The 2nd Law is the sixth studio album by the English rock band Muse. It was first released on 28 September 2012 in Europe, 1 October 2012 in the United Kingdom, and on 2 October 2012 in North America through Warner Bros. Records and the band's own Helium-3 imprint. Recording took place in studios between London and Los Angeles County, beginning in October 2011 and ending in August 2012. The 2nd Law was Muse's second album to be solely self-produced by the band, following The Resistance (2009). It features additional musicians that performed brass, strings, and choir vocals.