Difference between revisions of "Assassin (song)"

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|[[Knights of Cydonia (single)|Knights of Cydonia]] <small>vinyl, download (2)<small>
|[[Knights of Cydonia (single)|Knights of Cydonia]] <small>vinyl, download (2)<small>
}}
}}
| Length = 3:31, 5:19 <small>(Grand Omega Bosses edit)</small>, ~5:15 <small>(2005 tour)</small>
| Length = 3:31, 5:19 <small>(Grand Omega Bosses edit)</small>
| AltTitles =
| AltTitles =
{{drop
{{drop
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|Demonocracy
|Demonocracy
|D-Tune
|D-Tune
|Moniker Probes
|Auditory Masks
|Auditory Masks
|Cold Aqua Tomato
|Cold Aqua Tomato
|Easy Tiger
|Easy Tiger
|New D
|New D
|Arty Siege
|Starship Clouds<ref>{{cite
|Starship Clouds<ref>{{cite
|title=San Antonio Sunset Station 2005 set list
|title=San Antonio Sunset Station 2005 set list
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|desc=Set list
|desc=Set list
|date=2005-05-04
|date=2005-05-04
|doc=Dallas Gypsy Ballroom 2005 (gig)
|doc=Dallas Gypsy Tea Room and Ballroom 2005 (gig)
|type=int
|type=int
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
}}
}}
| First = [[Boca Raton Auditorium Field 2005 (gig)|8th April 2005]]
| First = [[Boca Raton Auditorium Field 2005 (gig)|8{{supo|th}} April 2005]]
| Latest = [[Riga Arena 2007 (gig)|2nd July 2007]]
| Latest = [[London Shepherds Bush Empire 2017 (gig)|19th August 2017]] <small>(Grand Omega Bosses extended version)</small> , [[Paris Cigale 2018 (gig)|24{{supo|th}} February 2018]] <small>(album version)<small>
| Recorded = 2005-2006
| Recorded = 2005-2006
| Writer = [[Matthew Bellamy]]
| Writer = [[Matthew Bellamy]]
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>
}}
}}
<flashmp3>http://www.musewiki.org/images/Assassin.mp3|rightbg=0xDDEEFF|leftbg=0xDDEEFF|bg=0xFFFFFF</flashmp3>
 
{{AlbumNav |
{{AlbumNav
| Previous song = [[Invincible (song)|Invincible]]
| Previous = [[Invincible (song) | Invincible]]
| Current song = Assassin
| Current = Assassin
| Next song = [[Exo-Politics (song)|Exo-Politics]]
| Next = [[Exo-Politics (song) | Exo-Politics]]
}}
<br>
{{AlbumNav2
| Previous = [[Absolution (album) | Absolution ''(2003)'']]
| Current = [[Black Holes and Revelations (album) | Black Holes and Revelations ''(2006)'']]
| Next = [[The Resistance (album) | The Resistance ''(2009)'']]
}}
}}
'''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNPSSs1xnpY Listen]]'''


==Description==
==Description==
Perhaps the Muse song that most reminds of [[System Of A Down|Daron Malakian's Armenian-tinged metal]] guitar playing. Bellamy's stabby guitar riffs are accompanied by a heavy bass line and some thrashing drumming, there are parts to this song where the drumming is the most audible, as in with "[[Map of the Problematique (song)|Map of the Problematique]]". The bridge section of the "Grand Omega Bosses edit" resembles [[Muse|the band's]] rendition of "[[Sergei Rachmaninov|Prelude In G Minor]]".<ref>{{cite
Perhaps the Muse song that most reminds of [[System Of A Down|Daron Malakian's Armenian-tinged metal]] guitar playing. Bellamy's stabby guitar riffs are accompanied by a heavy bass line and thrashing drums. There are portions of the song where the drumming is the most audible, as in "[[Map of the Problematique (song)|Map of the Problematique]]". The vocals were overdubbed by [[Matthew Bellamy|Matt]] multiple times to create a barbershop quartet effect, complete with staccato "You-ou-ou-ou-ou"'s and harmonized 7th chords. The bridge section of the "Grand Omega Bosses edit" resembles [[Muse|the band's]] rendition of "[[Sergei Rachmaninov|Prelude In G Minor]]".<ref>{{cite
|title=Muse - Screenager [Live Eurockéennes 2002]
|title=Muse - Screenager [Live Eurockéennes 2002]
|desc=Live video
|desc=Live video
Line 65: Line 75:
|url=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uLG1Mm8BTdU&feature=related
|url=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uLG1Mm8BTdU&feature=related
|type=ext
|type=ext
}}</ref>  
}}</ref> The full length version of Assassin (Grand Omega Bosses edit) is very similar in structure to [[Newton Abbot demo (demo)|1997 demo]] version of "[[Ashamed (song)|Ashamed]]".


==Additional information==
==Additional information==
Line 104: Line 114:
Several major changes were made to the song compared to earlier live versions from 2005. Previously, it had a longer, more distorted intro, more varied percussion, most prominently contained a slow bridge between the first and second chorus, and was generally more progressive. The original drumming was used in "[[Map of the Problematique (song)|Map of the Problematique]]".
Several major changes were made to the song compared to earlier live versions from 2005. Previously, it had a longer, more distorted intro, more varied percussion, most prominently contained a slow bridge between the first and second chorus, and was generally more progressive. The original drumming was used in "[[Map of the Problematique (song)|Map of the Problematique]]".


The song was featured in the 2008 game Guitar Hero: World Tour as a playable track,<ref>{{cite
The song is featured in the 2008 game Guitar Hero: World Tour as a playable track,<ref>{{cite
|title=Guitar Hero World Tour Full Set List Revealed
|title=Guitar Hero World Tour Full Set List Revealed
|desc=Gaming article
|desc=Gaming article
Line 113: Line 123:
|dom=www.gamedaily.com
|dom=www.gamedaily.com
|type=ext
|type=ext
}}</ref> where there is also an achievement for the 360 version of the game called "Muse to My Ears", requiring you to score 222,222 points on Assassin, playing the drums. <ref>{{cite
}}</ref> where there is also a secret achievement for the 360 version of the game called "Muse to My Ears", requiring you to score 222,222 points or higher on Assassin, playing the drums. <ref>{{cite
|title=Guitar Hero World Tour Achievement List
|title=Guitar Hero World Tour Achievement List
|pub=Xbox 360 Achievements
|pub=Xbox 360 Achievements
Line 125: Line 135:
==Live==
==Live==
An extended version of the song was reintroduced during the 2006 tour. This version includes a modified version of the omitted interlude, with different percussion and no vocals. While there are reports both of the interlude being placed in its original position and of extensions comprising of parts of the original version, these claims cannot be substantiated and some of these claims contradict the recordings.<ref>[http://muselive.com/forums.php?m=posts&p=510202#510202 muselive.com 20060924]</ref> Wolstenholme screams the line "Aim, shoot, kill your leaders" during the solo that's on the album.<ref>[[Denvore Hyundai Pavilion 2006 (gig)|Hyundai Pavilion 20060923]]</ref>
An extended version of the song was reintroduced during the 2006 tour. This version includes a modified version of the omitted interlude, with different percussion and no vocals. While there are reports both of the interlude being placed in its original position and of extensions comprising of parts of the original version, these claims cannot be substantiated and some of these claims contradict the recordings.<ref>[http://muselive.com/forums.php?m=posts&p=510202#510202 muselive.com 20060924]</ref> Wolstenholme screams the line "Aim, shoot, kill your leaders" during the solo that's on the album.<ref>[[Denvore Hyundai Pavilion 2006 (gig)|Hyundai Pavilion 20060923]]</ref>
After several years of the song being dropped from the setlists (the last time being played at the [[Rīga Arēna 2007 (gig) | the 2nd of July 2007]] gig), it was attempted at the [[Belfast Ulster Hall 2015 (gig)|15{{supo|th}} March 2015]] gig in Belfast. It would have been played and the intro was started, but Matt apparently forgot how to play the song, so it was scrapped. However, it was played in it's extended form a few days later on [[Wales_Newport_Centre_2015_(gig) | 19{{supo|th}} March]] in Newport and continued to make occasional appearances throughout 2015/16.
[[Assassin (live) | More here]]


==Alternate versions==
==Alternate versions==
Line 134: Line 148:


==Lyrics==
==Lyrics==
<pre>War is overdue
{{lyrics
|War is overdue
The time has come for you
The time has come for you
To shoot your leaders down
To shoot your leaders down
Line 149: Line 164:


Aim, shoot, kill your leaders
Aim, shoot, kill your leaders
Aim, Kill them all


Oppose and disagree
Oppose and disagree
Line 160: Line 176:
These people are torn
These people are torn
Wild and bereft
Wild and bereft
Assassin is born, yeah</pre>
Assassin is born, yeah
}}


===Grand Omega Bosses edit===
===Grand Omega Bosses edit===
<pre>War is overdue
{{lyrics
|War is overdue
The time has come for you
The time has come for you
To shoot your leaders down
To shoot your leaders down
Line 195: Line 213:
These people are torn
These people are torn
Wild and bereft
Wild and bereft
Assassin is born, yeah</pre>
Assassin is born, yeah
}}


===2005 tour===
===2005 tour===
<pre>War is overdue
{{lyrics
|War is overdue
Time has come for you
Time has come for you
To shoot your leaders down
To shoot your leaders down
Line 228: Line 248:
Lose your faith
Lose your faith
Lingering hours
Lingering hours
Turn to the grave</pre>
Turn to the grave
}}


===Shepherds Bush Empire 2006===
===[[London Shepherds Bush Empire 2006 (gig)|Shepherds Bush Empire 2006]]===
The following second verse was sung instead:
The following second verse was sung instead:


<pre>Destroy and disagree
{{lyrics
Cut down demonocracy</pre>
|Destroy and disagree
Cut down demonocracy
}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


 
{{Backto | Black Holes and Revelations (album) | Black Holes and Revelations}}
Back to [[Black Holes and Revelations (album)|Black Holes and Revelations]]

Revision as of 22:38, 14 January 2020

Muse song
Name Assassin
Album/single
Length 3:31, 5:19 (Grand Omega Bosses edit)
Alternative titles
  • Debase Masons Grog »
  • Messageboard Song
  • Demonocracy
  • D-Tune
  • Moniker Probes
  • Auditory Masks
  • Cold Aqua Tomato
  • Easy Tiger
  • New D
  • Arty Siege
  • Starship Clouds[1]
  • Evaluating Mortals[2]
First live performance 8th April 2005
Latest live performance 19th August 2017 (Grand Omega Bosses extended version) , 24th February 2018 (album version)
Recorded 2005-2006
Writer/composer Matthew Bellamy
Producer Rich Costey[3]
Chart position 6 (download)[4]


[Listen]

Description

Perhaps the Muse song that most reminds of Daron Malakian's Armenian-tinged metal guitar playing. Bellamy's stabby guitar riffs are accompanied by a heavy bass line and thrashing drums. There are portions of the song where the drumming is the most audible, as in "Map of the Problematique". The vocals were overdubbed by Matt multiple times to create a barbershop quartet effect, complete with staccato "You-ou-ou-ou-ou"'s and harmonized 7th chords. The bridge section of the "Grand Omega Bosses edit" resembles the band's rendition of "Prelude In G Minor".[5] The full length version of Assassin (Grand Omega Bosses edit) is very similar in structure to 1997 demo version of "Ashamed".

Additional information

"Assassin" was formerly known as "Debase Mason's Grog" ("Message Board Song"),[6] and before the finalisation of the album's track list, Demonocracy.[7] Demonocracy means the power or government of demons.

Bellamy has said this is a "kind of take a gun out and kill somebody" style song.[8] Early reviews prior to the album's release described the introduction with reference to the Knight Rider theme music.[9]

Several major changes were made to the song compared to earlier live versions from 2005. Previously, it had a longer, more distorted intro, more varied percussion, most prominently contained a slow bridge between the first and second chorus, and was generally more progressive. The original drumming was used in "Map of the Problematique".

The song is featured in the 2008 game Guitar Hero: World Tour as a playable track,[10] where there is also a secret achievement for the 360 version of the game called "Muse to My Ears", requiring you to score 222,222 points or higher on Assassin, playing the drums. [11]

Recording

During recording, the bass drum had a "few" extra microphones, to record the "most definition possible". These microphones for the bass drum included one inside the drum and two outside. Capacitor microphones were used for the snare drums.[12]

Live

An extended version of the song was reintroduced during the 2006 tour. This version includes a modified version of the omitted interlude, with different percussion and no vocals. While there are reports both of the interlude being placed in its original position and of extensions comprising of parts of the original version, these claims cannot be substantiated and some of these claims contradict the recordings.[13] Wolstenholme screams the line "Aim, shoot, kill your leaders" during the solo that's on the album.[14]

After several years of the song being dropped from the setlists (the last time being played at the the 2nd of July 2007 gig), it was attempted at the 15th March 2015 gig in Belfast. It would have been played and the intro was started, but Matt apparently forgot how to play the song, so it was scrapped. However, it was played in it's extended form a few days later on 19th March in Newport and continued to make occasional appearances throughout 2015/16.

More here

Alternate versions

It was reported that an extended version of "Assassin" was to be the B-Side for the "Knights of Cydonia" single on the offical Muse site.[15] This was later clarified to be for B-Side to the vinyl and non-preordered digital formats, and that the name of it is "Grand Omega Bosses edit".[16] Grand Omega Bosses is an anagram for 'Debase Masons Grog', or 'Message Board Song', a former title during the 2005 cryptography game,[6] used to signify the then-untitled, extended version of "Assassin" on a set list. This version reinserts the interlude and lyrics featured in the 2005 live version, as well as adding a piano part during said interlude.

The "Grand Omega Bosses edit" adds some depth to the interpretation of the song. Instead of one resisting alongside others (as in "join forces underground"), the importance of taking action before the isolation of resistance can be overcome is strengthened in the lyrics of the bridge (see "You're not alone / But you must actualise / The first attack"). Whilst at 3:11 Bellamy can be heard saying 'Go!' in the album version, this was removed on the "Grand Omega Bosses edit".

The piano part within the 'Debase' interlude was added prior to the shortening of the song, rather than afterwards. Costey revealed that the band had been planning to release the "Grand Omega Bosses edit" for some time prior to its release.[12]

Lyrics

War is overdue

The time has come for you To shoot your leaders down Join forces underground

Lose control And increasing pace Warped and bewitched Time to erase Whatever they say These people are torn Wild and bereft Assassin is born, yeah

Aim, shoot, kill your leaders Aim, Kill them all

Oppose and disagree Destroy demonocracy

Lose control And increasing pace Warped and bewitched Time to erase Whatever they say These people are torn Wild and bereft Assassin is born, yeah

Grand Omega Bosses edit

War is overdue

The time has come for you To shoot your leaders down Join forces underground

Lose control And increasing pace Warped and bewitched Time to erase Whatever they say These people are torn Wild and bereft Assassin is born, yeah

Aim, shoot, kill your leaders

They'll try to steal your life So watch your back You're not alone But you must actualise The first attack

Oppose and disagree Destroy demonocracy

Lose control And increasing pace Warped and bewitched Time to erase Whatever they say These people are torn Wild and bereft Assassin is born, yeah

2005 tour

War is overdue

Time has come for you To shoot your leaders down Truth's crumbling now (Appears to say "Pray on holy ground" on St.Louis version)

Lose control Lose your faith Lingering hours Time to erase Lose control Lose your faith Lingering hours Turn to the grave

They'll try to steal your life So watch your back You're not alone But you must actualise The first attack

War is overdue I struggle for you

Lose control Lose your faith Lingering hours Time to erase Lose control Lose your faith Lingering hours Turn to the grave

Shepherds Bush Empire 2006

The following second verse was sung instead:

Destroy and disagree

Cut down demonocracy

References

  1. San Antonio Sunset Station 2005 set list (2005-05-03). [verify]
  2. Dallas Gypsy Ballroom 2005 set list (2005-05-04). [verify]
  3. Album notes
  4. Dave Walker. (2007-01-13). Muse, Leona and Depeche Mode top the download charts for 2006. Techdigest.tv. Retrieved from techdigest.tv.
  5. Typlo. (2002-07-07). Muse - Screenager [Live Eurockéennes 2002]. YouTube. Retrieved from youtube.com.
  6. a b Philadelphia Liacouras Center 2005 set list (2005-04-15). Muse. [verify]
  7. Tom. (2006-03-15). Muse featured in NME and Kerrang!. MuseLive.com. Retrieved from muselive.com.
  8. Interview with Colin Murray (2006-10-05). BBC Radio 1. [verify]
  9. Muse: Black Holes And Revelations (2006-06-30). Drowned in Sound. [verify]
  10. Robert Workman. (2008-09-12). Guitar Hero World Tour Full Set List Revealed. GameDaily. Retrieved from www.gamedaily.com.
  11. Guitar Hero World Tour Achievement List. Xbox 360 Achievements. Retrieved from Xbox 360 Achievements.
  12. a b Jeff Touzeau. (2007-03). An Evening with Rich Costey. EQ. [verify]
  13. muselive.com 20060924
  14. Hyundai Pavilion 20060923
  15. muse.mu News 20061017
  16. muse.mu News 20061107


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