Muse kicked off their 2025 European tour with a bang, debuting their brand-new single "Unravelling" at an intimate show in Helsinki, Finland, on June 12. The British rock trio—frontman Matt Bellamy, bassist Chris Wolstenholme, and drummer Dominic Howard—treated fans at the 1,400-capacity Kulttuuritalo venue to a set that blended their classic anthems with fresh, experimental sounds, signaling an exciting new chapter for the band.
Fans had been eagerly anticipating new material, with Muse teasing "Unravelling" for weeks through cryptic social media posts featuring synth-heavy snippets and a tantalizing caption, "Back at it." The buildup culminated in the live premiere of the track, which opened the night’s performance, immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention with its cinematic chaos and layered textures.
"Unravelling" starts with atmospheric digital hums reminiscent of Muse’s earlier synth-driven albums, The 2nd Law and Simulation Theory, before erupting into a riff-heavy meltdown that harks back to the band’s more aggressive era, such as the Drones album and their early 2000s work. Bellamy’s voice cuts through the dense mix like a warning siren, accompanied by thunderous bass and operatic flourishes that have become Muse’s hallmark.
What sets this new track apart is Bellamy’s use of a custom-built Manson Oryx 8-string electric guitar, which he wielded during the Helsinki performance. This instrument allows him to explore even lower tunings and heavier riffs than before, pushing Muse’s sound into uncharted territory. Bellamy, who has a history of guitar experimentation—from fuzz pedals and Koas pads to last year’s mirror mask guitar—has once again expanded his sonic arsenal. The Manson Oryx, with its sleek purple finish, bolt-on neck, and asymmetrical tuners, is a testament to his evolving vision as both a musician and a majority shareholder of Manson Guitar Works since 2019.
The live debut of "Unravelling" showcased a song packed with dynamic shifts, blending light and shade expertly. The riff carries a groove that merges the stomp of Tom Morello with the djenty, Meshuggah-like grunt that Bellamy has tapped into for this track. The song’s halftime outro, driven by the 8-string’s low octaves, leaves a lasting impression, signaling a heavier, more visceral direction for Muse’s upcoming work.
Accompanying Bellamy on stage was bassist Chris Wolstenholme, who played his LED-inlay-infused Status signature bass, adding visual flair to the performance. The band was also joined by multi-instrumentalist Dan Lancaster, rounding out their live sound.
The rest of the set was a well-curated journey through Muse’s extensive catalog, including recent tracks like "Compliance" and "Won’t Stand Down" from 2022’s Will of the People, alongside fan favorites such as "Plug In Baby," "Knights of Cydonia," "Hysteria," and the rarely performed "United States of Eurasia." The 16-song setlist demonstrated that while the band is embracing new sounds, they remain deeply connected to their maximalist mythology and storied past.
Following the Helsinki show, Muse is set to headline a series of major European festivals this summer, including Hellfest in France (June 20), Pinkpop in the Netherlands (June 22), Open’er Festival in Poland (July 4), Mad Cool in Spain (July 10), and NOS Alive in Portugal (July 12). Notably, they recently replaced Kings of Leon on the NOS Alive lineup, a move welcomed by fans craving more fire and chaos in their festival experience.
Muse’s extensive tour also includes stops in Finland’s Turku for Rockfest (June 14), Norway’s Tons of Rock (June 25), Sweden’s STHLM Fields (June 27), and even extends to Indonesia’s Pantai Carnaval Ancol on September 19, underscoring the band’s global reach and enduring appeal.
While "Unravelling" officially drops as a single on June 20, 2025, there’s still no word on whether it will be part of a forthcoming album. However, bassist Chris Wolstenholme hinted in February that Muse plans to start working on their 10th studio album soon, possibly releasing it in 2026. He told NME, "I think we’re gonna start work on the next record fairly soon," adding, "I would imagine that 2026 will be a new album, barring any disasters."
With over two decades of groundbreaking music behind them, Muse’s latest live debut and their embrace of innovative instruments like the Manson Oryx suggest the band is poised to continue pushing boundaries. Their ability to blend synth-driven atmospheres with hard-hitting riffs, combined with Bellamy’s relentless experimentation, promises an exciting evolution in their sound.
As the summer festival season unfolds, fans will get more glimpses of this new era, making it clear that Muse isn’t just back—they’re unravelling new possibilities in rock music.
