Nine Inch Nails - Survivalism (Director's Cut)

Music video by Nine Inch Nails performing Survivalism. (C) 2007 Interscope Records

[@paigelandry2611]

For all of the viewers who somehow didn't get what was going on - in this video we're in a totalitarian state and you've got a warehouse type building with CCTV watching every apartment all the time. In one room you've got some people making stencils for graffiti, they look like political activists - later you see what looks like a flag stenciled on their wall. Then in the next apartment you've got a girl lying on a couch strung out on hard drugs. In the next room you have NIN playing a song that is broadly about resisting the totalitarian state. You pan over some rooms with a lot of damage from previous gunfire. In the next apartment there is a woman naked from the waist up who is putting on makeup. You also have an older black man eating alone in his apartment, a hispanic couple watching tv in a different apartment, two men having sex in another apartment, and in the last apartment a furtive guy on a laptop with what looks like clippings pinned to a wall behind him. Heavily armed police/SWAT enter the building and different cameras show them moving up through the floors. The activists room is empty and you can see them spray-stenciling the stylised flag on a wall of the building outside. You see the police break down a door but don't know which room it is. Is this raid about drugs? race? homosexuality, prostitution or other perceived 'immorality'? illegal immigration? hacking or piracy? Who is the target? Panning across the screens you see in all of the rest of the rooms people have heard a loud noise in the building and turned or gotten up to look, concerned. Then you see the NIN room in disarray with blood on the floor. A quick pan of the cameras shows everyone else nervously going back to what they were doing, not wanting to investigate further and not bothering to call the police. Several of the building's cameras have been cut now and the last scene is of a body (one of the band members) being dragged around a corner inside the building, leaving a trail of blood behind it. The point I took away was that in a totalitarian state, the first target is the group openly and vocally inciting people to resist the controlling power. Those people just disappear, while everyone else ignores the screams and shots in the night and tries to keep their head down, afraid they'll be next.

[@skullsaintdead]

Brilliant.

[@erglestix]

Beautiful...'open and vocal incitation' yea - and the 'Art is Resistance' idea.

[@seancourt3492]

Amazing explanation of what is going on in the video for those who didn't get what was going on...almost like the real world now...great description

[@justinwhite2313]

Great explanation

[@tenaciousjames8305]

Parepin is a hell of a drug.

[@rinderknorpelmuhle1790]

It's a shame that the concept behind this album didn't turn into a series as planned. That would be so incredibly dark.

[@wakba6038]

The concept behind this album turned into a reality, it is incredibly dark.

[@xonxt7479]

-Gay Sex -Totalitarian Regime -Trent My beloved -great music -relevant today it's got it all boys!

[@tristanraine]

This album is actually based in 2022, that's saying a lot huh?

[@Haitch_Kay]

​@@tristanraineyou know this song is mocking people who think like that right? It's hilarious whenever people try to recontextualize it to be about Covid stuff when the some was written during the Bush admin and was explicitly about people who thought violence against people who threatened them was justified. It's an anti-right wing song.

[@InHellITrust]

​@@Haitch_Kay He's got 8 likes so he's right. - Gen Z

[@VacancyOfDisco]

Trent always has the best drummers. They can be human drum machines one second and crazy gonzo keith moon the next

[@Shadeghoul]

Trent is the drums...🤫

[@metaleer1979x]

I remember this version back in the day before the thought police decided we weren't big boys and girls enough to make the decision to decide if it was to crude for us to watch! I am glad it was re uploaded!

[@CharlesVanNoland]

This is the version I remember watching on a public library computer in 2008 when I had the day off from work in the kitchen at the Healdsburg, CA Salvation Army 'Adult Rehabilitation Center' (which has since been shutdown). We had to tuck our shirts in both on and off the ARC campus, and never swear. I made it through that program with flying colors because I was so anal (thanks mom) that I could at will follow any set of rules laid before me - per my delusions of grandeur and conceited sense of self. Ironically, I was so focused on being one of the 5% that made it from application-day to graduation-day, by following the rules to not get kicked out like the other 95%, that I ended up having gained nothing whatsoever for myself. I experienced no growth, no introspection or insight into why I was the way I was that I didn't already have. I was just a miserable scared fool the same as ever. I distinctly remember feeling so very scared and intimidated by life, always thinking that by the end of that rehab program I was going to be 'cured', but to my horror I discovered that I was still the exact same person that I was when I was banging tar in the streets long before. I was still a naive kid that didn't want to accept responsibility for myself. Not sure why I am posting all this, I think NIN just touches something inside me that is the product of a life of disillusionment. Reality is more real every day and I'm just glad I made it this far. Peace unto whoever reads this, I hope you fare well, as our souls have touched in lieu of whatever time and space that divides us. (Thanks internet!)

[@Gaark]

Hope you're doing better now Charles. NIN brings the broken together, and together we heal.

[@kelbylee]

hope you've embraced it, brother.

[@shaunmeyer5461]

DO YOU believe IN THE HOLY SCRIPUTE; WHAT OR WHO IS IT?

[@LouB3rt]

If you have not been to a NIN concert you must go! They are amazing.

[@Karen-ef9pi]

A fucking men. So awesome

[@carrieshaffer1998]

500 ish bar at OSU in 1992 Pretty Hate Machine. Top 3 concerts of my life.

[@dopestar1975]

Been to one in 2006

[@Redhotrussian1]

And you've also missed about 30 years of amazing tours. So glad I've been to just about every tour since 1994

[@kerrickgerba5607]

The 1 time I saw NIN in the 90s he ends the show by screaming the last note for like 30 seconds and then goes" DONE" and dropped the mic and walked off stage. It was the coolest end of a show EVER.

[@symbiote24]

The live version with these screens they had at the Lights in the Sky tour is epic

[@TheDayvido]

Year Zeros is still an awesome album to jam to!!

[@jayceegenocide4402]

This video is an example of fighting The Marriage of The Corporate "Center" ReichWing & Far ReichWing Propaganda. It is Anti-Fascist Imagery. This Song ROCKS & Nine Inch Nails Is One of My Favorite Bands of All-Time!

[@bluesilkdesigns]

I remember their live setup with all the screens. So cool!

[@rodolfosantana9015]

2008 I believe

[@wastnTIMEwastnTIME]

1:09 Fuck Yeah! :-D

[@HADO_ARADSAREZ]

XD

[@mannytwiggles]

Such an amazing band. Just breath taking.

[@brettsepulveda2994]

It’s officially Year Zero!

[@andrewgorra5026]

This is the original video that was uploaded to KZbin after they gave out USB sticks of this video at a concert.

[@casual_villain]

Okay, theory. This music video is a prequel to the “We’re in this together” video. Like, think about it. In the “WITT” video, Trent and other men are in black garb running through a urban environment, seemingly out of panic. In the beginning, we see Trent in a apartment with bars on the window. Seems very totalitarian to me. In this video, we see Trent and his friends in an apartment while soldiers dressed in black raid the building, attacking many inside. Just a thought. And given the detail Trent puts into his stuff, I don’t think it was unintentional.

[@AtrocityEquine01]

Regardless of how you feel about 2016 onwards, you cannot deny _Year Zero_ felt like that.

[@susanfan1628]

Wow. What happened to the cuties at 1:38? Since their screen went out as well as the band, I just wondered if they were also "taken out". War on gayness and progressive thinking continues . . . I feel so marginalized in the new wave of extreme conservatism. Love you Trent for making me feel like I'm not alone!

[@Tirbert]

Their screen was censored due to VEVO and shit

[@TylerScranton]

trevor beck I wonder if VEVO realizes how ironic censoring this song is....

[@mangy2fly604]

The videos the VEVO channels upload are edited for MTV and those kinds of things. VEVO is owned and controlled by Warner Music Group, and you'll notice that music found on Rhino, Nuclear Blast, Metal Blade, Earache, Relapse, or any company not affiliated with Warner Music Group, will be uploaded by their respective KZbin channels (sans Rhino in some cases). I don't know who's part of who, but as long as you can't say "fuck" or even "shit" on TV, expect this treatment to continue. Even if it's censored, you can still hear the unedited song on KZbin, if you didn't know the lyrics already, or can't guess what's been said.

[@rs6000_]

Rather late to the party, but you can see at 3:14 that it quickly pans on their camera & shows one of them getting out of bed and running.

[@bobhatescomputer]

@@rs6000_ even more late to the party but rewatching i noticed a conspiracy guy by himself deeply into his laptop w a pinboard behind him with what looks like phots of a political figure and propaganda everywhere. shown for like 2 frames.. think he and the band were taken out.. him for looking and them for spreading info.. the graffiti guys i think are misdirection from the producer.. dunno gonna watch it 10more times. Now i need a pinboard

[@merandapanda7159]

Fantastic minimalist stage shows... great concerts if you get to see this amazing once in a lifetime artist... just like Bowie:(

[@caeg8925]

It's the first time I see this video uncensored,it impressed me.

[@jasonmefistopheles3431]

1984👌🏼🤟🏼🖤

[@Dresdenstl]

Man those Kinects see everything.

[@andrewgorra5026]

I love this seems like who ever was watching the monitors was jamming to the band's music and was freaking out at the end

[@David-qp4nn]

Jeordie, josh and Aaron. Best fucking lineup ever.

[@fuckgoogle8661]

Anything without Vrenna will never be as good.

[@remy5301]

Aaron North was the shit during this era. Wish he hadn't taken the path he did. Not judging. We all know how easy mistakes and bad decisions come around. But I'd love to see alt timeline NIN where he stuck around.

[@stephanieconnors9397]

damn, trent rocks that scarf!!! so fucking hot!

[@williamdunlop97]

Brilliant vid brilliant song

[@misslalarainbow]

[@claytonsinclair2059]

You see your world on fire. DONT TRY TO ACT SUPRISED!

[@chriswscott7640]

Excellent

[@michaelpsihogios9830]

I guess I'm getting old but I saw them in jan of 96 for the downward spiral tour and they were amazing.

[@chriswscott7640]

best video ever

[@LittleErin1989]

Yes!

[@lwrisawesome8531]

Why isn't the video for Perfect Drug up on KZbin?

[@sendercorp]

right on

[@ivannieva3762]

El mejor tema de Year Zero!!!

[@CipherFiveZero]

Back here on February 10th, 2022/0000, the Year Zero ARG said today was suppose to be the end of the world yet no sign of The Presence.

[@MatiVoyager66]

You Sure?

[@umdesch4]

I have trouble watching this video now. I just keep looking at the letters in the timecodes.

[@MrHunkjack]

I like NIN.

[@JC.Holland]

Great

[@jaynukem1929]

Great video

[@abrh1979]

Awsome! Love them

[@TarbyRocks]

wow okay, first was like "oh shit there's boobs" but then it got, like, eerie and political with the swat team breaking in on the dudes having sex Good job, Reznor

[@alexdhamp]

Actually, they broke in on Trent and the band playing...that's why you see the blood later on. The dudes were just reacting to the noise like the shirtless girl was.

[@FrolickShiawase]

I also tought about that... but look at the final part where the band is now absent.. the door was from there, and there is a trail of blood starting from that room... The Swat Team broke in there because of the "subversive content" being played... It's a long ARG.

[@xdeathtobirthx]

Aaron North

Thanks for uploading this!

[@ThePhysicalReaction]

humanity vs tech. great video imo

[@loreztaken]

Stunning!!!

[@NothingAiring]

Year Zero could fit half life 2 like a glove

[@-.MICHAEL.-]

You can check out my GMV about Half-life 2 with this song. Video editing, of course, sucks, but I tried, because the PC was not so powerful that the process of creating a video proceeded without pain.

[@andrewgorra5026]

A sign of our times they could be at your door right now

[@darcomics101]

Finally great musi is created once again

[@CriticsConfession]

This is an older song, dude.

[@darcomics101]

***** i didnt even know, i gotta pick this cd up asap

[@needthistool]

Damion Royes Year Zero is truly an incredible album and was an experience unto itself given the ARG and strategic leaks done for it..

[@flakyboobar5672]

At 1:39 I was like this: O°O what the he-

[@flakyboobar5672]

I don't have anything against gay people don't worry!

[@TheDjsura]

Great reset (covid19) anthem

[@flakyboobar5672]

2:30 Oh no please....my innocence is slipping away.

[@end_me_pls3363]

I thought for a second he was going to say The marching of the pigs

[@kelbylee]

best nin video ever. same sex content, brilliant stuff.

[@anchipsii5846]

1:38 NIN says gay love it's right ♥️🏳️‍🌈

[@royaljelly1722]

From my view that Gay Love is right while Incest is not....is disgusting to me.

[@royaljelly1722]

His voice so fucking creepy, deep and scary. Am i the only who notice or is just me?

[@needthistool]

Why is this only at 480p?

[@MELAZIES]

NÄTEURS

[@Hiddenfaith40]

Still the koolest band ever! Love you Trent!!!!!!!

[@DokBad]

fuckin genius

[@melb4427]

Is Trent wearing a Keffiyeh as a scarf?

[@CharlesWhipple-x3n]

Tits didn't add but made me laugh like the old Porky's movies.

[@aubriemustdie]

year zero is upon us

[@MagnusMFX]

0:37 Maid streams when they start

[@now-zw6in]

those screens are like The Truman Show Somebody come look at this

[@TimesOfTheSines.official]

Return us to Zer0 or back to 0ne

[@shaunmeyer5461]

DO YOU believe IN THE HOLY SCRIPUTE; WHAT OR WHO IS IT?

[@pet11052]

fists up people its time to fight....now!!!

[@slam_bamboo]

first

[@saturahman7510]

I love their music but my cat hates it, hahahaa..!

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

Censored for your protection

[@JustFullofBeans]

Ureje

[@thisis5123]

Atticus's long hair haha

[@josephjones9552]

Trent Predicted our Future YEARS AGO!

[@rockylosco5596]

geez I was such a little rebellious 18 year old then wow

[@MELAZIES]

ORDIS

[@RedemptionDenied666]

I got cut on Trent Razors edge. Edgy shit right here

[@pet11052]

p,s posted this up few mths bak for its evermore relevence,! stay strong and hold on tight with fists held high.my fellow spirits,its gunna be a bumpy ride !!!!

[@42ccb]

Living in Russia and Belarus nowadays be like 💀

[@coloradoing9172]

exactly what i was thinking lol

[@VictorCajal]

Counter Strike

[@red0queen]

But today, we're all playing in terrorist team against government.

[@alex27xxxxxxx]

Who is the drummer in this video?

[@MrSpike320]

+Al Ex Josh Freese. He also played with A Perfect Circle.

[@agrainofmalt]

Josh Freese.

[@AndrewNickChump]

Devo's drummer.

[@spencergublerland]

/o/

[@ReshonBryant]

I'm sure you'll understand 🐒

[@fraterinti]

1:37 #sodomy

[@susanfan1628]

Don't know if you are meaning to be negative, but I think it rocks :P

[@fraterinti]

Susan Fan I think too :)

[@pooshaw1893]

Nine nights at Freddy's

[@-.MICHAEL.-]

Civil Protection Surveillance (Half-life 2)

[@anonym0sender]

Who's the chick at 1:09?

[@pablosantisbon7232]

Am I the only one that found this a little similar to the hand that feeds? Both still great songs though

[@brandonmerryweather5401]

She

[@dkvbeatz6937]

Who came from deadmau5 version?

[@royaljelly1722]

Not a Fan of the Deadmau5 at all😮‍💨

[@awill891]

Late much?

[@Sayakuun]

...Violate...

[@christopherscott8690]

14 losers

[@elcabras112]

deadmau5

[@fishactivation5087]

I mean, I want to ban sodomy, but this video makes a good point on how doing that would lead to a 1984/Shimoneta/Demolition Man dystopia.

[@detioarafa500]

deadmau5 do better

[@MELAZIES]

NÄTEURS

[@MELAZIES]

ORDIS