Quick Review TM: nine inch nails

By Neil Thompson

To keep with the latest stupid trend, the new Nine Inch Nails album, The Downward Spiral, was released on vinyl before it was on CD. However, since I wanted to hear only the static that was meant to be heard, I held out for the disc. The only other NIN album I have to compare it to is the 1992 EP "broken" and they are quite different. There is a lot less guitar on this album so you can actually pick out the other instruments (as well as random but catchy noises). Some tracks sound more like techno than heavy industrial but there is still the occasional tasteful blast of distortion. There is also alot less screaming, and one track ("piggy") is quietly sung from beginning to end. Of course the lyrics are still psychotic, but you wouldn't know by the tone of his voice. My only complaint is about certain parts where the sound is so fuzzy you think the CD is defective. Over all, I'd say this album is quite well done with a healthy blend of ragging distortion and smooth melody along with deep intelligent lyrics.

The Downward Spiral: chaos's