Muse Album Cover Series - Drones ~ Bows and Curtseys

To celebrate the release of Muse's 7th studio album Drones, which has finally released worldwide today, I decided to bring back my Muse Album Cover Series! I had a lot of fun creating all of the other looks in the series and combining two of my passions only makes it that much more special. A lot of you seemed to enjoy it as well, so I'm super excited! I'll also be creating a look for their last live album, which is Live at Rome Olympic Stadium, so stayed tuned for that!

Unlike the previous six albums, Drones is Muse's first conceptual album. The album tells the story from the perspective of the protagonist that loses hope and love and becomes a mindless killing machine controlled by higher forces and then breaking free and revolting. The term "Drones" in technology refers to radio-controlled pilotless missiles or aircrafts (such as military spy planes) and/or any sorts of remote-controlled robot vehicles. Matt became intrigued by these machines and was therefore inspired to create an album based on his ideas and thoughts on the matter. From Matt: “To me, 'Drones' are metaphorical psychopaths which enable psychopathic behaviour with no recourse. The world is run by Drones utilizing Drones to turn us all into Drones. This album explores the journey of a human, from their abandonment and loss of hope, to their indoctrination by the system to be a human drone, to their eventual defection from their oppressors." Also for Matt 'drones' is a modern metaphor about losing empathy and not care about what happens around the world.

Muse also wanted this album to have more of a three-piece-band sound rather than messing around with too many effects and extra sounds like they've done with the last few albums.

The cover artwork was designed by photographer, illustrator and film director Matt Mahurin. It depicts mind control, brainwashing, and turning people into sheep which goes well with the themes and concept for the album.

Not only did I take inspiration from the colors of the album, but I also wanted to create something that was strong and bold, something that to me fit with the themes of the album. I combined a smokey eye with pops of red and thick, bold liner on the top and bottom lids to create balance and orderliness. I feel like the sharp lines and edges paired with the soft smokiness of the red mimics the story of the protagonist and antagonist of the story being told throughout the album. Maybe that's a bit of stretch, but it kind of makes sense to me :)

Before the album was released, Muse posted a series of teasers on their Instagram page of old photos of the band with their eyes blacked out which created a huge buzz within the fan base. Fast forward a few months and their first single "Dead Inside" was released and the stars on the music video featured, dark, soulless eyes as well. Super creepy, and totally fitting.

I wanted to create a similar effect but I don't own sclera lenses and they're a bit pricey so I tried my hand at editing some virtual ones to get the same look:

As for my favorite track off of Drones, it's hands down "The Handler". It's so dark and heavy and reminds me so much of Absolution-era Muse. It's quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite songs from them!

FACE:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 1.0
Maybelline Fit Me Powder Matte in Porcelain

EYES:

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk all over lids
Sugarpill eyeshadow in Tako mixed with Sugarpill eyeshadow in Diamond Eyes on brow bone and inner corners
Sugarpill eyeshadows in Tako and Bulletproof (mixed to create grey) on center of lids
Sugarpill eyeshadow in Bulletproof in crease
Sugarpill eyeshadow in Love + above crease and on lower lids
Sugarpill eyeshadow in Soot & Stars on outer corners and lower lids
Makeup Geek Gel Liner in Poison on waterline
Cover Girl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner in Intense Black (review soon!)
Cover Girl The Super Sizer by Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black (review soon!)
Dollar store lashes

CHEEKS:

Milani Blush in Luminoso

LIPS:

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw with Soot & Stars patted on outer corners and blended in

I hope you all enjoyed this post and look! If you're into alternative rock that's a little different from the rest, then do yourself a favor and check out Drones and the rest of Muse's albums. See you soon!

XO,