Aftermath

The Drones album tells the story of a man losing all hope for humanity after facing the truth that the world is bereft of love. The dark forces brainwash him into becoming a ruthless killer and merciless drone. The "Defector," "Revolt" and "Aftermath" tracks sees the man escaping from the hands of elites. "This is where the person tries to inspire others to think for themselves and think freely and independently," frontman Matt Bellamy explained to Rolling Stone. "Then this narrative ends on 'Aftermath' where the person is ready to re-engage. He recognizes the importance of human love."

The word "aftermath," meaning "that which follows," implies in most contexts a preceding catastrophe. Other artists that have recorded songs with "aftermath" in the title include R.E.M., Adam Lambert, Tricky, Jennifer Batten and Iron Maiden. The word originally referred to the crop of new grass that springs up after a field has been mown in early summer. ("Math" was an Old English word meaning "a mowing.") The modern meaning of aftermath developed in the nineteenth century.

The animated video was directed by Tekken and follows a soldier experiencing the horrors of war. Japanese director Tekken previously collaborated with Muse on the visuals for "Exogenesis Symphony Part 3 (Redemption)" and an alternative music clip for "Follow Me."