Absolution is the third studio album by English rock band Muse. It was released on 15 September 2003 in Japan, 22 September 2003 in the United Kingdom by East West Records and Taste Media and 30 September 2003 in the United States by Warner Bros. Records. The album followed up on "Origin of Symmetry" diverse musical tendencies and elaborate sound, while also having a more focused and consistent theme and aesthetic throughout. "Absolution" has a noticeably darker and heavier tone musically, with a lyrical focus on theological and apocalyptic concepts.