Black Holes and Revelations

{{redirect2|Exo Politics|Exo-Politics||Exopolitics}} {{Use British English|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} {{Infobox album | name = Black Holes and Revelations | type = studio | artist = [[Muse (band)|Muse]] | cover = BlackHolesCover.jpg | alt = Four men wearing uniquely designed suits sitting by a table at Bardenas Reales with horses on the table and the Earth and Moon in the background. | released = {{Start date|2006|7|3|df=yes}} | recorded = October 2005 – March 2006 | studio = * [[Studio Miraval|Miraval]] ([[Correns]], France) * [[Avatar Recording Studios|Avatar]] (New York City) * [[Electric Lady Studios|Electric Lady]] (New York City) * [[Officine Meccaniche (recording studio)|Officine Meccaniche]] (Milan) * [[Townhouse Studios|Townhouse]] (London) | genre = * [[Alternative rock]] * [[progressive rock]] * [[space rock]] * [[hard rock]] * [[electronic rock]] | length = 45:28 | label = * [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]] * Helium-3 | producer = * [[Rich Costey]] * Muse | prev_title = [[Absolution (album)|Absolution]] | prev_year = 2003 | next_title = [[HAARP (album)|HAARP]] | next_year = 2008 | misc = {{Singles | name = Black Holes and Revelations | type = studio | single1 = [[Supermassive Black Hole (song)|Supermassive Black Hole]] | single1date = 19 June 2006<ref>[https://music.apple.com/gb/album/supermassive-black-hole-single/317961243 Supermassive Black Hole – Single by Muse on Apple Music] Retrieved 24 January 2017.</ref> | single2 = [[Starlight (Muse song)|Starlight]] | single2date = 4 September 2006 | single3 = [[Knights of Cydonia]] | single3date = 27 November 2006<ref>[https://music.apple.com/gb/album/knights-of-cydonia-ep/317961418 Knights of Cydonia – EP by Muse on Apple Music] Retrieved 24 January 2017.</ref> | single4 = [[Invincible (Muse song)|Invincible]] | single4date = 9 April 2007 | single5 = [[Map of the Problematique]] | single5date = 18 June 2007<ref>[https://music.apple.com/gb/album/map-of-the-problematique-ep/317961074 Map of the Problematique – EP by Muse on Apple Music] Retrieved 24 January 2017.</ref> }} }}

'''''Black Holes and Revelations''''' is the fourth studio album by the English rock band [[Muse (band)|Muse]]. It was released on 3 July 2006 through [[Warner Bros. Records]] and Helium-3. It was produced by [[Rich Costey]] over four months in New York City, London, Milan and southern France.

The album saw a change in style for Muse, with influences including [[Depeche Mode]], [[Millionaire (band)|Millionaire]], [[Lightning Bolt (band)|Lightning Bolt]], [[Sly and the Family Stone]], and music from southern Italy.<ref name="musicomh_interview">{{cite magazine |last=Soghomonian |first=Talia |date=July 2006 |title=Muse – Intergalacticists stride our world |url=http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/muse_0706.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510011659/http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/muse_0706.htm |archive-date=10 May 2007 |access-date=12 April 2007 |magazine=[[MusicOMH]]}}</ref> Like their previous albums, it features political and dystopian themes, with lyrics covering topics such as political corruption, alien invasion, revolution and [[New World Order (conspiracy theory)|New World Order]] conspiracies, as well as more conventional love songs.

''Black Holes and Revelations'' entered the charts at number one in five countries, including the UK, and in the top 10 in several other countries, including the US. It was [[Certified platinum|certified quadruple platinum]] in the UK and platinum in the US.<ref name="BPI" /><ref name="RIAA" /> "[[Supermassive Black Hole (song)|Supermassive Black Hole]]" and "[[Knights of Cydonia]]" entered the top 10 of the [[UK singles chart]], while "[[Starlight (Muse song)|Starlight]]", "[[Map of the Problematique]]" and "[[Invincible (Muse song)|Invincible]]" reached the top 25. {{As of|2018}}, ''Black Holes and Revelations'' had sold more than 4.5 million copies worldwide.

''Black Holes and Revelations'' received positive reviews and appeared on several lists of the year's best albums. It was nominated for the [[Mercury Prize]] and appeared in the 2007 version of ''[[1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die]]''. Recordings from the ''Black Holes and Revelations'' tour were released on the album ''[[HAARP (album)|HAARP]].''

== Recording == Muse's third album, ''[[Absolution (Muse album)|Absolution]]'' (2003), brought them mainstream exposure in the United States.<ref name="absolutepunk">{{cite web|url=http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=154690|title=Muse – Black Holes and Revelations|access-date=1 July 2008|date=18 July 2006|first=Drew|last=Beringer|website=[[AbsolutePunk.net]]}}</ref> Muse spent about two weeks writing and rehearsing for their next album at [[Studio Miraval]], an old château in southern France.<ref name="EMusician"/><ref name="musicomh_interview"/> The producer [[Rich Costey]], who had also worked on ''Absolution'', joined them two weeks later.<ref name="EMusician"/> The group wanted to create a more personal album than ''Absolution''. Costey wanted to capture Bellamy's "personality" as a guitarist, recording the sound of his fingers and [[plectrum]] on the strings.<ref name="EMusician"/>

The bassist, [[Chris Wolstenholme]], said writing and recording was more relaxed than previous albums, as the band had no deadline.<ref name="tnt">{{cite web |date=9 August 2007 |title=Interview with Muse |url=http://www.tntdownunder.com/article/2440920300.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307033859/http://www.tntdownunder.com/article/2440920300.html |archive-date=7 March 2009 |access-date=1 July 2008 |publisher=TNT Down Under}}</ref> Muse took a more active role in using studio technology, having previously left its use to engineers.<ref name="tnt"/> Hoping to change their working style, they purchased old synthesisers including a [[Buchla 200e]] and set aside time to learn to use them.<ref name="Telegraph"/>

The songwriter, [[Matt Bellamy]], said Muse wanted to be free from distractions so that they could "concentrate, spend time and be surrounded by different musical influences".<ref name="musicomh_interview" /> However, progress was slow and they had difficulty deciding which songs to work on.<ref name="musicomh_interview" /> The group moved to New York City, where Bellamy spent time in clubs and learnt to DJ, influencing the dance elements of "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Map of the Problematique".<ref name="musicomh_interview"/> The bulk of recording was completed at [[Avatar Recording Studios|Avatar]] and [[Electric Lady Studios]] in New York City.<ref name="EMusician"/> The album was finished at a studio in Italy, where Bellamy spent several weeks recording vocals.<ref name="EMusician"/> Costey estimated that the album took about four months to record, including [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]] at [[Townhouse Studios]], London.<ref name="EMusician"/>

== Music == With "Take a Bow", Muse wanted to blend classical, electronic and rock music. It opens with string [[arpeggio]]s inspired by [[Philip Glass]], backed by a [[Moog synthesiser]].<ref name="EMusician"/> The "[[Map of the Problematique]]" riff was written on keyboard; at Costey's encouragement, Bellamy recreated it on guitar by splitting the guitar signal into three audio signals, which were processed with [[pitch shift]]ers and synthesisers.<ref name="EMusician"/> "Assassin", influenced by the [[noise rock]] band [[Lightning Bolt (band)|Lightning Bolt]], began as a long [[progressive rock]] song with a "huge" piano break before Muse trimmed it.<ref name="EMusician"/> "[[Supermassive Black Hole (song)|Supermassive Black Hole]]", a mixture of dance beats and guitar, was influenced by Bellamy's visits to clubs in New York City and the Belgian band [[Millionaire (band)|Millionaire]].<ref name="musicomh_interview"/><ref name="eu"/><ref name="mr">{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-04-25 |title=Muse reveal new single details |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-447-1360513 |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Critics likened it to [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].<ref name="observer"/>

For "Starlight", the band recorded the melody using two different pianos at different octaves and layered samples of [[prepared piano]].<ref name="EMusician"/> "Soldier's Poem" was "unlike anything [Muse had] ever done before".<ref name="MSN"/> It was written for ''Absolution'', but rewritten for ''Black Holes'' with new lyrics and an arrangement inspired by "[[Can't Help Falling in Love]]" by [[Elvis Presley]].<ref name="EMusician"/> The drummer, [[Dominic Howard]], said Muse had planned to record it with a "massive, epic" approach, but decided to use a small studio with vintage equipment and few microphones.<ref name="MSN"/> He described it as a "real highlight", with "some of the most amazing vocals I've ever heard Matt do".<ref name="MSN"/>

"[[Knights of Cydonia]]" features [[mariachi]] trumpet and a "gallopping" drumbeat and ends with a guitar solo.<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Ubl |first=Sam |date=5 July 2006 |title=Muse: ''Black Holes and Revelations'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/9168-black-holes-and-revelations/ |access-date=23 September 2011 |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]}}</ref> It was inspired by [[Surf music|surf rock]] and the 1962 single "[[Telstar (instrumental)|Telstar]]" by the [[The Tornados|Tornados]], which featured Bellamy's father, [[George Bellamy (musician)|George Bellamy]].<ref name="EMusician"/> Bellamy said that the title "acknowledged that this is a bit funny, particularly when we are pushing the epic side of the band to almost comical levels ... There's a lot of freedom in being able to laugh at yourself."<ref name="Telegraph"/> "City of Delusion" and "Knights of Cydonia" were influenced by Bellamy's interest in [[flamenco]] guitar.<ref name="eu"/>

== Themes == "Take a Bow" is an "attack on an all but unnamed political leader", incorporating lyrics such as "Corrupt, you corrupt and bring corruption to all that you touch".<ref name=musicemissions /> These themes are carried in the tracks "Exo-Politics" and "Assassin".<ref name="musicemissions" /> Bellamy said "Exo-Politics" describes an “orchestrated alien invasion for the purpose of increasing military budgets and building space weapons”, while "Soldier's Poem" is sung from the perspective of someone realising they are being used.<ref name="eu">{{Cite web |last=Lash |first=Jolie |date=2006-05-25 |title=Epic UK rockers Muse return with cinematic new album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/epic-u-k-rockers-muse-return-with-cinematic-new-album-112729/ |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=[[Rolling Stone]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

The album touches on controversial subject matters, such as the "[[New World Order (conspiracy theory)|New World Order]] conspiracy, unjustifiable war, abusive power, conspiratorial manipulation and populist revolt",<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news|title=Messages from Mars|first=Neil|last=McCormick|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2006/07/06/bmmuse06.xml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709052333/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2006%2F07%2F06%2Fbmmuse06.xml|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2007|access-date=13 April 2007|location=London|date=6 July 2006}}</ref> and is influenced by the [[conspiracy theory|conspiracy theories]] that the band are interested in.<ref name="MSN">{{cite web|title=Interview – Muse|first=James|last=Hurley|publisher=[[MSN]]|url=http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/interviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1324590&wa=wsignin1.0|access-date=16 April 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071109212952/http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/interviews/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1324590&wa=wsignin1.0 |archive-date = 9 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bellamy said he finds "the unknown in general a stimulating area for the imagination",<ref name="Telegraph" /> and this interest is reflected throughout the album, which features rebellious paranoia (particularly during "Assassin").<ref name="musicemissions">{{cite web |last=Schmitt |first=Michael |title=Muse – Black Holes and Revelations |url=http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=4700 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212174558/http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=4700 |archive-date=12 February 2007 |access-date=16 April 2007 |website=Music Emissions}}</ref> The album also includes more emotional themes, including regret, ambition,<ref name="musicemissions" /> and love.<ref name="Drowned_in_Sound">{{cite magazine|title=Black Holes and Revelations |first=Mike |last=Diver |magazine=Drowned in Sound |url=http://www.drownedinsound.com/release/view/7634 |access-date=13 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309184459/http://www.drownedinsound.com/release/view/7634 |archive-date=9 March 2007 }}</ref>

The title is taken from the "Starlight" lyrics. Bellamy told ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'': "Black holes and revelations – they're the two areas of songwriting for me that make up the majority of this album. A revelation about yourself, something personal, something genuine of an everyday nature that maybe people can relate to. Then the black holes are these songs that are from the more ... unknown regions of the imagination."<ref name="Q_interview">{{cite journal|last=Mitchell|first=Ben|date=September 2006|title=The Q Interview|journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|issue=242|pages=56–60}}</ref>

==Artwork== The album artwork was photographed in [[Bardenas Reales|Bardenas]], Spain, and designed by [[Storm Thorgerson]]. The motif was inspired by the "galloping" of "Knights of Cydonia" and "Invincible", an allusion to the [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]].<ref>''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' 2010 calendar</ref>

== Release == On May 13, Muse performed at [[BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend]] in [[Dundee]], Scotland, and performed "Supermassive Black Hole", "Starlight" and "Knights of Cydonia".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-05-18 |title=Muse unveil new album details |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/muse-433-1357447 |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=[[NME]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> "Supermassive Black Hole" was released as the [[lead single]] on June 19, 2006,<ref name="mr"/> and reached number four on the [[UK singles chart]]. It was followed by "Starlight", "Knights of Cydonia", "Invincible" and "Map of the Problematique". The album stayed at number one for two weeks on the [[UK Albums Chart]], producing Muse's largest sales up to that point.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}

The first US single was "Knights of Cydonia", on 13 June 2006, which reached number 10 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Modern Rock Tracks]] chart. It was followed by "Starlight" and "Supermassive Black Hole". "Starlight" was Muse's most popular single in the US at that point, reaching number two on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.<ref name="billboardcharts">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/yearend_chart_index.jsp|title=Billboard Chart Database|access-date=21 July 2008|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|archive-date=3 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803173648/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/yearend_chart_index.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The album debuted at number nine on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], making it Muse's first top-ten entry in the US.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}

''Black Holes and Revelations'' was released on 3 July 2006 in the UK, followed by releases in the US, Australia, Taiwan and Japan. It was also available as a limited edition CD/DVD combination, that featured videos and live renditions of "Supermassive Black Hole", "Knights of Cydonia" and "Starlight". In addition, the album was re-released in the US on [[LP record|vinyl LP]] on 18 August 2009. The album was certified quadruple [[Music recording certification|platinum]] in the UK on 22 March 2024.<ref name="BPI"/>

''Black Holes and Revelations'' sold 115,144 copies in its first week in the UK.<ref name="ukchart">{{cite web |title=The Official UK Charts Company: All the No. 1's – Black Holes and Revelations |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/zoom_album.php?id=1035 |access-date=16 July 2008 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> It was certified [[Music recording sales certification|quadruple platinum]] by the [[British Phonographic Industry|BPI]],<ref name="BPI" /> and had sold more than one million copies in the UK as of 2018.<ref name="UK sales">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Alan |date=16 November 2018 |title=Charts analysis: Muse vs Murs in albums battle |url=http://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/charts-analysis-muse-vs-murs-in-albums-battle/074479 |url-access=subscription |access-date=16 November 2018 |work=[[Music Week]]}}</ref> ''Black Holes and Revelations'' popularised Muse in the US.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lynskey |first=Dorian |date=2012-09-29 |title=Muse: 'We like pushing it as far as we can' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/sep/30/muse-2nd-law-tour-interview |access-date=2025-09-17 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== Tour == {{main|Black Holes and Revelations Tour}}

[[File:Floating acrobats.jpg|alt=See caption.|thumb|right|Acrobats suspended from giant white balloons float above the audience in the first, sellout night of Muse's Wembley gigs]]

In July 2006, Muse announced they would embark on their "biggest ever tour" in support of the album.<ref name="nmetour">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/news/muse/23527|title=Muse announce their biggest ever tour|access-date=26 July 2008|magazine=[[NME]]}}</ref> The first shows included the Leeds and Reading [[Carling Weekend]] festivals, followed by a [[Black Holes and Revelations Tour|tour]] that visited most of the world's major continents.<ref name="nmetour" /> The tour saw them travelling around most of the world,<ref name="microcuts">{{cite web|url=http://www.microcuts.net/uk/concerts/Concerts.php?year=2007&PHPSESSID=65e4100956362222e0f2af0173e40ff7|title=Muse Tour Dates 2007|access-date=2 February 2018|publisher=microcuts.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721065309/http://www.microcuts.net/uk/concerts/Concerts.php?year=2007&PHPSESSID=ddd13613d41875fc4e8aaeb5be629ced|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and its shows became noted for their increasing usage of special effects. Some dates that were booked to play in support of [[My Chemical Romance]] in the US were cancelled after members of both bands were affected by [[food poisoning]].<ref name="bbctour">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6614345.stm|title=Food poisoning halts Muse tour|access-date=26 July 2008|date=2 May 2007|publisher=BBC}}</ref> The US stretch of the tour included dates at [[Madison Square Garden]] and a headlining slot at [[Lollapalooza]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

Between the European arena and festival/stadium tours, the band embarked on a tour to Australia and Asia. The band were second on the bill at the 2007 Big Day Out Festival, behind headliners [[Tool (band)|Tool]]. They also played sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne before embarking on concerts in South East Asia. That tour led to the band's biggest tour of Japan and a debut show in South Korea. The band then moved to America, playing their biggest North American headline concerts at the time at the [[Inglewood Forum]] and the [[Palacio de los Deportes]] arena in [[Mexico City]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

The biggest concert of the tour was the two nights at the new [[Wembley Stadium]], London, on 16 and 17 June 2007, which incorporated more extensive special effects than other concerts. The Wembley show was released as the live album ''[[HAARP (album)|HAARP]]''.

The tour continued with many European festival shows, including headline appearances at [[Rock Werchter]] and the Benicàssim Festival. The tour then progressed to Muse's biggest North American tour at that point, including appearances at New York City's [[Madison Square Garden]], [[Morrison, Colorado|Morrison]]'s [[Red Rocks Amphitheatre]] and a headline appearance at [[Lollapalooza]] 2007. The band toured Eastern Europe in October before heading for an arena tour of Australia in November, finally ending at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. The following year saw Muse have a much more relaxed schedule, but still saw them play their first gigs in Dubai and South Africa at festivals, before making their gig debuts in South America on a three-week arena tour.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

==Reception== ===Critical=== {{Music ratings | MC = 75/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/black-holes-revelations/muse|title=Reviews for Black Holes & Revelations by Muse|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=21 July 2008}}</ref> | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="AllMusic"/> | rev2 = ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' | rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=4061|title=Muse: Black Holes and Revelations|journal=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]|location=New York|issue=50|date=August 2006|access-date=26 June 2016|last=Lynskey|first=Dorian|page=108|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217011822/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=4061|archive-date=17 February 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> | rev3 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' | rev3score = B+<ref name=Hermes2006/> | rev4 = ''[[The Guardian]]'' | rev4score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="guardian.co.uk">{{cite news|last=Simpson|first=Dave|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jun/30/popandrock.shopping3|title=Muse, Black Holes and Revelations|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|location=London|issn=0261-3077|oclc=60623878|date=30 June 2006|access-date=23 September 2011}}</ref> | rev5 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' | rev5score = {{rating|3|4}}<ref name=Ward2006/> | rev6 = ''[[NME]]'' | rev6score = 9/10<ref name="NMEr"/> | rev7 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' | rev7score = 4.2/10<ref name="Pitchfork"/> | rev8 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' | rev8score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Q_review"/> | rev9 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' | rev9score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="rs">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/black-holes-and-revelations-20060724|title=Black Holes And Revelations|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|location=New York|date=24 July 2006|access-date=22 July 2008|last=Hoard|first=Christian|issn=0035-791X|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710132949/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/muse/albums/album/10773425/review/10962862/black_holes_and_revelations|archive-date=10 July 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev10 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' | rev10score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name="Spin"/> }} On [[Metacritic]], which aggregates scores from mainstream critics, ''Black Holes and Revelations'' has an average score of 75 based on 32 reviews, indicating "generally favourable reviews".<ref name="metacritic"/> It received top ratings from ''[[Observer Music Monthly]]'',<ref name="observer">{{cite news |last=Perry |first=Andrew |date=18 June 2006 |title=Muse, ''Black Holes and Revelations'' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jun/18/17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112064912/http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/10bestcds/story/0%2C%2C1797231%2C00.html |archive-date=12 January 2008 |access-date=21 July 2008 |newspaper=[[The Observer]] |location=London}}</ref> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'',<ref name="Q_review">{{cite journal|title=Muse: Black Holes and Revelations|journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|location=London|issue=241|date=August 2006|page=106}}</ref> ''[[E! Online]]'',<ref name="bh">{{Cite web |title=Black Holes and Revelations |url=https://www.eonline.com/reviews/facts/music/revid/0%2C1107%2C3751%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720082956/https://www.eonline.com/reviews/facts/music/revid/0,1107,3751,00.html |archive-date=20 July 2006 |website=[[E! Online]]}}</ref> [[AllMusic]]<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=MacKenzie|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/black-holes-and-revelations-mw0000729346|title=Black Holes and Revelations – Muse|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=4 September 2020}}</ref> and ''[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]''.<ref name="altpress">{{cite journal|last=Karan|first=Tim|url=http://altpress.com/reviews/316.htm|title=English mood masters hit their peak (and valley).|journal=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|location=Cleveland|date=8 September 2006 |access-date=21 July 2008|issn=1065-1667|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020073555/http://www.altpress.com/reviews/316.htm|archive-date=20 October 2006}}</ref>

Several critics commented on the album's scale and bombast. ''[[Rolling Stone]]'s'' Christian Hoard wrote that it was "one of the year's most overblown records ... If you manage to suspend your disbelief a little, ''Black Holes and Revelations'' will push your pleasure buttons."<ref name="rs" /> In ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'', [[Will Hermes]] described it as "corny and bombastic ... also ambitious, impeccably built, and apt to induce fits of uncontrolled fist pumping. If prog is indeed the new punk, these guys are its [[Green Day]]."<ref name=Hermes2006>{{cite magazine|last=Hermes|first=Will|author-link=Will Hermes|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2006/07/07/black-holes-and-revelations|title=Black Holes and Revelations|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|issue=886|location=New York|date=14 July 2006|access-date=5 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107102931/http://www.ew.com/article/2006/07/07/black-holes-and-revelations|archive-date=7 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In ''Observer Music Monthly'', Andrew Perry wrote: "Entertaining and rabble-rousing, daft and deadly serious, it's a fantastic record, with almost limitless appeal."<ref name="observer" /> In ''Stylus Magazine'', Barry Schwartz gave ''Black Holes and Revelations'' a grade of B and wrote that Muse "bring loud, excessive, and proggy sometimes to the point of caricature, but they also do these things really, really well ... It's enough to suggest Muse are heading somewhere; they're just not quite there yet."<ref name="rr">{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Barry |date=14 July 2006 |title=Muse - Black Holes and Revelations - Review |url=https://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/muse/black-holes-and-revelations.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717043743/https://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/muse/black-holes-and-revelations.htm |archive-date=2006-07-17 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Stylus Magazine]]}}</ref>

''E! Online'' wrote that it was "an album that strives to be nothing less than epic", and that "not since [[The Darkness (band)|the Darkness]]'s debut has anyone attempted to make hard rock this elaborate and blatantly gaudy".<ref name="bh"/> In ''[[NME]]'', Anthony Thorton wrote that "Muse have made a ridiculous, overblown, ambitious and utterly brilliant album, with more thrills than their previous three put together". He argued they descended from acclaimed rock acts such as [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Roxy Music]] and [[David Bowie]], but their "power and ambition" was unfairly dismissed by critics seeking "authenticity". He asked: "Why does music have to be so serious, so authentic? Rock is the only artform where authenticity is held supreme – more important than moving or provoking you. It's as if the whole rock canon has been assembled by a committee of sociologists rather than hedonists, madmen and geniuses."<ref name="NMEr">{{cite journal|last=Thornton|first=Anthony|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/muse/7970|title=Muse: Black Holes & Revelations|journal=[[NME]]|location=London|issn=0028-6362|date=30 June 2006|access-date=23 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926182919/http://www.nme.com/reviews/muse/7970|archive-date=26 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''[[The Guardian]]'' wrote that the electronic elements "shouldn't work, but Bellamy's mania is so convincingly realised that even the most avowed Muse refusenik may have to finally concede defeat".<ref name="guardian.co.uk" /> However, ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' found the combination of sounds "jarring" and "slightly half-baked".<ref name=Ward2006>{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Alie|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-jul-09-ca-rackmuse9-story.html|title=Call it a split decision|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=9 July 2006|access-date=23 September 2011}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]''{{'}}s Noel Murray gave ''Black Holes and Revelations'' a grade of D+, writing: "Give Muse credit for remaking itself over the years into a full-blown theatrical experience, and not just another echoing rock band. But that experience is, frankly, kind of shitty."<ref name="av">{{cite web |last=Murray |first=Noel |date=19 July 2006 |title=Muse: Black Holes and Revelations |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/muse-emblack-holes-amp-revelationsem-8853 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203120450/https://www.avclub.com/review/muse-emblack-holes-amp-revelationsem-8853 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |access-date=21 July 2008 |work=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref> In ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'', Brian Raferty wrote that ''Black Holes and Revelations'' was "admirable and terrible" and that Muse now "sound like a Muse knockoff". He praised "Starlight" and "Map of the Problematique", but criticised the lyrics as "mumbo jumbo about persecution".<ref name="Spin">{{cite journal |last=Raftery |first=Brian |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EUm4Cp2ZFOEC&pg=PA81 |title=Confessions of a Drama Queen |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |location=New York |volume=22 |issue=8 |date=August 2006 |access-date=26 June 2016 |page=81}}</ref> ''Pitchfork'' wrote that it was "the band's most autopiloted effort yet, a hacked-up last-gen rehash of said space jams, only now with greater emphasis on glitz and glam. Somehow Muse, always loveably lame, have managed to take a turn for the lamer."<ref name="Pitchfork"/> ''Spin'', ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' and ''Observer Music Monthly'' wrote that Muse had transcended the comparisons to [[Radiohead]] that had dogged their earlier albums.<ref name="observer"/><ref name="rr"/><ref name="Spin"/>

===Accolades=== ''Black Holes and Revelations'' was nominated for the 2006 [[Mercury Prize]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC - Devon - Entertainment - Muse miss out on Mercury Prize |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2006/07/18/muse_mercury_prize_feature.shtml |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> and listed in the updated 2008 edition of ''[[1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die]]''.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Muse {{pipe}} Black Holes & Revelations (2006) |encyclopedia=1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die |last=MacDonald |first=Bruno |year=2008 |publisher=Cassell Illustrated |location=London |editor-last=Dimery |editor-first=Robert |edition=Updated |page=937 |isbn=9781844036240}}</ref> It was named the year's second-best album by ''Q'' and third-best by ''NME''.<ref>{{cite magazine |year=2006 |title=Q Magazine Albums Of The Year 2006 |magazine=Q Magazine |page=126 |issue=January 2007 (246)}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |year=2006 |title=NME Albums Of The Year 2006. |url=https://www.nme.com/bestalbumsandtracksoftheyear/2006 |access-date=5 August 2007 |magazine=[[NME]]}}</ref> ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' named it one of the ten essential [[progressive rock]] albums of the decade,<ref name="Classic Rock">''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'', February 2010, Issue 141.</ref> and voted the 34th-best album of all time by readers of ''Q'' in 2006.{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}

In 2011, ''NME'' named "Supermassive Black Hole" the 74th-best song of the preceding 15 years and "Knights of Cydonia" the 44th-best.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schiller |first=Rebecca |date=2011-10-06 |title=150 best tracks of the past 15 years |url=https://www.nme.com/lists/150-best-tracks-of-the-past-15-years-1257 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[NME]] |language=en}}</ref> On 26 January 2008, "Knights of Cydonia" was announced as the number-one song on Australia's 2007 [[Triple J Hottest 100]]. The song was also ranked No. 18 in the [[Triple J Hottest 100 of All Time, 2009]]. It was also ranked No. 53 on [[Rhapsody (online music service)|Rhapsody]]'s list of the Top 100 Tracks of the Decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.rhapsody.com/2009/12/toptracksofthedecade.html |title=Top 100 Tracks of the Decade - Rhapsody: The Mix |access-date=2012-02-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220004156/http://blog.rhapsody.com/2009/12/toptracksofthedecade.html |archive-date=20 February 2012 }}</ref>

== Track listing == {{Track listing | headline = ''Black Holes and Revelations'' {{nobold|– Standard edition}} | all_writing = [[Matt Bellamy]] |title1 = Take a Bow |length1=4:35 |title2 = [[Starlight (Muse song)|Starlight]] |length2=3:59 |title3 = [[Supermassive Black Hole (song)|Supermassive Black Hole]] |length3=3:29 |title4 = [[Map of the Problematique]] |length4=4:18 |title5 = Soldier's Poem |length5=2:03 |title6 = [[Invincible (Muse song)|Invincible]] |length6=5:00 |title7 = Assassin |length7=3:31 |title8 = Exo-Politics |length8=3:53 |title9 = City of Delusion |length9=4:48 |title10= Hoodoo |length10=3:43 |title11= [[Knights of Cydonia]] |length11=6:06 |total_length= 45:28 }}{{Track listing | headline = Japanese release | total_length = 50:10 | title12 = Glorious | length12 = 4:42 }}

== Personnel == '''Muse''' * [[Matthew Bellamy]] – lead vocals, guitars, piano, synthesisers, sampling,<ref name="EMusician">{{Cite web|last=Touzeau|first=Jeff|title=An Evening With Rich Costey|url=https://www.emusician.com/gear/an-evening-with-rich-costey|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093539/https://www.emusician.com/gear/an-evening-with-rich-costey|archive-date=30 March 2019|access-date=2025-09-18|website=Electronic Musician}}</ref> production * [[Christopher Wolstenholme]] – bass, backing vocals, double bass on "Soldier's Poem", additional synthesisers on "[[Map of the Problematique]]" and "Hoodoo", production * [[Dominic Howard]] – drums, production

'''Additional personnel''' {{div col}} * Edoardo de Angelis – first violin on "Take a Bow", "City of Delusion", "Hoodoo" and "[[Knights of Cydonia]]" * Around Art – strings on "Take a Bow", "City of Delusion", "Hoodoo" and "Knights of Cydonia" * Marco Brioschi – trumpet on "City of Delusion" and "Knights of Cydonia" * Tommaso Colliva – engineer * Myriam Correge – assistant engineer * [[Rich Costey]] – production * Max Dingle – mixing assistant * Tom Kirk – antique items crushed on "Exo-Politics" * Roger Lian – mastering assistant * [[Vlado Meller]] – mastering * [[Mauro Pagani]] – [[string arrangement]]s, string conductor * Ross Petersen – assistant engineer * [[Audrey Riley]] – string arrangements, string conductor * Mark Rinaldi – mixing assistant * Ryan Simms – assistant engineer * Derrick Santini – photography * [[Storm Thorgerson]] – cover photo * Rupert Truman – cover photo * [[Howie Weinberg]] – mastering {{div col end}}

==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" !Chart (2006) !Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|Australia|1|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020|refname=auschart}} |- {{album chart|Austria|1|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Flanders|1|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Wallonia|2|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- !scope="row"|[[Canadian Albums Chart|Canadian Albums]] ([[Nielsen SoundScan]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jam.canoe.com/Music/Charts/ALBUMS.html |title=Albums : Top 100 |website=[[Jam!]] |date=30 July 2006 |access-date=3 December 2025 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://webarchiveweb.wayback.bac-lac.canada.ca/web/20060805204917/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Charts/ALBUMS.html |archive-date=5 August 2006}}</ref> | 11 |- {{album chart|Denmark|5|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Netherlands|2|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- !scope="row"|[[European Top 100 Albums|European Albums]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/#/charts/european-albums?chartDate=2006-07-22 |title=European Albums: Week of July 22, 2006 |magazine=Billboard.com |access-date=23 September 2011}}</ref> | 1 |- !scope="row"|Finnish Albums ([[The Official Finnish Charts|Suomen virallinen lista]])<ref name="fichart">{{cite web|url=http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Muse&titel=Black+Holes+%26+Revelations&cat=a |title=Finland Album Chart |access-date=13 August 2008 |publisher=finnishcharts.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308074018/http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Muse&titel=Black%2BHoles%2B&%2BRevelations&cat=a |archive-date=8 March 2009}}</ref> | 3 |- {{album chart|France|2|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Germany|4|id=35810|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=17 November 2021}} |- {{album chart|Hungary|33|year=2007|week=41|rowheader=true|access-date=27 November 2021}} |- {{album chart|Ireland2|1|artist=Muse|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Italy|2|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- !scope="row"|[[Oricon Albums Chart|Japanese Albums]] ([[Oricon]])<ref name="Oricon">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/16754/ranking/cd_album/|title=ミューズのCDアルバムランキング、ミューズのプロフィールならオリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE|access-date=27 February 2013|publisher=Oricon.co.jp}}</ref> | 11 |- !scope="row"|Mexican Albums ([[AMPROFON]])<ref name="auschart" /> | 84 |- {{album chart|New Zealand|6|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Norway|6|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- !scope="row"|Polish Albums ([[Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry|ZPAV]])<ref name="POL">{{cite web|url=http://olis.onyx.pl/listy/index.asp?idlisty=799&lang=en |title= OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart - sales for the period 11.03.2013 - 17.03.2013|publisher=[[OLiS]]|access-date=5 September 2013}}</ref> | 41 |- {{album chart|Portugal|17|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Scotland|1|date=20060709|rowheader=true|access-date=17 November 2021}} |- {{album chart|Spain|20|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Sweden|15|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Muse|album=Black Holes & Revelations|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|UK2|1|date=20060709|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020}} |- {{album chart|UKRock|1|date=2006-07-09|rowheader=true|access-date=20 April 2026}} |- {{album chart|Billboard200|9|artist=Muse|rowheader=true|access-date=7 August 2020|refname=bbchart}} |} {{col-2}}

===Year-end charts=== {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !Chart (2006) !Position |- ! scope="row"| Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/ARIACHarts-EndofYearCharts-Top100Albums2006.htm|title=ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Albums 2006|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=15 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127032212/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/ARIACHarts-EndofYearCharts-Top100Albums2006.htm|archive-date=27 January 2014}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|77 |- ! scope="row"| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://austriancharts.at/year.asp?cat=a&id=2006|title=Jahreshitparade Alben 2006|website=austriancharts.at|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|74 |- ! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2006&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten 2006|publisher=Ultratop|language=nl|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|29 |- ! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2006&cat=a|title=Rapports Annuels 2006|publisher=Ultratop|language=fr|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|20 |- ! scope="row"| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2006&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten – Album 2006|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|50 |- !scope="row"|European Hot 100 Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://login.vnuemedia.com/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2006/european_top_100_albums.jsp|title=2006 Year-End European Albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 5, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629080425/http://login.vnuemedia.com/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2006/european_top_100_albums.jsp|archive-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"| 31 |- ! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2006|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2006|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|22 |- ! scope="row"| Greek Foreign Albums (IFPI)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01_annual.htm |title=Annual Chart — Year 2006 Top 50 Ξένων Αλμπουμ |language=el |publisher=[[IFPI Greece]] |access-date=26 January 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202161722/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01_annual.htm |archive-date=2 February 2007 }}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"| 27 |- ! scope="row"| Italian Albums (FIMI)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/classifiche.kl#/charts/11/2006/0|title=Classifica Annuale 2006 (dal 02.01.2006 al 31.12.2006) – Album & Compilation|publisher=Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana|language=it |access-date=5 July 2021}}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"|45 |- ! scope="row"| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hitparade.ch/charts/jahreshitparade/2006|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2006|website=hitparade.ch|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|29 |- ! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref name="End of Year Charts: 2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2006.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2006|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=10 August 2011}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|26 |} {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !Chart (2007) !Position |- ! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2007&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten 2007|publisher=Ultratop|language=nl|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|90 |- ! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2007&cat=a|title=Rapports Annuels 2007|publisher=Ultratop|language=fr|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|76 |- ! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2007|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2007|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=15 August 2020}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|96 |- ! scope="row"|New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-albums/2007-12-31|title=Top Selling Albums of 2007|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|access-date=November 16, 2021}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|47 |- ! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2007.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2007|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=30 September 2015}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|117 |} {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !Chart (2008) !Position |- ! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2008.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2008|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=30 September 2015}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|165 |} {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !Chart (2009) !Position |- ! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2009.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2009|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=30 September 2015}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|151 |} {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- !Chart (2010) !Position |- ! scope="row"| UK Albums (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2010|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=30 September 2015|archive-date=28 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628170049/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|149 |} {{col-end}}

==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|certyear=2007}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse |certyear=2015|award=Platinum}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=album|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|certyear=2007|award=Gold|certref=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=content/guld-og-platin-i-oktober-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713193433/http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=content/guld-og-platin-i-oktober-1 |archive-date=13 July 2014 |title=Guld og platin i oktober |language=da |access-date=12 July 2022 |publisher=[[IFPI Danmark]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Finland|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|salesamount=15,000}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=album|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2013|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|source=archive}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|certyear=2006}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|certyear=2021|id=1791|note=sales since 2009}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certyear=2014|certmonth=1|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2006|certyear=2025|title=Black Holes and Revelations|source=radioscope|access-date=2025-09-25|artist=Muse|refname=RMNZ}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=album|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certyear=2009}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2006|certyear=2024|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|id=8686-2056-2|access-date=22 March 2024|refname="BPI"}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|award=Platinum|relyear=2006|certyear=2016|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse|access-date=December 28, 2024|refname="RIAA"}} {{Certification Table Summary}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2006|certyear=2011|title=Black Holes and Revelations|artist=Muse}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [http://muse.mu/ Muse.mu] – Official website * [https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/muse/blackholesandrevelations ''Black Holes and Revelations''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413190828/https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/muse/blackholesandrevelations |date=13 April 2010 }} at [[Metacritic]]

[[Category:Muse (band) albums]] [[Category:2006 albums]] [[Category:Albums with cover art by Storm Thorgerson]] [[Category:Warner Records albums]] [[Category:Albums recorded at Electric Lady Studios]] [[Category:Albums recorded at Townhouse Studios]] [[Category:Progressive rock albums by British artists]] [[Category:Alternative rock albums by British artists]] [[Category:Albums produced by Rich Costey]]