"We are defined by the fact that we can't be defined by anybody," says Matt Bellamy, the singer-guitarist-pianist of Muse, as he runs down the range and nerve of the British trio's new album, The 2nd Law, that was launched on 17 September. "There are electro-pop sounds and songs that are obviously classic rock," Bellamy notes, referring to the machine-funk nightmares "Madness" and "Panic Station" and, in the latter category, "Big Freeze" and his lead-guitar blowup in "Animals."

The album release followes a huge tour of Europe starting in France on 16 October which includes five UK shows. The UK dates start in Glasgow on 24 October and include two nights at London's O2 Arena, one night in Birmingham and one in Manchester. -

Initial interview done by DAVID FRICKE.

Scroll down to preview Muse's The 2nd Law.