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NINE INCH NAILS
1992 - Broken.
1994 - The Downward Spiral.
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September 7, 1992 - 2022: 30 years of: Broken.

Less synthpop, more indusmetal.

In glorious 1992, while master Al Jourgensen pushed his MINISTRY beyond-beyond, the NINE INCH NAILS conductor would now hammer the nails even further. After the whiplash of 1989's Pretty Hate Machine LP and the explosive live Lollapalooza '91 exhibition, Trent Reznor's next creation shall be ...broken !

Following the 1min build-up intro of "Pinion" ...all hell breaks loose. Be careful what you "Wish" for. Instant thrashmetal slashes with apocalyptic drums. An overdose for the senses, an exquisite experimentation in the extremes.

The heavy machinery plucks you to the floor, as "Last" chews the audience alive. Any dying survivors could perish as the ultimate mindfuck of "Happiness In Slavery" electrifies with more joules then Manhattan on New Year's Eve. The initial limited release featured two extra tracks on a separated 3" MCD: the ADAM AND THE ANTS modernized newwave "Physical" and the PIGFACE reprise for "Suck".

Broken is so extreme that a 20min mini-documentary was hatched, to match the abrasive nature of the recording. But said video was shelved by Reznor himself, due to the obscene graphic nature within, including Mr. Self Destruct: Bob Flanagan. Bootleg copies have surfaced online but are rapidly removed. The later accompanying Fixed MCD features remixes and reconstruction of the Broken track-listing, for extra darkness.

RIAA-certified Platinum, NINE INCH NAILS were now a force to recon with. Not only by their mechanical esthetics and studio prowess, but by forth-bringing the industrial element deep into the rock-scene.

Their upcoming second full-lenght release, shall not only change the modus-operandi of alternative music, but shape the entire generation of the mid 90s: 1994's zeitgeist The Downward Spiral CD.

"Help me I am in hell."

*
Pinion = video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfW0ke4bwI4
Wish = video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuoFiIFkdAA
Gave Up = video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVpw1SwJRBI
Broken = full MCD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOxLbvHFbh4&list=OLAK5uy_nuLe8nIxl_N9-OYuQK6dAz60HZVSg8IMM
Interview in 1992
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Dem17h8z0

March 4, 1994 - 2024: 30 years of: The Downward Spiral.

The mid 90s: mankind's downward spiral.

In this twisted grunge and gangsta-rap dominated scene, all bets were off. Yet none of these would derail the trailblazing musical genius and visionary of NINE INCH NAILS's mastermind: Trent Reznor.

Industrial was initiated with SKINNY PUPPY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY and the harsh MINISTRY, but after NIN's 1992 Broken MCD ...shit got mainstream and shit got really serious. Part alternative, part metal, part ambient and a lot of industrial: The Downward Spiral is the one-stop horror shop.

The circus kicks-off with "Mr. Self Destruct", a heavy guitar-driven fast-paced track, straight to the lounge vibe of the lovable turned mechanical "Piggy". Followed by "Heresy"s hypnotic synth-intro with military sub bassdrum beat, to the cacophonous rhythms of "The Becoming".

The muscular up-beat of "Big Man With A Gun" pounds the listener into oblivion with it's demented "shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot" gun / penis innuendo in this one killer 1:36sec rumble, while on the other side of the spectrum, the despaired soundtrack of "A Warm Place" feels like a death in the family.

The pinnacle shines with the elitist "March Of The Pigs", with it's abrasive guitars and schizophrenic drum-pattern, intertwining with adorable piano off-set chorus-bit, pure dynamic brilliance. Diametrically, another number that still gets any crowd in the mood is the eclectic / enigmatic / erotic: "Closer" ...a statement in the extremes and worldwide dance-floor favorite. The melancholic epic "Hurt" is another angle into Reznor's personal mayhem. Covered in 2002 by legend Johnny Cash, this cut has now been cemented as one of the saddest song ever put to tape.

Recorded at Le Pig on Cielo Drive in Beverly Hills, where the bloody Manson-murders took place in 1969, gave extra eerie-ness to elevate The Downward into an organized-chaos juggernaut. The album is a voyage into Reznor's tormented mind, a place of both beauty and sheer madness. Musically and lyrically, it introspect and retrospect every emotions from the human psyche.

The Downward Spiral is a dirty soundtrack and goes beyond rock-music: it's an experience for the senses. From the artwork's soiled canvas, to the posh, sexy and suave promo-videos ...this is full 360° art. Forever now synonymous with the mid 90s, The Downward Spiral is the ultimate nirvana.

RIAA-certified 4x Platinum, it's legacy remain unmatched and if one album could encapsulate the term "90s alt masterpiece" ...The Downward Spiral CD is the answer. These NAILS would hit back and close the lid on the millennium with 1999's The Fragile CD.

*
March Of The Pigs = video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHPkJkBS1vE
Closer (uncensored) = video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTFwQP86BRs
Hurt = video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhh21crSohs
The Downward Spiral = full CD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBFXFzqIjHM&list=OLAK5uy_ntyTKmPtSuVGCKd7FPfc7ep68vIobe9VE
Interview in 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPwoVcQPNV8
Live at Woodstock 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lbFfiLAj_A

more NINE INCH NAILS:

Alternative-Metal 1992