After having a monster 2020, with the immense success of After Hours and its singles, particularly “Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd is back to wreak some havoc on 2021 as well. And he does so by dropping a subtly unnerving music video for the album’s latest single, “Save Your Tears.”

The song continues with the same 80s inspired synth and keyboard driven melodies of the parent album that made it such a huge hit, reminiscent of songs by Wham! and A-ha. It’s a song that’s oddly comforting despite its intense sense of longing.

The Cliqua directed music video, however, flips that on its head by having the singer portray a lounge performer of sorts, with a face that would be every plastic surgeon’s nightmarish dream. The sculpted shell of the artist formerly known as The Weeknd dances and sings for tables of hidden individuals, all wearing masquerade masks (that could be a way around COVID safety, since they don’t have nose holes). One of the women in the crowd, the only one without a mask, gets brought up on stage to dance with the singer, until he eventually pulls out a gun and has her brandish it on him. 

The video ultimately ends with him pulling the trigger on himself, only to be met with confetti and resounding applause. Continuing on the darker themes of the parent album and its preceding music videos, this particular entry in the Abel Tesfaye has enough potential to creep you out and have you laughing at the same time.

Check out The Weeknd’s music video for “Save Your Tears” below: