Unravelling (Muse song)

"Unravelling" combines the synths of The 2nd Law and Simulation Theory with the riffing of Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Drones, into a heavy metal,^[2][3] EDM,^[2][4] progressive metal,^[2] djent^[4] and space rock song with operatic vocals.^[5] The band travels "into a darker, djent-ier world" on the track, with an "intense mix of prog metal, metalcore and electronic music," while still sounding like Muse.^[2][6] The song starts with "digital hums and tension" before "detonating into a riff-heavy meltdown."^[7] Critics have noted similarities to Meshuggah and Sleep Token for featuring an eight-string guitar (the first Muse song to do so) and Lancaster's production.^[8]

In February 2025, Muse bassist Chris Wolstenholme said Muse would work on new material in the studio in the coming months. He discussed the possibility of a 2026 release for Muse's tenth studio album.^[9] In June, before the single's release, Muse released a series of cryptic messages and clips of "Unravelling" on social media platforms.^[10]

On 12 June, Muse opened the first show of their 2025 European tour, in Helsinki, Finland, with the debut of "Unravelling".^[11][12] The song received its world premiere airing on 19 June at 18:30 BST during Jack Saunders' show on BBC Radio 1, followed by an interview with frontman Matt Bellamy.^[13] A day later, the song was released as a digital-only single.^[14] On 8 August, Muse released an acoustic version, titled the "Ghost Town Version".^[15] Muse later announced their tenth studio album, The Wow! Signal, would release on 26 June 2026, with "Unravelling" featuring on the album as the eighth track.^[16]