Exogenesis: Symphony

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Lore & Background

The narrative behind Exogenesis centers on the concept of 'panspermia,' depicting a story where civilization faces inevitable collapse. Part 1, 'Overture', represents a jaded acceptance that the end is coming. Part 2, 'Cross-Pollination', captures a desperate hope as astronauts are sent to find and populate other planets, viewed as humanity's last chance. Finally, in Part 3, 'Redemption', the astronauts realize they are trapped in a cycle; unless humanity can fundamentally change, this destruction will happen all over again on the new world. Bellamy described it as a 'big kind of filmic, visual journey' about leaving a destructive planet behind to populate somewhere else in the universe.

In Their Own Story

Recording began in late 2008 after early hints from 2008 where Bellamy mentioned wanting a '15-minute space rock solo.' He arranged the orchestral elements himself to ensure they remained his own vision, avoiding collaboration with string arrangers. The symphony features an orchestra of over 40 musicians, with strings placed at the forefront while the band acts as a backdrop. Bassist Chris Wolstenholme noted that one could remove the band entirely and the orchestral bit would still be beautiful. Drummer Dominic Howard described it as a 'real journey,' noting that vocals are barely audible in the first part, emphasizing the instrumental scope of leaving Earth's destruction behind.

Reader's Guide

Exogenesis: Symphony was revealed via Twitter on 3 July 2009 as the final three tracks of The Resistance. It was released as the fourth and final single from the album on 17 April 2010, exclusively as a 12-inch vinyl in the United States with only 500 copies made available for import in the UK. Part I was used in Dior Homme's advertisement 'A Rendezvous' directed by Guy Ritchie. Live performances saw 'Overture' played at almost every Resistance Tour date, while 'Cross-Pollination' has never been performed live. 'Redemption' debuted in January 2013 in Saitama, Japan. Stadium shows featured a UFO releasing an acrobat dressed as an alien above the crowd, a feat previously blocked by health and safety concerns.

Did You Know?

• Matthew Bellamy arranged all orchestral elements himself to prevent string arrangers from making the composition 'theirs'.
• The symphony features an orchestra of over 40 musicians, with strings positioned at the forefront while the band serves as a backdrop.
• 'Cross-Pollination' has never been performed live, whereas 'Redemption' was first played in January 2013 in Saitama, Japan.
• In September 2012, Charles Bollfrass sued Muse claiming they copied his sci-fi rock opera of the same name; the case was dismissed in April 2013 as having no legal basis.
• During stadium performances, a real UFO is released into the crowd to drop an acrobat dressed as an alien above the audience.