It's certainly different and whilst The Resistance changed what Muse sound like Simulation Theory throws even that out of the window to try something different with synths and a more upbeat poppy sound. Lyrically it's still Muse and they have not changed one bit with singing about the current political climate and oppression.
Weirdly I think the album would be viewed differently if they went with a different album cover design, I think it comes across as very cheesy and does not help taking them making it a heavily electronic synth album. You sort of go in with a negative perception of synths which isn't ideal when it's the focus of the album.
The tracks are good but nothing amazing other than The Dark Side which I relaly like. Like with Psycho in Drones for some reason the track Propaganda makes me think of Jerma, the funny little voice just sounds like his House Flipper SAW trap "GAS" bit voice. Thought Contagion is also notable but there is something about it that I don't fully like. Dig Down is a good probably because it isn't as heavy with the synth being a focus. The Void is a really good track to end the album off and an example of how the synths working to their benefit because I couldn't imagine that track done any differently.
I think the Deluxe version tracks are alright, the alternative version of The Dark Side is nice. The acoustic versions are nice but don't really feel like they are complete like they need something else with them and I don't like the whistle in Propaganda.
I don't hate it like some other people do but like The 2nd Law it falls short of being as great as they have been before, It's good enough to where I will sometimes want to specifically listen to it but it's not impressive because I know they can do better.