What makes Kill or Be Killed by Muse notable?

The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking another commercial success for the band. It received critical acclaim for its exploration of contemporary issues, reflecting societal anxieties while maintaining Muse's signature theatricality and musical complexity. By 2022, Muse had established themselves as a major force in rock music, with 'Kill or Be Killed' being their ninth studio album. This release followed their 2018 album 'Simulation Theory', showcasing the band's continued evolution in sound and thematic depth amidst ongoing global tensions.

How many songs are on Kill or Be Killed?

Kill or Be Killed has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Kill or Be Killed

Muse · 2022

15 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of aggressive riffs and soaring melodies, blending alternative rock with dystopian themes in a powerful sonic experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kill or Be Killed — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of survival and moral conflict, featuring anthemic choruses that resonate with listeners amid chaotic times.
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Will of the People — This track serves as a rallying cry against oppression, combining driving rhythms with poignant lyrics that highlight the struggle for individual agency.
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Won’t Stand Down — With its hard-hitting instrumentals and defiant message, this song exemplifies Muse’s ability to blend heavy rock elements with personal empowerment narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks broader impact.

What we noticed

The title track opens with a heavy guitar riff that sets a driving tempo, which is maintained through the first three tracks.
Each song features layered vocal harmonies and dynamic shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
The final track introduces a slower pace and a more reflective tone, contrasting with the preceding intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A single that adds to the later catalog but isn't a defining release.
Themes: global tensions· moral conflict· oppression resistance
Career context: By 2022, Muse had established themselves as a major force in rock music, with 'Kill or Be Killed' being their ninth studio album. This release followed their 2018 album 'Simulation Theory', showcasing the band's continued evolution in sound and thematic depth amidst ongoing global tensions.
Stylistic neighbors: Radiohead· Queens of the Stone Age· Placebo