SAVE US – Haunt (2023)
Last month we came across the metal meets alternative rock foursome SAVE US. At the time, it was our introduction and they hit the ground running with ‘Drift’. The sheer force of SAVE US’s powerful sound wrapped about poetic lyricism knocked me between my eyes and, to be honest, I haven’t fully recovered. Stepping up once again, the lads are now grabbing me with their new single ‘Haunt’.
Known for their mastery of flooding hard-hitting music with poignant, profound lyrics, ‘Haunt’ captures the angst-driven vulnerability when facing inner demons. Filled with frustration and fearfulness ridden by raw human fragility, ‘Haunt’ slithers into the corners of your mind trapping you in its painful confusion. Lyrically, SAVE US appear to be lost in a labyrinth attempting to reach the edge of a dark realm while being dragged down into the mire of hopelessness. Yet, there is still a hopefulness breaking through this poetic maze as the words “this can’t be over” slip into a tale of falling, forgotten, powerless submission to oblivion.
So, lyrically, ‘Haunt’ is as powerful as it is profound; however, the melody holds its own. Similar to ‘Drift’, SAVE US adopts a hard-hitting fusion of metal and alternative rock in ‘Haunt’. The thing is, just as it has the lighter elements of alternative rock flitting beneath the surface, ‘Haunt’ is a full-force blast of hard rock and metal. Pounding drums collide with scorching guitars hitting you directly in the face with a soul-stirring crash of insanity. Interestingly, while the melody has its raw crush of screaming metal, there is an oscillation between chaos and calm in the artistic arrangement.
‘Drift’ had SAVE US wrapping themselves around our bodies clinging to our souls; however, ‘Haunt’ pushes you away while still grasping at your soul. From pillar to post, you feel lost in the tormented toss. Yet, despite this constant hurling in a pool of black sonic doom, the lads hold you close trying to save you in the chaotic despair. For me, listening to ‘Haunt’ was like screaming out loud in a dark forest; my heart pulsating in my ears, my throat hoarse but my soul cleansed. This is a song for those who want a release and who need a cathartic escapism from human turmoil.
Sincere, sentimental and brutally honest, SAVE US has impressed me once again with their powerful single ‘Haunt’. I am eager to hear what the band has in store on their upcoming EP.
Find out more about SAVE US on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
