design" to be far more enjoyable than anything Soilwork have put out in a long time. Check out track 2 ("2012 - The Demise of the 5th Sun"), to see how tight and brutal these guys are. The little sci-fi keyboard additions add depth to the album without ever taking centre stage. The death vocals are some of the best I've heard in a while, the solos are fantastic and the drummer is like a machine.

Unfortunately, the album does lull around track 6 or 7, losing a bit of steam, but overall I'm very impressed with "Symmetric in Design". If they didn't sound so blatantly like Soilwork, I'd give them a really high score, but I can't ignore it so I'm going to go for a very solid 4. Maybe with the next album, they can get their own sound and create something truly breathtaking, as the talent and enthusiasm is abundant within the ranks. Impressive debut!

Average customer rating: Metal/Death/Power/Thrash etc= WOW! Finally a melodeath band with great growling and clean vocals Neither 5 stars nor the word best can describe this album it will not dissapoint um

Pitch Black Progress Scar Symmetry Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Symmetric in Design Under Reprisal Above the Weeping World Fiction Scattering of Ashes ASIN: B000F1HGVU Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

1. The Illustionist
2. Slaves To The Subliminal
3. Mind Machine
4. Pitch Black Progress
5. Calculate The Apocalypse
6. Dreaming 24/7
7. Abstracted
8. The Kaleidoscopic God
9. Retaliator
10. Oscillation Point
11. The Path Of Least Resistance
12. Carved In Stone
13. Deviate From The Form

Customer Reviews:

Metal/Death/Power/Thrash etc= WOW!.......2007-03-31

This CD Rocks! from beginning to end. I just found out about this band per chance reading reviews of CD's. I have been into Mercenary, Nevermore, Opeth, Dream Theater for awhile, this band is right there with them. Who says that Metal is dead? Some of my favorite tracks are the following: The Illusionist, Mind Machine, Dreaming 24/7, Carved Stone..just to name a few. I used to hate growling vox, but since Opeth has opened my mind to it as long as the music kix butt...then I always give it a chance...well this CD is definetly worth giving a chance if you love METAL!!

Finally a melodeath band with great growling and clean vocals.......2007-03-30

Scar symmetry's latest masterpiece entitled Pitch Black Progress is a fusion of soaring guitars flesh searing drums, wonderful death growls and clean vocals awesome guitar solos and truly outstanding keyboards if you don't like this something must be wrong with you this album has anything a true fan of melodic death metal and metal would want to end it buy this album you wont be
disappointed one last thought to resist is to not exist .

Neither 5 stars nor the word best can describe this album.......2007-03-13

Where are these guys from? This music is unbelievably GREAT. The musicianship shown on this record is top-notch.
I previously saw the promotion banner on myspace that says this music is for fans of In Flames and Soilwork. And that's not totally correct. I think Scar Symmetry is WAY better than the present In Flames and Soilwork.
Strongest vocal and growl and flying solos make this album undefeatable.
Highly Highly Recommended.

it will not dissapoint.......2007-02-12

this is easily one of the best metal CD's ever released. i swear, i get goosebumps from it on every song. i was a huge fan of their debut album symmetric in design, i found their lyrics to be thought provoking and their drum and guitar work to be a template for how metal should be made. since hearing their two albums i measure other bands up against them. easily one of the best metal bands to emerge out of swissmissland. the kaleidoscopic god will leave you slack jawed in awe and with the hair on the back of your neck standing up. the vocals are incredible, transitioning from a gutteral growl to one of the most melodic voices ive ever heard. the guitar and drum work is stunning and fresh. yes, i hear a lot of influence from other bands such as soilwork and dreamtheater, but only in the way of this is what soilwork and dreamtheater wish they sounded like. an amazing album from start to finish. GET IT!!!!

um.......2007-02-02

looking at some reviewers on here makes me quiver in fear this cd ain't that good.

Average customer rating: A True Landmark in the History of Prog Metal A Major Letdown Don't listen to Bozo Pedroza my favorite Fates Warning album What Happened?!

Perfect Symmetry Fates Warning Manufacturer: Metal Blade ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Parallels No Exit Pleasant Shade of Gray Inside Out FWX ASIN: B000001C78 Release Date: 1994-04-26

Tracks:

1. Part Of The Machine
2. Through Different Eyes
3. Static Acts
4. A World Apart
5. At Fate's Hands
6. The Arena
7. Chasing Time
8. Nothing Left To Say

Customer Reviews:

A True Landmark in the History of Prog Metal.......2005-02-22

Fates Warning's Perfect Symmetry is a truly historic and genre-defining recording in progressive metal. Up until the late 80's, a term as "progressive metal" didn't even exist. It could be easily argued that Perfect Symmetry and Voivod's Nothingface, both released in 1989, are the first albums that marked the birth of really heavy, crushing metal elements blended with progressive music. This is different from any Rush, King Crimson or Yes inspired band. This is METAL with serious progressive overtones. Many people who listen to Perfect Symmetry today may find it a tad flat and uninspiring, but I challenge those people to go back to the year 1989 and find equally genre-busting, original, creative, forward-going releases. From a historical context, Perfect Symmetry ranks right on top of the list as one of the most influential albums ever.

This is drum god Mark Zonder's debut with the band too. Listening to Zonder's drumming is a true delight. I don't think I've been amazed of this magnitude by anyone else's drumming; Mark Zonder gives Fates Warning a new edge, makes them a better, more challenging act with tons of chops and transparency. Whilst this is merely his first album with the band, he works the drums with blistering power and accuracy, adding various odd-metered rhythms. Founding member Jim Matheos and Frank Aresti are still deeply rooted in a metal territory but their songwriting has moved towards a more cohesive style. Frank Aresti continues to integrate his impeccable skill into the songs as Matheos experiments with melody and harmony. Vocalist Ray Alder sings in a more disciplined manner; rather than screaming every verse, he's creating gripping melodies and delivering haunting lyrics. He's not as effective in the music as he's on the band's 90's albums, but he's certainly getting there. DiBiase on bass is less prominent than, say Awaken the Guardian, but then he is more of a straightforward bass guy whose style would better fit the John Arch-era. Still, he's there 100% with subtle rhythms and bass grooves. Guesting on the album is ex-Dream Theater keyboardist Kevin Moore. Many think that Moore only played on Fates Warning's 1997 and 2000 releases, which is true to a certain extent. Kevin was a key member on A Pleasant Shade of Gray and Disconnected as he played practically on every song, but his real debut with Fates Warning is Perfect Symmetry, the track "At Fate's Hands". This is one of the longest songs on the album beginning with a forlorn violin piece alongside Moore's distinctive piano melody. As Zonder plays with his cymbals, Kevin creates a creepy atmosphere which serves as a backdrop to the lengthy instrumental passage interwoven by Matheos and Aresti's celestial lead guitar melodies.

The songs are pretty nicely evened out. There are compact metal songs such as "The Arena" and "A World Apart". Mainly composed by Frank Aresti, the latter begins with dark and brooding acoustic guitars (which Aresti is great playing at) and introduces an unexpected odd-time polyrhythm by Mark Zonder before it delves into a dexterous and melodic guitar solo with lots of tapping sweeps. This is, in my opinion, one of the best solos on the album. "Part of the Machine" and "Static Acts" are penned by Matheos and Aresti respectively. Both guitarists play melodically strong solos that descend over Ray Alder's lyrics. Alder particularly sounds great on "Static Acts" signalling the fact that he will be a defining element on the band's future releases.

"Through Different Eyes" and "Chasing Time" are the album's ballads. Matheos comes up with a somewhat bluesy guitar line in the intro of "Through Different Eyes", which is enhanced by piercing screams from Ray Alder, and later a breathtaking guitar duel between the two axemen. I've always believed the style explored on this song is further developed on the band's subsequent release, Parallels. "Chasing Time" offers more violin and string instruments with emotional singing from Ray Alder. The progressive climax of the album, however, is the last song "Nothing Left to Say". At nearly 8 minutes, the song finds the band in their most extreme and experimental prog metal phase. Plenty of solos abound the compositions with polyrhythmic drum attacks, dense rhythm and lead guitars, and complex time signatures. Matheos' lyrics once again are only a small taste of what's yet to come.

The only setback of Perfect Symmetry is its production. Roger Probert is obviously more of a traditional Heavy Metal producer as he doesn't seem to have much of an impact on the band's stylistic direction. Some of the arrangements are weak and the stereo mixing is flat. There's little separation of the instruments or the vocals. However, this minor problem is overcome on the later albums as the band matches up with renown producer Terry Brown. This is a very key album in the evolution of progressive metal and essential to anyone who is interested in finding out the roots of this ever-changing genre. I also usually recommend this for starters, after Parallels, of course.

A Major Letdown.......2005-01-20

I had always heard that this was the best and most definitive of Fates Warning's sound. I was so excited when I ordered it from Amazon; I put it in and was disappointed. Many of the tracks were very poor and Ray Adler's voice was just a scream for the majority of the time. "Through Different Eyes" is good though, and except for the instrumental beginning, "Nothing Left to Say" is one of the best songs that Fates Warning had ever done. The rest of the songs aren't that good to begin with, but the production does not help. It is very weak and dated, and the guitars don't hit as hard as they should. Also, although Mark Zonder would become a metal drumming legend, it is hard to pick up on this album, maybe because he does nothing spectacular, but maybe because it is nearly impossible to hear him. Fortunately I gave the band another chance with "FWX" and have discovered that Fates Warning is really good. I guess that hardcore fans of the band will enjoy this, but to someone looking to get into Fates Warning, I would instead recommend "Parallels."

Don't listen to Bozo Pedroza.......2004-03-02

This is a great cd. Part of the Machine is fantastic-intricate drum and guitar interplay. Alder sings great throughout, namely
A World Apart. Kevin Moore does some great keyboard work. Matheos and Artesti are awesome. Thank goodness these guys filled the void that was left by some dissapointing work from the Gods of prog metal Rush. I would listen to this cd anytime instead of Counterparts and Test For Integrity.

my favorite Fates Warning album.......2003-05-19

Ok this album has some strange stuff, but I can listen to it over and over and find something new and interesting each time. At Fates Hands, Nothing Left to Say and Chasing Time are mind blowing. Definately not for pop music fans. No hooks here..

What Happened?!.......2003-03-15

If you like No Exit you probably won't like this sad collection of songs. This is by far the most disappointing album I've EVER purchased. This is NOT hard rock. I'm currently using it for a coaster. No Exit is by far their best. If you really want to rock, buy it instead!

Average customer rating: One of Feldman's late masterpieces...a must-have! Too Interesting to be Ambient Feldman at his best

Feldman: Crippled Symmetry Manufacturer: Bridge ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Feldman | Feldman, Morton | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Morton Feldman: Rothko Chapel; Why Patterns? Morton Feldman: Piano and String Quartet / Aki Takahashi, Kronos Quartet Morton Feldman: For Samuel Beckett Morton Feldman: Triadic Memories Feldman: String Quartet (1979) ASIN: B00000K38E Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Region 1
2. Region 2
3. Region 3
4. Region 1
5. Region 2
6. Region 3

Customer Reviews:

One of Feldman's late masterpieces...a must-have! .......2006-06-01

In the last decade of his life, Morton Feldman began composing longer and longer works. His increased fame by that time gave him the opportunity to explore extended compositions without there being much resistence from players or listeners alike (although his good friend John Cage once asked "Why does it have to be so long?") This composition, as with all of his late masterpieces, explores it's own sound world with continual interest and beauty, and leads one to think that the composition could have been much longer...so profound are the ramifications of the sounds Feldman projects into time. The instrumental trio combination of flute (with the performer doubling on the rare, haunting and beautiful bass flute), glockenspiel/vibraphone and piano/celesta, has a sublime purity that Feldman found endlessly interesting. One imagines this composition to be a kind of multicolored jewel examined from all possible angles, with no end to the subtle and arresting forms found there. The performance and recording of this masterwork are top-notch, bringing out the wonder and beauty of Feldman's conception. Bridge Records is also to be commended for offering this work on a 2-disc set for the price of one disc. It's a rare record company today that is willing to lose some of their profit margin (and let's face it, the "profit" on a contemporary classical CD is pretty slim at best) in order to bring more listeners to the music. (No doubt if they'd priced this release as a 2-disc set it would have found far fewer listeners willing to part with the money because the work runs 10 minutes over the playing length of a compact disc).

Too Interesting to be Ambient.......2002-08-13

The music of Morton Feldman does not seem to call out measured responses from listeners. Either you love it or you find it devoid of interest. I think that Feldman is the musical equivalent of his friend Marc Rothko. He strips his language down to the bare essentials in ordered to challenge the listener to hear music in a new way.

Crippled Symmetry is based on a similar ensemble that Feldman used for Why Patterns?; flute, percussion and piano/celeste. The work begins rather densely, at least in this performance. But as the music unfolds the material becomes more bare. In some ways the entire work sounds like the gradual relaxing of the tensions created in the opening. By the last minutes of the piece, the ensemble is reduced to nearly inaudible sounds of incredibly sustained legnth. Due to the reduced material, any variation in rhythm, tone or texture becomes charged with meaning. His work resembles a crystal held up to the light. It seems unvaried in structure and yet when examined explodes with subtle shifts in pattern.

The performance on this disc is very good. Feldman's music is extremely difficult to play. Dynamics must be extremely soft and well controlled, chords must be voiced carefully. The least little mistake in voicing can jar the listener out of the state that Feldman is aiming for. And the slowness of the tempi is monumentally difficult to sustain. Given that so much of Feldman's music is created from subtle points of music rather than traditional melodic line, performance demands extremes of concentration from the musicians. The California EAR unit does a remarkable job of sustining this piece over it's nearly 90 minutes. There is one other recording of this work in the catalogue, but I have not heard it yet. More than with most composers, Feldman rewards multiple versions of his pieces, so comparison would be interesting.

Fledman's musical world can be daunting. If you are looking for minimalism, ala Part or Goreck, you won't find that here. Listen to Rothko Chapel instead. That's a lovely work and one that should appeal to the mainstream listener. But if you want to stretch your ears and your sense of the passage of time, Crippled Symmetry is one of Feldman's best late works.

Feldman at his best.......2001-05-08

Despite what the above "rough guide" review might say, "Crippled Symmetry" is NOT an example of Feldman's style in the 1950's. The piece was composed in the 1980's just a year or two before his death and is one of his pieces that lasts quite a long time (90 minutes, almost) and exists within a very small range of dynamics (from extremely quiet to maybe mezzopiano at the most).

Over the course of listening to this I found myself getting more and more involved in listening without even realizing it at first. This is one of my favorite aspects of Feldman's music... how after maybe 10 minutes of listening you get used to his world of time and space and the slightest variation becomes a noticeable change from the seemingly static musical material.

Along with "Why Patterns?" and a few other late works, "Crippled Symmetry" is the result of years of work in composition. Just like Nono, Feldman's most powerful music was written in the last years of his life.

Highly highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Muse on this

Origin of Symmetry Muse Manufacturer: Mushroom Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0002IQL30 Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. New Born
2. Bliss
3. Space Dementia
4. Hyper Music
5. Plug in Baby
6. Citizen Erased
7. Micro Cuts
8. Screenager
9. Darkshines
10. Feeling Good
11. Megalomania

Customer Reviews:

Muse on this.......2005-02-21

While British rock band Muse are big in the UK, the US is only just starting to get acquainted with these original, entrancing musicians. And their second album, "Origin of Symmetry," they accomplish the almost impossible -- every song is epic and thrilling.

The first two songs open with delicate rippling piano intros that suddenly blossom into rock riffs. Feedback kicks off into sizzling basslines and riffs in "Plug In Baby" and "Citizen Erased," while wind chimes and an acoustic melody are at the heart of "Screenager." "Hyper Music" is the only dud. It's a discordant clatter that becomes a discordant rock song -- nuff zed.

But as good as most of the album is, Muse save the best for absolute last. The penultimate song "Feeling Good" is perhaps the best -- fuzzy chopsticks start the song, followed by a stretch of epic rock and soaring vocals. The finale is no less entrancing, a slowly stately wave of sound that slowly transitions into an equally rich rock song.

Americans really got to know Muse through their latest album, "Absolution." But it's not the only album they have done, nor is it the best. "Origin of Symmetry" may well take that honor, or at least tie with their debut "Showbiz." Relatively few people know about these earlier albums, or about the rich apocalyptic quality of Muse at their best.

Muse is definitely a band for Radiohead fans -- it has the same rich spaciness and art-rock quality, but it's more grounded and gritty. The most entrancing instrumentation is done on piano -- it can be delicate, dark, fuzzy, or outright epic. The piano is accompanied by smashing percussion, sinuous riffs and basslines, and sweeps of spellbinding electronics.

Matt Bellamy puts his good vocals to use in every song, and he's as versatile as his piano. Much of the time he opts for the smooth, low sound. But he also gets to howl, and occasionally sounds like he's been huffing helium. And the songwriting is also pretty solid, often focusing on betrayal and a lover who "was so beautiful."

Muse deftly dodged the sophomore slump in "Origin of Symmetry," a soaring rock epic that won't be fast forgotten. An outstanding piece of work.

Average customer rating: blast off i'd give this 1000000+ stars Origin of Symmetry One of the best albums of the last 10 years Muse's Best

Origin of Symmetry Muse Manufacturer: Warner Bros./Taste Media Limited ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Showbiz Absolution Hullabaloo Soundtrack Black Holes and Revelations Black Holes & Revelations (Limited Edition CD+DVD) ASIN: B00005KFUM Release Date: 2001-01-01

Tracks:

1. New Born
2. Bliss
3. Space Dementia
4. Hyper Music
5. Plug in Baby
6. Citizen Erased
7. Micro Cuts
8. Screenager
9. Darkshines
10. Feeling Good
11. Megalomania

Album Description

After 2004's U.S. breakthrough success for U.K. favorite Muse, the band's second album, 2001's Origin of Symmetry, finally earns its stateside release. Last yeasr's Absolution and major performances across the country won legions of American fans for the band that was the prestigious closing act at London's V2004 Festival. Now these new fans can experience an earlier Muse with Origin of Symmetry. Warner. 2005.

Album Details

Produced by John Leckie and Dave Bottrill. One of the Outstanding Albums of 2001.

Customer Reviews:

blast off.......2006-06-11

Origin Of Symmetry finds Muse firing on all cylinders and sparing no prisoners in their pursuit of the alternative rock throne that Radiohead jumped from after the OK Computer album. their influence is a glaring element to Muse that nags a bit at the listener; but thankfully, Muse has the songs to back it up. each track is powerful and laced with dramatic crescendos that soar sky high (along with singer/guitarist Matt Bellamy's vibrato croon) and then come crashing back down in all their thrilling glory. Muse wastes little time in cutting straight to the meat of their songs...the hooks come early and upfront and very little time is spent on detours (although the live setting sees them going a bit overboard in the keyboard intros...but that's okay). the bass is strong and the drums pound along with an unstoppable pounce. the guitars are blazing and strong with no punches pulled. to me, Matt Bellamy's voice could make or break this band for the average listener. some people will not appreciate his breathy voice that drips melodrama with every word and some may simply roll their eyes when he starts to hit those high notes and float around in that Jeff Buckley range...but i like ti and i think it adds a nice prog rock touch to it all. Muse stretches things out and works wonders in their pop songs. they are not afraid to take risks and for that fact, they are a strong band who deserve a listen.

i'd give this 1000000+ stars.......2006-05-23

Before I begin this review, I felt it necessary to say that this here is my all time favorite band, and favorite album. I know I don't have the greatest taste in music compared to some, but if I were to reccommend ANY album to anyone, this would be my first suggestion.

I retrieved this CD for Christmas from my boyfriend, who doesn't like this band too much.. but he's one of those "if it's not screaming, I ain't listening to it" hoo-has. And I will admit, it takes a while to appreciate such a talented and amazing band. Not many people have taken much interest into this band, especially kids under perhaps the age of 16. Little teens aren't too into the techno-rock sounds of this band. Take my little brother for instance, he hates this band.

But if you're big into different music that will leave you wanting more, this is the band for you. Their album 'Absolution' is just as good! Two thumbs up!

Origin of Symmetry.......2006-02-07

In some ways i think Muse is the ideal band. 1. They're not very well known. Nobody i've talked to has heard of them. I think that's good because if they were suddenly you'd have all kinds of Muse junk and t-shirts everywhere.Maybe it's different in England... anyway, i like bands that aren't popular. 2. They produce great music. I don't get the feeling from them that they're trying to please anyone. They've just got a heck of a lot of talent and are putting it out there. 3.They don't sell out. Enough said, here's the list:
p.s. Matthew Bellamy (lead vocals) has a beautiful voice. You might but the album just for that.

New Born: 8/10 This song is a really great way to start the album what with the soft music and singing in the beginning. The lyrics are also very beautiful.

Bliss: 6/10 The beginning sounds a lot like New Born. And the middle sounds like nothing special.

Space Dementia: 8/10 It starts out with some soft piano playing then stuff gets a little louder. The vocals are nice and the whole thing sounds spacy (wonder why).

Hyper Music: 5/10 To be honest this song bores me a little. It sounds like Space Dementia but surely not as good.

Plug In Baby: 8/10 This is the only song so far where you really get to hear Matthew Bellamy's voice well. The lyrics also appear to be well thought out.

Citizen Erased: 9/10 You get to hear a bit of Matthew's falsetto in this one (i think). The title is very fitting because this song is about erasing memories of love.

Micro Cuts: 10/10 This is my favorite song on this album. Maybe even my favorite all-time Muse song. It's sung entirely in falsetto and Matthew goes really high (like minnie riperton, haha). It's pretty tough to desribe, but very beautiful. And kind of sad, too.

Screenager: 8/10 This song is slow even by Muse standards. That's not to say it's bad though. The lyrics are quite intelligent. Wait, you know what? ALL Muse lyrics are intelligent!
p.s. is it just me or does this one seem to have a Latin beat?

Dark Shines: 6/10 Sorry, this one just sounds too much like Screenager. Don't get me wrong! It's still very listenable....hey why don't i make it a 7/10. That's better.

Feeling Good: 9/10 Actually it's more like nine and a half. Now, this is the only song on the whole album that wasn't written by Matthew. Some say it doesn't fit with the rest of the album, but i think it does. You know, just one opinion...

Megalomania: Not that great a song, but an ok way to end the album. I kind of think they should have switched the last two around and made Feeling Good the last song. I like the lyrics better than the actual song. They're all about human purpose and stuff. "And paradise comes at a price/That I am not prepared to pay/What were we built for?/Will someone tell me please?"


Ok so that's it, that's my review. I hope it was helpful to you. I mean it, i really do. I encourage open-minded listeners to go out and either buy this or one of Muse's other albums. And if you do, i hope you enjoy it. Really. Have fun.

One of the best albums of the last 10 years.......2006-01-25

This highly underrated album is without question one of the best of the last ten years. Although its popularity pales in comparison to that of its successor, "Absolution", the same cannot be said of its quality. Every track on this album is adventurous and all are successful in their brave endeavors. This musical journey through hard rock, art rock, new synth, and even opera-inspired pieces will wow you from start to finish. An absolute must in any modern rock collection.

Muse's Best.......2006-01-21

Oh wow was my first reaction when I heard this album. Simply I think The Muse's best album for sure.
However, I found it a little bit puzzling that no one noticed the Philip Glass influence in the opening track, Newborn.
But given The Muse's penchant for classical music (look at how cleverly they incorporated Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto in Butterflies and Hurricanes on Absolution, right down to the bass riff), I'm not surprised.
Whatever you do, get this ablum!!!!

Average customer rating:

Anthems Wedding Party Manufacturer: MCM Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0009XND3E

Average customer rating: Muse on this Four BIG Stars...

Origin of Symmetry Muse Manufacturer: Motorrad ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Showbiz ASIN: B00005KBM7 Release Date: 2002-08-23

Tracks:

1. New Born
2. Bliss
3. Space Dementia
4. Hyper Music
5. Plug in Baby
6. Citizen Erased
7. Micro Cuts
8. Screenager
9. Darkshines
10. Feeling Good
11. Megalomania

Album Details

The Second Album from the Classically Trained Trio Throws Just About Everything but the Kitchen Sink at Listeners...and With Great Effect! Critically Praised for Boldness, Q Magazine Described it as 'queen and Nirvana Duelling on the Surface of Some Distant Alien Planet.' Bombast Can Be Great!

Customer Reviews:

Muse on this.......2005-01-16

While British rock band Muse are big in the UK, the US is only just starting to get acquainted with these original, entrancing musicians. And their second album, "Origin of Symmetry," they accomplish the almost impossible -- every song is epic and thrilling.

The first two songs open with delicate rippling piano intros that suddenly blossom into rock riffs. Feedback kicks off into sizzling basslines and riffs in "Plug In Baby" and "Citizen Erased," while wind chimes and an acoustic melody are at the heart of "Screenager." "Hyper Music" is the only dud. It's a discordant clatter that becomes a discordant rock song -- nuff zed.

But as good as most of the album is, Muse save the best for absolute last. The penultimate song "Feeling Good" is perhaps the best -- fuzzy chopsticks start the song, followed by a stretch of epic rock and soaring vocals. The finale is no less entrancing, a slowly stately wave of sound that slowly transitions into an equally rich rock song.

Americans really got to know Muse through their latest album, "Absolution." But it's not the only album they have done, nor is it the best. "Origin of Symmetry" may well take that honor, or at least tie with their debut "Showbiz." Relatively few people know about these earlier albums, or about the rich apocalyptic quality of Muse at their best.

Muse is definitely a band for Radiohead fans -- it has the same rich spaciness and art-rock quality, but it's more grounded and gritty. The most entrancing instrumentation is done on piano -- it can be delicate, dark, fuzzy, or outright epic. The piano is accompanied by smashing percussion, sinuous riffs and basslines, and sweeps of spellbinding electronics.

Matt Bellamy puts his good vocals to use in every song, and he's as versatile as his piano. Much of the time he opts for the smooth, low sound. But he also gets to howl, and occasionally sounds like he's been huffing helium. And the songwriting is also pretty solid, often focusing on betrayal and a lover who "was so beautiful."

Muse deftly dodged the sophomore slump in "Origin of Symmetry," a soaring rock epic that won't be fast forgotten. An outstanding piece of work.

Four BIG Stars..........2001-10-22

Muse likes to compose songs with surprises. Already the opener 'New Born' has a remarkable change of mood and uses an interesting and surprisingly successful instrumentation. Matthew Bellamy's lead vocals link it all to a great rock hymn. Of a unique style - the Muse style.

And it continues. The second track 'Bliss' is the other brightest higlight on 'Origin Of Symmetry', though it is the most straight-forward, least sophisticated composition on the album.

Generally, the most rocking and least artistically arranged songs are the best ones. The third example confirming this, is the very uncomplicated 'Plug In Baby'.

But Muse's trademark remains the creativity. The unique arrangements of most of the songs. That special and original soul which the bands succeeds in putting into rock music.

Sometimes Muse sounds quite a lot like Radiohead, especially the vocals, and especially on a song like 'Megalomania'. On this one, the vocals come through very beautifully and are even more beautifully supported by an almost church-like organ.

'Feeling Good' is a hit-suspectible rock song, with all the elements a 2001 rock song has to contain, and more. Its changing volume within its constant feel make it one of the best on 'Origin Of Symmetry'.

Every song has its own little surprise, like the bubbling rhythm and space synths on 'Space Dementia'. Or the synth beat on 'Citizen Erased' which sounds like the audio for a Commodore 64 generation computer game. The song also has some pretty abrupt but very well-succeeded and effectful mood changes. And there's the metallic feel on 'Micro Cuts', contrasted by its parodistically opera'esque vocals. Or the unusual gitar distortion on 'Darkshines'.

'Origin Of Symmetry' is a great album. It comes very close to five stars...

Average customer rating: The origin

Origin of Symmetry Muse Manufacturer: Warner Music Taiwan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Absolution Showbiz Black Holes and Revelations ASIN: B0000CG3K6 Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. New Born
2. Bliss
3. Space Dementia
4. Hyper Music
5. Plug in Baby
6. Citizen Erased
7. Micro Cuts
8. Screenager
9. Darkshines
10. Feeling Good
11. Megalomania

Album Description

Sophomore album for the UK indie rock band. 11 tracks including the first two singles, 'Plug In Baby' & 'New Born'. Includes enhanced material. Warner. 2001.

Customer Reviews:

The origin.......2005-07-05

While British rock band Muse are big in the UK, the US is only just starting to get acquainted with these original, entrancing musicians. And their second album, "Origin of Symmetry," they accomplish the almost impossible -- every song is epic and thrilling.

The first two songs open with delicate rippling piano intros that suddenly blossom into rock riffs. Feedback kicks off into sizzling basslines and riffs in "Plug In Baby" and "Citizen Erased," while wind chimes and an acoustic melody are at the heart of "Screenager." "Hyper Music" is the only dud. It's a discordant clatter that becomes a discordant rock song -- nuff zed.

But as good as most of the album is, Muse save the best for absolute last. The penultimate song "Feeling Good" is perhaps the best -- fuzzy chopsticks start the song, followed by a stretch of epic rock and soaring vocals. The finale is no less entrancing, a slowly stately wave of sound that slowly transitions into an equally rich rock song.

Americans really got to know Muse through their latest album, "Absolution." But it's not the only album they have done, nor is it the best. "Origin of Symmetry" may well take that honor, or at least tie with their debut "Showbiz." Relatively few people know about these earlier albums, or about the rich apocalyptic quality of Muse at their best.

Muse is definitely a band for Radiohead fans -- it has the same rich spaciness and art-rock quality, but it's more grounded and gritty. The most entrancing instrumentation is done on piano -- it can be delicate, dark, fuzzy, or outright epic. The piano is accompanied by smashing percussion, sinuous riffs and basslines, and sweeps of spellbinding electronics.

Matt Bellamy puts his good vocals to use in every song, and he's as versatile as his piano. Much of the time he opts for the smooth, low sound. But he also gets to howl, and occasionally sounds like he's been huffing helium. And the songwriting is also pretty solid, often focusing on betrayal and a lover who "was so beautiful."

Though it was a financial flop, Muse deftly dodged the ARTISTIC sophomore slump in "Origin of Symmetry," a soaring rock epic that won't be fast forgotten. An outstanding piece of work.

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