"This video was shot with a very claustrophobic feel to show the raw emotion of the heavy subject matter of the song." - Nuno Bettencourt
EXTREME, the iconic rock band renowned for their soaring melodies and virtuosic musicianship, has released an immersive and emotionally charged video for "Save Me," the ninth single from their critically acclaimed album SIX. The video transports viewers on a captivating journey through the depths of inner conflict, showcasing the band's remarkable diversity and creative vision.
Directed by SIMPLEXITY PICTURES, who have collaborated with EXTREME on all the music videos for SIX, "Save Me" features a visually mesmerizing and claustrophobic aesthetic that perfectly encapsulates the song's introspective lyrics and themes. The dynamic duo of guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and vocalist Gary Cherone serve as the creative forces behind the video's haunting visuals.
The video opens with a series of tightly framed shots that convey a sense of confinement and isolation. Bettencourt explains that this cinematic technique was employed to evoke "a lack of oxygen in black void," symbolizing the suffocating presence of inner demons that torment the protagonist's mind.
Cherone's schizophrenic vocal performance in the verses further emphasizes the psychological battle being waged within. The lyrics, "Save me from myself / save me from this hell...," serve as desperate pleas for salvation from the tormenting voices that reside within.
As the song progresses, the video explores the transformative power of human connection. The viewer witnesses the protagonist's struggle to break free from the confines of their own mind and seek solace in the embrace of others. Bettencourt notes that the blurred lines between faces in the video are a deliberate artistic choice, representing the "small pieces of a human jigsaw puzzle" that we all possess.
"Save Me" ultimately culminates in a dark and somber place, as the protagonist's inner struggles reach a crescendo. However, Bettencourt and Cherone emphasize that the song is ultimately a message of hope and solidarity.
"YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is always someone to call when all seems hopeless," says Bettencourt. The video serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found in human connection and the shared experience of life's challenges.
EXTREME's "Save Me" is a visually stunning and emotionally evocative music video that delves into the depths of human suffering and the transformative power of human connection. With its claustrophobic atmosphere, haunting vocals, and poignant visuals, the video provides a captivating glimpse into the band's creative process and their ability to craft songs that resonate with the human spirit.
"Save Me" is available for streaming on all major platforms, and the video can be viewed HERE.