Simulation Theory was Muse's eighth studio album, released in 2018. It combined synthesizers with a visual aesthetic inspired by 1980s science fiction, with cover art by Kyle Lambert, known for his work on Stranger Things. Production involved Rich Costey, Mike Elizondo, Shellback and Timbaland among others. Singles including Dig Down, Thought Contagion, Something Human, The Dark Side and Pressure represented the album's different sides. Thematically, Simulation Theory explored simulation, technology and escapism. The album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.