The Weeknd Releases 'Baptized in Fear' Video for Haunted Album Track

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has released a haunting new music video for "Baptized in Fear," a standout track from his album Hurry Up Tomorrow. The song and video explore themes of paralysis, spiritual guilt, and inner demons, with visuals set in and around a desolate church that symbolizes a purgatory-like struggle for rebirth. The track's lyrics vividly depict a panic-induced paralysis, drawing on the sleep paralysis experience, while the production creates an eerie, slow-burning atmosphere. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the video complements the psychological thriller film Hurry Up Tomorrow, which serves as a companion piece to the album. Despite the film's box office failure, the album remains a top seller, and "Baptized in Fear" has become a fan favorite, noted for its dark and morbid tone and The Weeknd's captivating performance. Tesfaye has hinted that this album, initially billed as his final project as The Weeknd, could instead mark a rebirth for his persona.