The Wow! Signal

Overview
- The Wow! Signal is Muse’s tenth studio album, released June 26, 2026, on Warner Records and Helium-3. It is a space-rock concept work rooted in the mystery of the 1977 Wow! signal, with the title nodding to that famed interstellar event. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29)) ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29))

Recording History
- Recording took place across multiple rooms and locales in 2025: Abbey Road Studios (London), Ocean Park Recordings (Los Angeles), The Black Lodge (London), The Red Room (Los Angeles), and the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29))
- Producers credited are Muse, Dan Lancaster, and Aleks von Korff. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29))
- The project includes Ellie Goulding contributing guest vocals on “Hush.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29))
- AllMusic’s detailed release listing confirms the same studio locations and notes the June 26, 2026 release date. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/the-wow%21-signal-mr0007026956))

Chart Performance & Recognition
- In the United Kingdom, The Wow! Signal debuted at No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart, with First Chart Date listed as 9 July 2026. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/muse-the-wow-signal-0/))
- Ireland’s chart shows a peak at No. 8 on the Irish Albums Chart. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/muse-the-wow-signal-0/))
- Critical reception at release is summarized by AllMusic as a cohesive, boldly expansive Muse record that leverages their legacy DNA while pushing forward. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-wow%21-signal-mw0004785643))
- Lead-up singles and album framing were covered in 2025–2026 press, with Unravelling (June 20, 2025) and Be With You (March 19, 2026) paving the way for the full release. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29))

Cultural Impact & Legacy
- AllMusic notes that The Wow! Signal draws on elements from Origin of Symmetry, The 2nd Law, and Absolution, signaling Muse’s continued, ambitious cross-era synthesis. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-wow%21-signal-mw0004785643))
- The album is widely framed as Muse’s most cohesive, expansive statement in years, blending prog-leaning complexity with their signature space-rock drama. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-wow%21-signal-mw0004785643))
- The Wow! Signal cements Muse’s ongoing fascination with cosmic themes and existential questions about humanity’s place in the universe. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wow%21_Signal_%28album%29))

The Wow! Signal marks Muse's expansive return to space-rock ambition and cohesive storytelling.