How To Destroy Angels [Trent & Mariqueen Reznor]

[spaceSuicide]

http://howtodestroyangels.com/home.html

Though not official, the website certainly looks to be the hinted collaboration of Mariqueen and Trent.

Site has a 40 second sample as well. I like it.

More news:

http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/04/27/introducing-how-to-destroy-angels/

6 Track EP, exact date TBA.

Discuss.

[MixMastahTee]

Oh Mariqueen can twist my knobs and pull my little strip thing any time she wants.

[ThreeEyedGod]

I''m so exited about this project...the NIN sound was getting awfully stale, but Rent Friendster remains an undeniable talent. Here is story from pitchfork.

http://pitchfork.com/news/38633-trent-reznor-and-wife-mariqueen-maandig-are-how-to-destroy-angels/

[MixMastahTee]

http://howtodestroyangels.com/img/01.jpg


New image. I see more in the future. Soon.

[Not Mechanical]

This is really cool looking, thanks for posting.

[Dronepool]

I just hope that Trent does the vocals or most of them.

[spaceSuicide]

I just hope that Trent does the vocals or most of them.

Agreed but who said there will be vocals? Could be an ambient, electronic and industrial instrumental album similar to Ghosts but we shall see!

[ThreeEyedGod]

^ Let us pray!

[Alexandra]

Wow, the visuals are stunnin-- Oh damn it, it's not about the visuals but the music. So anyway, that preview is really appealing. I mean really. I love the "old" NIN, but Ghosts and The Slip are still light years ahead of the crap that gets released nowadays.

As for this collaboration, I'm generally a bit skeptical about these, but we'll see what happens. I guess it always depends on the couple, because so far so good...

[MixMastahTee]

^ Let us pray!

Second.


Wow, the visuals are stunnin

Rob Sheridan creates nothing but stunning work. Look him up ;)

[Alexandra]

Rob Sheridan creates nothing but stunning work. Look him up ;)

Oh, I'm perfectly familiar with his work with NIN as well as beyond it ;)

[MixMastahTee]

Oh, I'm perfectly familiar with his work with NIN as well as beyond it ;)

lol my bad then. Good on you.

[Dronepool]

Agreed but who said there will be vocals? Could be an ambient, electronic and industrial instrumental album similar to Ghosts but we shall see!

I just don't prefer female vocals 8 out of 10 times, so that's why I'm hoping for Trent's vocals.

[S.Hal0mega.B]

Christ that was beautiful. Can't wait. Those synths make me hard.

[MixMastahTee]

http://howtodestroyangels.com/img/02.jpg

Also, new clip on http://howtodestroyangels.com/home.html

[Alexandra]

Hey, I don't need to know what they had for dinner last night, but that clip was not bad. I mean, as soon as I heard her vocals I got slightly turned off (I was hoping that this would be instrumental, too) but the more those noises kept overlapping the more I was liking it. Though this one isn't as good as the first one :/
We'll see what happens next.

[MixMastahTee]

http://howtodestroyangels.com/home.html

New video. Whoo. Sounds like Super Metroid music. <3

[spaceSuicide]

http://howtodestroyangels.com/home.html

New video. Whoo. Sounds like Super Metroid music. <3

Sounds great.

[MixMastahTee]

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=388967416747

Hmm.

<3

[ThreeEyedGod]

fucking A

[spaceSuicide]

fucking A

A as in Angel?

[Ludwig]

I really want Mariqueen to be the main singer, I've heard enough Trent for a while.

Maybe if he doesn't some backing or back and forth vocals it would be cool.

[secretsquirrely]

This is shaping up to be pretty interesting. And I agree, I want new vocals..maybe they can share them as I do love Trent, but let's be honest..this sounds EXACTLY like NIN...even the guitars are no different at all..which is really disappointing if you think about it. Are the folks a one trick pony? And if Trent were main vocals, wouldn't this just equal "NIN but not quite"?

[Dronepool]

I really don't want Mariqueen as main singer. Let her do backing vocals, but Trent should be the main vocalist... no matter how NIN it sounds, which isn't a bad thing. I want it to sound like NIN.

And that new video is awesome,

[Ludwig]

I really don't want Mariqueen as main singer. Let her do backing vocals, but Trent should be the main vocalist... no matter how NIN it sounds, which isn't a bad thing. I want it to sound like NIN.

And that new video is awesome,

Unfortunatly I couldn't disagree more, like secretsquirelly I want Trent's influences to just round the edges but not all encompassing. I have loads of NIN material and the last 4 albums began to blur into each other, I want this to be a collaboration where the other artists involved can stand on their own two feet and Trent shows off other skills. If it is NIN but not quite I'll probably still enjoy it but gain everybody will just see Mariqueen as someone who leeches off his talent.

[Dronepool]

Well we agree to disagree then ;)

Honestly I don't care too much about Mariqueen and I tend to find it harder to enjoy straight up full female vocals. I only really like a few female vocalists. If she does vocals, I hope she screams or something.

But this isn't my project, so we'll see what they decide do soon enough and that will determine the buy or the steal for me.

[CellarOwl]

Mariqueen is primarily a vocalist so I expected that would be her main involvement. Trent aluded to starting a band with her last year in which he wouldn't be singing so bearing that in mind it doesn't leave for many other possibilities.

Anyway, Pitchfork is streaming a track:

http://pitchfork.com/news/38686-how-to-destroy-angels-a-drowning/

[Ludwig]

Mariqueen is primarily a vocalist so I expected that would be her main involvement. Trent aluded to starting a band with her last year in which he wouldn't be singing so bearing that in mind it doesn't leave for many other possibilities.

Anyway, Pitchfork is streaming a track:

http://pitchfork.com/news/38686-how-to-destroy-angels-a-drowning/

I will admit that at 2.00 some nice background ooo's from Trent would have added to the atmosphere.

[Alexandra]

I really like that track and, surprisingly, Mariqueen's vocals. I remember checking out some of her songs months ago and I didn't like them. And now in this song her voice is very warm and soothing. I'm only curious if she can make it more interesting, because it's a bit dull. Anyway, I feel extremely relaxed after listening to this.

[303]

Reminds me of the Fragile. I like the track

[Cringeon]

I honestly really like the tracks and vocals. The subduded dreamy vocals really give a nice atmosphere. If they were any more lively, it could really distract and make the vocals poke out in front more. In this they are more an instrument adding to song as a whole rather than vocals riding ontop of the music.

I'm honestly glad to not hear TR sing, I'm sure it's a different role for him but I think for him to really break away from NIN not singing much (or at all) is the best way to go about it.

[CellarOwl]

I really like the synth bassline and the orchestral sample they used, but honestly it seems he's staying the course nowadays. All of the token new-ish NIN elements are there, which is fine, but it gets boring after 10+ years... droning guitars where the notes are tuned to D on all 6 strings, shiny, overproduced glitchy drums, the bright, high-register electronic piano over dissonant noisescapes, the minimally simple, fuzzy guitar leads. They're all really cool elements and sounds that complement each other and its definitely become his trademark, but he's milked them to death by this point. Try something new, homeboy. Please.

[Dronepool]

The streaming track is pretty good, but it sounds like a Fragile NIN cover just with this chicks vocals.

[Cringeon]

I totally get Massive Attack before NIN with this track.

[spaceSuicide]

She sounds much better in this than she did in West Indian Girl. I like this!

[ThreeEyedGod]

I am really hoping that there are not many vocals involved with this side project. I very much enjoy all of these previews we have been getting lately but I am hoping in the end, it will mainly be instrumental and electronica.

[Ludwig]

I am really hoping that there are not many vocals involved with this side project. I very much enjoy all of these previews we have been getting lately but I am hoping in the end, it will mainly be instrumental and electronica.

Ghosts?

[Cassandra]

I totally get Massive Attack before NIN with this track.

I thought of Portishead first but I agree.

[MixMastahTee]

It's the glare from the reflection,
making patterns in your eyes.
It's the looking back in anger,
with every second slipping by.
Undertow has come to take me,
guarded by the blazing sun.
Look at everything around us,
look at everything we've done.

Please anyone... I don't think I can save myself.
I'm drowning here, please, anyone...
I don't think I can save myself.
I'm drowning here, please, anyone...
I don't think I can save myself.
I'm drowning here, please, anyone...
I don't think I can save myself.

There's a tiny little window,
swarms of locusts fill the sky.
Maybe I'd just disappear,
if I can keep my head above the tide...

Please anyone... I don't think I can save myself.
I'm drowning here, please, anyone...
I don't think I can save myself.
I'm drowning here, please, anyone...
I don't think I can save myself.
I'm drowning here, please, anyone...
I don't think I can save myself.

Anyone tell me if they hear something different. (Classic Reznor lyrics if I ever heard 'em.)

Well I'm surprised there is even a song out already. But after a few listens, I already love it. Totally hoping for some Trent vocals sometime though...

EDIT: Well turns out she wrote it. Looks like Trent is rubbing off on her. If you know what I mean.

[ThreeEyedGod]

Ghosts?

In the spirit of, yes. I loved Ghosts and would like to hear more music like that from Reznor.

[Alexandra]

The more I listen to this song the more I'm charmed by it. It really doesn't bother me if this might be "NIN but not exactly" as long as we're get any music. CellarOwl, I agree that repeating the same style over and over again is tiring and disappointing, but if it's actually good music then why not? ;)
At least that's how I feel about this.

Ghosts with lovely female vocals? Yes, please.

[secretsquirrely]

Very nice little song. I love her vocals really..and usually I'm not a fan of female vocalists either..but this was nice and smooth. Still a shame that everything else remains 100% NIN :/

[spaceSuicide]

A Drowning can now be purchased on amazon.com.

[Celiny-O]

Love the song! This is all so exciting!

[mfy]

A Drowning can now be purchased on amazon.com.

It's also not very hard to download it from the Pitchfork website - they are streaming a 320 kbps MP3 (so I don't think Amazon will be much better quality...) and you can easily grab it by using a tool like Replay Media Catcher (though there might be other ways without an external tool as well). That's obviously completely legal as theoretically you're "downloading" it as well when you're listening to the stream. I'm not telling people not to pay for it (it's certainly not too expensive) but, just saying... you can actually get it for free (on a sidenote: I didn't read every post here so someone might have already mentioned that... sorry then).

[ThreeEyedGod]

Trent answers questions on facebook

http://pitchfork.com/news/38718-trent-reznor-answers-your-questions-on-facebook/

[CellarOwl]

99% of the people asking questions on there sound like crazy motherfuckers.

[spaceSuicide]

It's also not very hard to download it from the Pitchfork website - they are streaming a 320 kbps MP3 (so I don't think Amazon will be much better quality...) and you can easily grab it by using a tool like Replay Media Catcher (though there might be other ways without an external tool as well). That's obviously completely legal as theoretically you're "downloading" it as well when you're listening to the stream. I'm not telling people not to pay for it (it's certainly not too expensive) but, just saying... you can actually get it for free (on a sidenote: I didn't read every post here so someone might have already mentioned that... sorry then).

Just stating a fact/news item.

[mfy]

Reznor on his own Twitter page:


Stay tuned...
about 2 hours ago via web

And then, on the HTDA page:


Any minute now...
15 minutes ago via web

Look's like something's up.

[Not Mechanical]

From their twitter

You may want to start checking http://pitchfork.com/ (http://pitchfork.com/)

[Ludwig]

I really liked the video, though I felt the song could have went a bit further.

I'm glad it wasn't overpoweringly NIN though.

[ThreeEyedGod]

Amazing video and the song isn't half bad either. This is definitely keeping me in anticipation for this release!


Was that a broken meth pipe on the bed?

[Celiny-O]

I love it! Beautiful song and a fantastic video.

[Dronepool]

NIN 2.0


The video was cool and the song was pretty good, better than Drowning. I didn't think I'd like the new song that much, but it isn't bad. Still kinda hard to buy her 'depressive' lyrics, but she sounds good with the music.

[S.Hal0mega.B]

hey hey its NIN day XD :D:D:D:D:D:D: im super!

[Cringeon]

I totally dig the new song. I love how much more of Atticus' direct influence you can hear you this stuff compared to the last few NIN records. What people credit to sounding like NIN is really just Atticus who's been involved since WT really.

[CellarOwl]

It sounds like Collide if they didn't suck. I liked this one more.

[Alexandra]

I enjoyed the song and the video is quite beautiful in its simplicity, although not stunning. I just have no clue how they did those realistic fire scenes. I'm definitely looking forward to the release.

[spaceSuicide]

Sounds great, better than A Drowning.

[Celiny-O]

I just have no clue how they did those realistic fire scenes.
Me neither. It's so well done, it freaked me out a little.

[secretsquirrely]

I'm starting to love this project more and more with every video. I am still bleh about the likeness to NIN, but oh well...nothing can be changed about that now. I fucking LOVE Mariqueen's vocals. And this video was brilliant. I too have to ask just how the hell they got her to burn so well like that.

[mfy]

I just have no clue how they did those realistic fire scenes. I'm definitely looking forward to the release.

That's what I was wondering all the time as well. Didn't look that low budget with them in it.

[S.Hal0mega.B]

NIN 2.0


The video was cool and the song was pretty good, better than Drowning. I didn't think I'd like the new song that much, but it isn't bad. Still kinda hard to buy her 'depressive' lyrics, but she sounds good with the music.

Well at least she's not amy lee or my chemical romance. Hearing somone trying depressing lyrics is a act to achieve without failing - VERY rarely do people do so unless they mix comedy with it (Manson-NIN-Bowie-Radiohea-Ladytro-Gaga etc) - her voice is happy - it runs against the emotive of the lyrics. Therefore it is interesting to me. But I'm wanting to see more to say if it's brilliant. I'm curious about what Trent's musical involvements are... instruments wise.

[Ludwig]

Was that a broken meth pipe on the bed?

If your looking at what I think you are, it's on her dress and looks more like a broken wine glass. I did think similar when I first saw it though.

[spaceSuicide]

How To Destroy Angels are currently aiming for a July 06th release date through Null for their self-titled debut EP. The outing will feature the following track listing:

01 – “The Space In Between”
02 – “Parasite”
03 – “Fur-Lined”
04 – “BBB”
05 – “The Believers”
06 – “A Drowning”

The group is of course the new collaborative project between Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen and frequent Nine Inch Nails collaborator Atticus Ross.

http://www.theprp.com/2010/05/21/news/how-to-destroy-angels-planning-july-release-for-debut-ep/

[mfy]

From Twitter:


Look for the interactive feature on us in @wired's new iPad edition. It includes a full new song, "The Believers." http://bit.ly/96gWLo

You can also read the @wired article (without the interactivity/audio) in the print edition, or online here: http://bit.ly/cgkFYG

Uhm... I want this. (But, lacking an iPad, there's probably not much hope, huh?)

[CellarOwl]

http://mythrus.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/the-believers/

The Believers. Suck it, iPad.

[spaceSuicide]

http://mythrus.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/the-believers/

The Believers. Suck it, iPad.

My fave thus far.

[Joker]

Year Zero, anyone?

But nah, I like it, it's good.

[Celiny-O]

Ooh! I like it.

[mfy]

http://mythrus.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/the-believers/

The Believers. Suck it, iPad.

Thanks, had already found it on one of these blogs myself :). Can't say I mind but... didn't Reznor say it wouldn't keep sounding like NIN or something? :D This could be from Year Zero and once again a Ghosts instrumental with vocals. Man, even the vocals sound like a female version of him, the way the melody goes, the way she's singing... lol.

[mfy]

Once again, from Twitter:


Our debut EP will be a free download on June 1st. Pre-order now and get "The Believers" MP3 immediately: http://howtodestroyangels.com

We also have t-shirts, posters, and stickers available in our new store: http://howtodestroyangels.com/store

CD will be in stores July 6th (Amazon pre-order: http://amzn.to/alCDjI ). Vinyl will come later, release date TBA.

So it's free but if you pre-order you get one track immediately - new marketing trick? :D

I say - PRE-ORDER!!

/edit: Haha, another update:


Our server is being slammed right now, if our store doesn't load properly try it again in just a bit. Sorry for the inconvenience.

[Dronepool]

I'll probably just take the free version.

[Cringeon]

Best and quickest spending of $2 ever! God damn I love this type of release method. I'm probably going to snag a poster, none of the current shirt designs peaked my interest enough.

[mfy]

I guess I'll download it for free once it comes out and order a CD (or vinyl, depending on the price and when/how it'll be available) sometime later.

[Cringeon]

I'm a junkie for quality, so the 24bit wave is going to be more than enough. Can't wait till the 1st!

[MrPogo]

I kind of wish he would actually charge for these releases, just to show people will pay.
He might not need/want the income, but in the wider industry artists/labels have to earn a living, and I believe "cheap" downloads are the future. I think £8 for a digital download is too expensive for a digital file, but at the same time I'm too impatient to wait for a CD to arrive, so I end up stealing a lot music. But if all albums were available at three or four bucks I'd probably never pirate again.

[spaceSuicide]

I pre-ordered the EP on amazon. July 6th here we come (I'll download the free version too).

[Dronepool]

Is there a track difference between the CD and the free download?

[spaceSuicide]

Is there a track difference between the CD and the free download?

Nope.

Me mentioning my pre-order is in reference to my physical copy.

[CellarOwl]

I doubt I'll even spend the time to download this for free. At least if he put up a pricepoint for the mp3's, we could both live under the illusion that I was a cheapskate, and not that these songs were balls awful.

[mfy]

I'm looking forward to it, even if it means only three new songs. Enjoyed the ones that already got out. Only hours to go... :)

[spaceSuicide]

EP drops in 44 minutes!!

[Zsa Zsa]

I'm not expecting much, and I've not heard the three songs that are already out, but I'll give it a listen.

[mfy]

It's out :). And surprisingly enough, the server is still working this time.

It's already 6 am here and I'm in a state between drunk and asleep but... looks like I made it. I already spotted some vocals by Mr Reznor himself I think. Still very NIN-ish though.

[Zsa Zsa]

I've tried three times, and all I've gotten is the one free mp3. Whatever, I don't care enough to fight it.

[mfy]

I registered with another email adress (GMail now) 'cause I remembered that with the one I did before it sometimes takes hours till I get an email and it worked immediately - got to the download right when I clicked on the address confirmation link.

/edit: Also received a regular download link mail now... The lyrics are partly rather funny... "listen to the sound of Big Black Boots", over and over again in "BBB"... what the fuck... :D

[Zsa Zsa]

I tried another e-mail, and something about top-spin (or something like that) came up and said, basically, no. I'll just wait until later, I guess.

EDIT: Finally. A link just popped up in my inbox.

[mfy]

Well, after the first listen... I like it, though "A Drowning" is my favourite track (perhaps 'cause it's the most accessible one). Parts of it seem a bit strange coming from Trent like the aforementioned "BBB" thing but well, I guess it's worth noticing that it's really not just him with new clothes... Plus I think there's a good chance it'll grow with a few more listens. Falling asleep now, so - night.

[spaceSuicide]

BBB and Parasite are awesome, more detailed review to come tomorrow.

[jezstyle]

Fur-Lined would be a killer single if it ever got released. Very sexy. It'll go down well in the clubs.

[spaceSuicide]

Mariqueen on vocals seems restricted and not singing much when on a track. Most of these could be considered isntrumental from the lack of prominant vocals, which is still awesome.

Is it just me or does Fur Lined seem to just be a sped up version of Only? Very close. LOL.

BBB is definitely my favorite track on this. I loved the first teaser video when i heard it and that was this track.

[spaceSuicide]

Overall I give this a 4/5 stars.

Here is why:

The Space In Between - A good, distinctive drum beat set to a moody backdrop makes it a brooding and sinister sounding opening track. I really enjoy Mariqueen's vocals on this song too, probably my favorite vocally and lyrically. The music video also ties in the aggressive feel of the song.

Parasite - My second favorite track on the EP. I love the distorted drum beat throughout it, very entrancing. The guitar is crunchy in execution and the excellent two-hit vocals of Trent and Mariqueen with 'Parasite' are pretty cool by my liking. Very dynamic song. It seems almost like a duet.

Fur Lined - Probably would serve as a good "mainstream" single, if there will ever be one. I like the song but it reminds an awful lot like Only. Maybe I'm drawing too many NIN parallels but it seems very similar. It's kind of a mix between Echoplex and Only. I, for one, see this track as very danceable. Cool synth breakdown too.

BBB - My favorite track on the EP. I instantly fell in love with the first teaser video by that awesome, gritty sound I heard. I'm glad to actually have found it in this track. The song is a sonic airwave through many styles and sounds. I can probably pick out something new in it with each listen.

The Believers - Sort of reminiscent of BBB but not as strong. I like this the most out of the first 'official' trio of singles. The tribal drumming style and synth really tie this track in. To be honest, I'd love this track even more if it were an instrumental. regardless of that fact, I still enjoy it a lot.

A Drowning - The first track we all heard. I instantly enjoyed the slow build-up it presented and clear vocal style of Mariqueen's voice. The piano makes for a different feel than the other material on the EP. It serves as a nice closing track as well, compared to the rest of the songs on the album. I wouldn't have changed the closing track for anything.

I can honestly say I like every song on this, no song is weak at all. But by preference I'd have to choose in this order:

BBB
Parasite
The Space In Between
The Believers
A Drowning
Fur Lined

[Dronepool]

I thought it's an okay EP. Nothing really stands out apart from a few select parts from each song. I won't say that any song was bad or unlistenable it's just there's nothing really that pops out and makes your ears go *holy sounds, that's fucking awesome* Maybe if I listen to it a few times, it'll grow on me but as of right now I'm saying it's a decent EP and I hope for the future they break the create a beat/have ambient sounds building up and whispering vocals. I hope they use as many instruments as they could for future without worrying how they'll sound.

The Believers, BBB and Drowning are the standout tracks for me.

[ThreeEyedGod]

http://pitchfork.com/news/38914-directors-cut-how-to-destroy-angels-the-space-in-between/

[Cringeon]

i've been rocking it for a few days. Really liking the "jam" feel of the tracks. It's not aiming to be some hugely impacting release, and I love how the vocals are no where near the front of the music. Atticus' programming on this is really slick to, some of his best since Error. Favorite tracks are Fur-Lined, BBB and Drowning. In the context of the whole EP I dig Drowning a lot more than the first few listens. Believers is probably my least favorite, but it's still a really chill tune and I dig the beats a lot.

For the first experiements/jams between these three, and I'm sure this is mainly them figuring out how to work/write together; I'm very excited to see what a proper full length would be like.

Side note: if you have any sort of hi-fi listening equipment, be sure to listen to the 24bit version.

[spaceSuicide]

Seems as if the planned ful length album is now on hold. :/

I guess its for a good cause. :p

I've known about this news since she's been tweeting to her friend with clues.

http://www.spinner.com/2010/07/06/trent-reznor-wife-mariqueen-maandig-pregnant/

[Celiny-O]

^ Congratulations to both of them! :D

[KnaveMurdok]

Is anyone else having trouble with the free download?

[MixMastahTee]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9822936/Images/htdaalbum.PNG

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9822936/Images/htdatour.PNG

[Sans Agendum]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9822936/Images/htdaalbum.PNG

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9822936/Images/htdatour.PNGBring on the hateful jealous fangirl comments!

[Cringeon]

I hope the album is nothing like the ep. Can't get into that stuff at all, musically it's alright but it doesn't feel any different than the WT-onward TR pairing with Atticus. It's well produced, but it lacks any depth. And Mariqueen doesn't stand out as a singer. I think they need to do something really different because TR is such a strong personality and it's probably hard to make it seem like NIN bsides.

[Sans Agendum]

yeah the ep has a real "Made on a laptop" sound to it. Trent is always changing his sound so I doubt it'll be a rehash.

[MixMastahTee]

They've said a few times that the album will have a new sound, so I don't think you'll be disappointed in that area.

[MixMastahTee]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9822936/Images/trentHTDA.PNG

[Sans Agendum]

"Later this year". hahahah.

[Hazekiah]

I think everyone should know by now not to expect anything any sooner than "later this year" when any Reznor-affiliated project is promised to be arriving "soon."

I'm mostly just excited to hear that there definitely ARE plans for a HTDA tour! With NIN on tour-hiatus and two children in tow now I'd pretty much assumed this was just going to remain a studio effort.

Can't wait to check 'em out live!

[Sans Agendum]

Hey! Last few times we've heard 'soon' it's been within a few weeks. :d

I'm thinking that maybe he's wanting to surprise us again. It'll probably be a closer date than we expect.

Also, they have TWO kids now!? :O

2 words. FAMILY BAND

[Atom]

"... later this year." Fuck!

I'm actually fine with them taking their time on this (even though the album is done). Really looking forward to hearing it.

[NapalmHeart]

I already liked the EP a lot and they music video was fantastic. Not a big fan of the artwork though, they should stick to Rob Sheridan when it comes to that. Or like ask Manson to paint the album cover or something.

[Jakob Synn]

I hope the album is nothing like the ep. Can't get into that stuff at all, musically it's alright but it doesn't feel any different than the WT-onward TR pairing with Atticus. It's well produced, but it lacks any depth. And Mariqueen doesn't stand out as a singer. I think they need to do something really different because TR is such a strong personality and it's probably hard to make it seem like NIN bsides.

I haven't really gotten into anything that HTDA has released, but I do agree with you that they need a really strong female vocal to distinguish themself from anything Trent has ever done.

Trent is such a huge player in the music buisness and everything he does will be compared to his past whether it be Pretty Hate Machine, The Downward Spiral or With Teeth. There will always be something, but we need to let go of those inhibitions to judge on past experiences of Trent and open our minds to something new.

I think Trent should start some sort of project with Atticus and Karen O and see where that goes.

[MixMastahTee]

Trent is doing the theme song for the new Call of Duty, apparently. You can read an interview about it here, (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/07/interview-trent-reznor-pens-black-ops-ii-theme-song/1#.T_wBCttXtPE) but here are the best parts.

Can you update us on the How To Destroy Angels album (the band includes Reznor's wife Mariqueen Maandiq and Tattoo and Social Network soundtrack co-composer Atticus Ross)?
We have a finished album. It's been finished for a little while. We're doing a little bit of tweaks on it. The record will be out soon. We are doing a different type of distribution this time so it's taking a little bit longer to coordinate stuff. There's a lot of music about to be unleashed, videos, etcetera. I'm working on some new Nine Inch Nails stuff.

Did you say also working on new Nine Inch Nails music? That's good to hear.
Dot dot dot. Hopefully, it will be good to hear. Right now it's in its gestation period.

[sayyosin]

I'm working on some new Nine Inch Nails stuff.

Did you say also working on new Nine Inch Nails music? That's good to hear.
Dot dot dot. Hopefully, it will be good to hear. Right now it's in its gestation period.

I came.

[MixMastahTee]

http://i.imgur.com/oEmhY.png

[Señor Pinche]

LOL @ "unleash." Funny coming after a mediocre EP and a terrible cover song. Maandig's voice has this annoying nasal quality (it's like listening to Julie Benz whine at Michael C. Hall). Honestly couldn't care if they ever released music again. More NIN!

[Heather Quick]

How to Destroy Angels is ok. I like the musical part, but Mariqueen's voice annoys me as hell. I want to listen the full lenght album, though. But...


More NIN!

[MixMastahTee]

LOL @ "unleash." Funny coming after a mediocre EP and a terrible cover song. Maandig's voice has this annoying nasal quality (it's like listening to Julie Benz whine at Michael C. Hall). Honestly couldn't care if they ever released music again. More NIN!

Yes, yes, let the butthurt flow through you.

[Cringeon]

LOL @ "unleash." Funny coming after a mediocre EP and a terrible cover song. Maandig's voice has this annoying nasal quality (it's like listening to Julie Benz whine at Michael C. Hall). Honestly couldn't care if they ever released music again. More NIN!Itsy bitsy, my friend ;)
We need to record your Maandig voice next time we jam hahaha

[iggy]

Trent is doing the theme song for the new Call of Duty, apparently. You can read an interview about it here, (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2012/07/interview-trent-reznor-pens-black-ops-ii-theme-song/1#.T_wBCttXtPE)



Great, yet another reason for me not to buy BLOPS 2.

[MixMastahTee]

Okay, so...

A new EP called The Omen has appeared on at least three sites.

Amazon (Vinyl) - $18.72. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009A9EYLS/)
Sound Stage Direct (Vinyl) - $22.99 (http://www.soundstagedirect.com/how-to-destroy-angels-an-omen-vinyl-records.shtml)
WOW HD (Vinyl) - $26.99 (http://www.wowhd.us/home/how-to-destroy-angels-an-omen-ep/dp/31321093)

The release date seems to be November 6, 2012.

Sound Stage Direct includes a tracklisting.

Side 1
1. "Keep It Together"
2. "Ice Age"
3. "On The Wing"

Side 2
1. "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters"
2. "The Loop Closes"
3. "Speaking in Tongues"

Stay tuned for updates.

[Heather Quick]

/\

Well, that was... unexpected.

[johncraze]

Wow!, awesome!, but wasn't it meant to be an LP? the first HDA full length release?

I hope quality overcomes cuantity. Just like NIN's Broken EP.

[Cringeon]

I'd much rather have a concise and solid EP than an album with filler. Here's hoping it's decent.

[twiggysrabies]

HTDA is a hit or miss thing for me. I can't take songs like BBB seriously, and Fur-Lined sounds like a song that was axed from With_Teeth. Meh. The other songs are a bit more tolerable for me.

[MrPogo]

Trent just put this on Facebook:

Sorry for the radio silence lately... I've been busy! There's a number of things to be revealed over the coming months. Some you may expect, others you may not. Patience, my friends.

Today's news is about my band How To Destroy Angels. I'm happy to announce we've formally partnered with Columbia Records for our next series of releases. The first of these will be available in November and it's called An Omen EP. As you may have guessed, it's an EP. It contains six songs, some of which are from our full-length LP which is coming early next year.
We are making some videos, we are going to be performing live, and that's all the details I have for now on those matters.

Regarding our decision to sign with Columbia, we've really spent a long time thinking about things and it makes sense for a lot of reasons, including a chance to work with our old friend Mark Williams. There's a much more granular and rambling answer I could give (and likely will in an interview someplace) but it really comes down to us experimenting and trying new things to see what best serves our needs. Complete independent releasing has its great points but also comes with shortcomings.

We are all very excited about you checking out the new stuff. Wish I could tell you more, but you know how this works... it would take all the fun out of it!

Stay tuned!

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/480427_3265399533874_1935865591_n.jpg

[Atom]

I'm excited. Trent's one of the few artists whose music I still look forward to and rarely - if ever - let's me down.

[Cringeon]

Feature Rob Sheridan on kazoo!

[Seven]

I always look forward to Trent's releases, I know they will be good - unless it is HTDA.

[CellarOwl]

I'm surprised more people aren't making an issue out of signing with Columbia after how vocal he's been about escaping that gilded cage.

[SangreV]

I don't really know what the point of this project is. It sounds like the last decade of Reznor, only with a woman on vocals instead, who sings exactly like Trent would anyways. I'd rather hear Trent do a female impersonation than listen to her.

[kleiner352]

I love that Rob Sheridan is considered an official member I guess. The main HTDA site's homepage right now looks EXACTLY like one of the Year Zero websites. Also Trent confirmed that the full length will be released but An Omen is coming out first.

It is pretty odd to hear him say they'll be on a major label, but keep in mind that HTDA isn't an established act like NIN and so they can't sell albums and tour tickets based on the name alone like NIN can. I think HTDA can use the promotion a major label could give and if Trent is thinking it's for the best, knowing how critical he is record companies, then I think it's the best move he could make for the band.

Also keep in mind that NIN is still an independent thing separate from HTDA.

By the way to those wondering what the "point" to this is: in the Fragile era he did an interview in Japan (I think on Garageheads or something) and he mentioned how at the time he wanted to have a full band where it isn't just him calling all the shots like NIN and for it to have a female vocalist, and how he was sending out demo tapes on was looking around for potential vocalists or members. Well, looks like a decade later he got that to happen. So there you go, it's a place for him to do things outside of the NIN label/brand and to be able to be separate from that.

I'm VERY excited about seeing what kind of tour they'll be doing, and if any NIN songs will get played. Crossing fingers for Florida dates now!

[SangreV]

By the way to those wondering what the "point" to this is: in the Fragile era he did an interview in Japan (I think on Garageheads or something) and he mentioned how at the time he wanted to have a full band where it isn't just him calling all the shots like NIN and for it to have a female vocalist, and how he was sending out demo tapes on was looking around for potential vocalists or members. Well, looks like a decade later he got that to happen. So there you go, it's a place for him to do things outside of the NIN label/brand and to be able to be separate from that.


Sure, but the music doesn't differ at all from his recent work. And it's as if he told her to emulate his vocal style.

I would understand the project and wanting to distance himself from NIN if it differed musically, but sorry, it really doesn't.

[MrPogo]

By the way to those wondering what the "point" to this is: in the Fragile era he did an interview in Japan (I think on Garageheads or something) and he mentioned how at the time he wanted to have a full band where it isn't just him calling all the shots like NIN

That makes a lot of sense in terms of signing to a label too; that would also vastly reduce his personal workload and responsibility compared to the independent "one man show" that was NIN.

[johncraze]

I'm really looking forward to see how the EP turns out. Also it is interesting how they decided to call it "the omen", it is like a warning sign for what is to come.

I digged the selftitled EP, but I agree that it does sound like NIN and was just a start for them to search their own sound. I hope that by this new EP, they can solidify as a different and independent entity. (This is possible if Trent lets others compose as well)

By the way, I heard the "Is Your Love Strong Enough" cover by them, and it showed me Mariqueen does have beautiful vocals in her.

[MixMastahTee]

Sure, but the music doesn't differ at all from his recent work. And it's as if he told her to emulate his vocal style.

I would understand the project and wanting to distance himself from NIN if it differed musically, but sorry, it really doesn't.

Are you trying to say that prominent musicians have a signature style of making music? Inconceivable!

[Heather Quick]

Am I back to 2007 and Year Zero is going to be released?

here is the cover image for the vinyl version of @destroyangels' upcoming EP
https://twitter.com/mariqueen/status/250350511092543488/photo/1/large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3lsdqNCMAEQbxm.jpg:large

[SangreV]

Are you trying to say that prominent musicians have a signature style of making music? Inconceivable!

You've clearly missed the point.

[kleiner352]

Am I back to 2007 and Year Zero is going to be released?

here is the cover image for the vinyl version of @destroyangels' upcoming EP
https://twitter.com/mariqueen/status/250350511092543488/photo/1/large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3lsdqNCMAEQbxm.jpg:large

Oh wow, I'm really loving this look. Excited to see more promo shots, the two they've released of the full band have been interesting!

[Homeostasis]

Honestly, as cool as the cover is, Rob Sheridan needs to start developing some new ideas. He's been using that same font and style since the [With_Teeth] era 7 years ago. It's one thing for a particular band to have a logo or certain style of artwork or whatever, but if you start using the same stuff on multiple projects [bands], it becomes clear you weren't bothered enough to create something new. Unless Rob is pissed off and actively trying to tell everyone that there's not much difference between 2012 HTDA and [With_Teeth]?

Saying that, I'll still be checking this out. I bought the first EP and thought there were moments of decency. The Dragon Tattoo OST really shook my confidence in Reznor, though. I liked exactly 2 songs of the 39 on there: a pretty damn poor showing, even by the always-patchy Reznor-score standards. I'll definitely be d/ling first.

[johncraze]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbi1vydPd01qbl7hpo1_1280.jpg

So.. single?

[Heather Quick]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbi1vydPd01qbl7hpo1_1280.jpg

So.. single?

Yes. A new song will be released on Tuesday.


The next single by @destroyangels, "Keep It Together" (4:29) to be released IN FIVE DAYS. http://bit.ly/HTDA-KeepItTogether … (via @ninperu)

http://twitter.com/ninhotline/status/253729737099325440

[Cringeon]

http://soundcloud.com/howtodestroyangels/keep-it-together

Damn, not impressed.

[apokalypsos]

http://soundcloud.com/howtodestroyangels/keep-it-together

Damn, not impressed.

Meh me neither. Falls kind of flat imo.

[Cringeon]

Reminds me of WT era NIN (sunspots, WT) but unrealized. I was hoping for a bit more out of left field with their new music, but kind of feels like more rehashed material with bland female vox.

[Atom]

This is probably the first time I've ever been really disappointed in something Trent's been a part of. That song fucking blows. It goes absolutely nowhere and just sucks for like 5 minutes.

[kleiner352]

Guess I'm a minority but I like it a lot and am looking forward to the EP, there's a lot of great sound design on it and the sense of space that Trent's been doing for a few years now is as good as it's ever been.

[Atom]

Yeah... you know, after listening to it a few more times it's okay for what it is. But still incredibly underwhelming considering the hype.

[johncraze]

This isn't like Nine Inch Nails, I dig it, they're finding their own voice.

With a couple more of plays, I'm digging it a lot, I find it interesting how the music is all glitchy and fractured, and the voices breaking, appearing and disappearing. The music just pairs up perfectly with the concept of "I can't keep it together."

[Homeostasis]

Guess I'm a minority but I like it a lot and am looking forward to the EP, there's a lot of great sound design on it and the sense of space that Trent's been doing for a few years now is as good as it's ever been.
It's definitely a headphones track. There's a lot going on that some crappy computer speakers can't pick up.

There's a lot of cool stuff going on, but that can't really make up for the lack of melody. I guess that's the problem when someone like Reznor starts writing all his stuff on a computer. I've been getting the impression for some time now that Reznor hasn't actually picked up a guitar or sat at a piano since the likes of Zero-Sum. I think he's forgotten how to write an actual melody at this stage.

[Cringeon]

Listened in headphones as well, still not finding much redeeming in it. It follows the same boring structure of looped rhythm, modular bass line, spacy synth pads and washed out vocals. It reminds me a bit of Sunspots in the beginning, but doesn't ever go anywhere. Lyrics are really bland, and not that TR wrote amazing lyrics he had the emotion to make it convincing. The female vox are as stimulating as novocain.

[Celiny-O]

I liked it, but it wasn't anything special.

[Heather Quick]

Boring.

[Manichaeist]

sounds like the most generic NIN song

not bad but ultimately pointless

[MixMastahTee]

I fucking love it. I've been becoming more of a fan of ambient electronic music lately, so it really hits the spot. Mariqueen's vocals on this are better than anything on the first EP. And like johncraze said, they're veering further away from a NIN feeling. Someone on ets said it could fit right in on Massive Attack's Mezzanine and I totally agree (and that's a good thing.) The amount of hate it's getting is nowhere near surprising, seeing as this project has been getting tons of hate since its inception. Most 'side-projects' of major front men seem to get the same reception. It's actually the first piece of music I've paid for in quite a few years. Can't wait to hear the rest of the EP.

[iggy]

^The Massive Attack comparison is fucking spot on. This has me far more interested in HTDA than anything on the EP.

[CellarOwl]

Speaking of Massive Attack, as soon as I heard it the FIRST fucking thing I thought of was Flat Of The Blade of Massive Attack. Like big time. One of my least favourite tracks on a so-so album, but the comparison jumped right out at me. I swear it's even the same key. Check it out if you're unfamiliar:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vAIOQMJAzxE

Only listened once so far but it didn't do much for me. Maybe it's a grower but I'm not counting on it.

[Cringeon]

At least Flat goes somewhere musically. The more I listen to it, the more it feels like TR has been running in circles. This doesn't feel really at all different from the modular vibe of WT, and the Fragile leftovers used up on Niggy. I think a lot of recent NIN that has been good was probably because he was working with other musicians (Ghosts I-IV still slaughters any of the HTDA). I don't think HTDA got a lot of hate just for being a side project, I was all ready for something new. I think it's the first time where even die hard TR fans were bored with it. I'm still hoping there is more that really breaks free of the typical mold - there's no risks being taken anywhere. It plays and washes over you and doesn't impart any real feeling.

[Atom]

This sounds nothing like WT. Not sure why you keep saying that. The stuff on WT was more straight ahead alternative/pop/rock. This song is the complete opposite.

[thousand_kisses]

music's ok, but her voice doesn't really mesh with it. find her vox to be kind of bland overall. not bad, but nothing special.

[Manichaeist]

and the Fragile leftovers

"Fragile leftover" is the perfect description for this song

[Heather Quick]

This sounds nothing like WT. Not sure why you keep saying that. The stuff on WT was more straight ahead alternative/pop/rock. This song is the complete opposite.

Yeah.
It's an insult to compare this crap to With Teeth, ffs.

[Cringeon]

The WT is more of the melody, reminds me of the vibe of WT which had this kind of spacey feel in songs like Sunspots, or the title track. Something about the loop drums, modular bass and then more ethereal synths. Overall, it just sounds like the TR/AR stuff the last few releases.

[Manichaeist]

Yeah.
It's an insult to compare this crap to With Teeth, ffs.

since when is With Teeth a high-water mark

[sayyosin]

It's okay. I can't say I'm not a little disappointed. I was hoping for a new direction and this sounds like something I've heard before.

I also don't like her vocals at all. If Trent sang more, I might be more excited about this project...but this is way less interesting than the thought of a new NIN album. I'll still check out the new EP though. Hopefully there's more variety.

[Señor Pinche]

Sadly, ol' Rez has been repeating formulas since WT; the line does not begin to blur, you can trace it straight to this mess. This would be better if it was instrumental and featured Adrian Belew on guitar and Alessandro Cortini on various synths...

[slippage]

everything REZA is all sticky. but this is a fly by.
Damn, not impressed.[/QUOTE]

[slippage]

i'm hearing that sister/brother.

[Homeostasis]

Track listing for Welcome Oblivion allegedly leaked via Last.fm, according to antiquiet (http://www.antiquiet.com/studio-reports/2012/10/how-to-destroy-angels-lp-title-tracklist-leaked-welcome-oblivion/).

01 Keep It Together – 4:25
02 The Wake-Up – 1:42
03 Too Late, All Gone – 6:14
04 We Fade Away – 6:41
05 Recursive Self-Improvement – 6:27
06 Hallowed Ground – 7:14
07 And the Sky Began to Scream – 3:56
08 Ice Age – 6:55
09 On the Wing – 4:52
10 How Long? – 4:02
11 The Loop Closes – 4:50
12 Strings and Attractors – 4:28

If this is true, I'm not feeling Keep It Together as an album opener. I was hoping it would stay on the EP - where it belongs - but as an opener? It would really say a lot about the quality of the album, if they figure that snooze fest as an appropriate introduction.

And the track lengths seem stupidly long. I can practically already hear it - a whole load of Corona Radiata/the longer Dragon Tattoo-type tracks with Mariqueen singing over them.

Honestly. When is that fucking Fragile reissue coming out?

[slippage]

i keep happy by having a daily delivery of free NIN remixes to my computer. Cost me nothing except for a little time spent on the delete button ( for those of us/them who think we have a little more remixing style than george Bush ( God ) gave us. So anything Reza does outside of my mollusc world is creamy and not da cake. you feelin me dog?

[spaceSuicide]

I love NIN, Reznor and Atticus. I enjoyed the first HTDA EP and bought it asap. Some songs on there were great but I can honestly say for the first time ever: I'm not really looking forward to this much at all. The music leanings are boring. I respect his work as a whole and don't mind his latest scoring but as someone already said about the new song, all it sounds like is a movie score and has Mariqueen 'singing' over it. She's not a bad vocalist but I don't care too much for it.

I'll download upon release. Wows me somehow then I will buy it.

[The Hand]

Sadly, ol' Rez has been repeating formulas since WT; the line does not begin to blur, you can trace it straight to this mess. This would be better if it was instrumental and featured Adrian Belew on guitar and Alessandro Cortini on various synths...

Really? With teeth, ghosts, year zero and htda are all pretty different

Atticus' dark ambient synths are great... Sounding more and more like coil, good thing

[spaceSuicide]

Really? With teeth, ghosts, year zero and htda are all pretty different

Atticus' dark ambient synths are great... Sounding more and more like coil, good thing

Perhaps so but they could really drop the vocals then if that was the case. As said, I liked the first EP and some songs are great but the vocals add absolutely nothing to the songs.

[Homeostasis]

Perhaps so but they could really drop the vocals then if that was the case. As said, I liked the first EP and some songs are great but the vocals add absolutely nothing to the songs.
Dittto. There's nothing "wrong" with the songs, really. But some more in-depth vocals - or failing that, something extra that could grab your attention - would go a long way.

[johncraze]

I don't have any problem with Mariqueen's vocals, I think they fit the kind of music they're doing. I just can't imagine Karen O like screams over a track like Keep It Together, or Celine Dion's overstretched vocals on it either.

I feel about her vocals just like I feel about Beth Gibbons' from Portishead, the way she sings doesn't show off any virtuosity, but it fits the music like a glove.

[johncraze]

Music video for "Keep it together" is now out!


http://vimeo.com/52603601

[Cringeon]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Rob Sheridan on the bass!

[NapalmHeart]

Pre-order/EP tracklist:

http://store.destroyangels.com/


01 – “KEEP IT TOGETHER“
02 – “ICE AGE“
03 – “ON THE WING“
04 – “THE SLEEP OF REASON PRODUCES MONSTERS“
05 – “THE LOOP CLOSES“
06 – “SPEAKING IN TONGUES“


Track 4 sounds interesting...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g00D8owV8us

[Homeostasis]

04 – “THE SLEEP OF REASON PRODUCES MONSTERS“

Track 4 sounds interesting...
The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sleep_of_Reason_Produces_Monsters)

And I think the LP track listing I posted here over two weeks ago (http://www.providermodule.com/forum/showthread.php/2636-How-To-Destroy-Angels-Trent-amp-Mariqueen-Reznor?p=132492&viewfull=1#post132492) is genuine. The track lengths match up with the track lengths put up on Amazon MP3 (http://www.amazon.com/An-omen-EP_/dp/B00A136U28/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1352080164&sr=1-2&keywords=how+to+destroy+angels+an+omen) a few hours ago.

[Manichaeist]

Reznor's chick is sexy (if not vaguely transsexual) but I mean she's not doing anything more than talking in these songs

[MixMastahTee]

Reznor's chick is sexy (if not vaguely transsexual) but I mean she's not doing anything more than talking in these songs

That's not exactly her fault. The tracks so far don't call for much more lively vocals. Listen to her earlier band, West Indian Girl - she can sing. Her abilities just haven't been exhibited in any of the HTDA tracks, because they haven't called for it yet. If they have a fast-paced track, I have no doubt she'll be able to keep up.

[Manichaeist]

regardless, these are boring songs. the gadget wankery going on in that video is pretty funny, though

[MixMastahTee]

regardless, these are boring songs. the gadget wankery going on in that video is pretty funny, though

That's fair enough. I just see a lot of (expected) criticism towards Mariqueen's voice that I don't think is justified. That's the only thing I was defending. If you think the songs are boring, that's your deal and there's not much I can say to change that.

[NapalmHeart]

Track listing for Welcome Oblivion allegedly leaked via Last.fm, according to antiquiet (http://www.antiquiet.com/studio-reports/2012/10/how-to-destroy-angels-lp-title-tracklist-leaked-welcome-oblivion/).

01 Keep It Together – 4:25
02 The Wake-Up – 1:42
03 Too Late, All Gone – 6:14
04 We Fade Away – 6:41
05 Recursive Self-Improvement – 6:27
06 Hallowed Ground – 7:14
07 And the Sky Began to Scream – 3:56
08 Ice Age – 6:55
09 On the Wing – 4:52
10 How Long? – 4:02
11 The Loop Closes – 4:50
12 Strings and Attractors – 4:28

If this is true, I'm not feeling Keep It Together as an album opener. I was hoping it would stay on the EP - where it belongs - but as an opener? It would really say a lot about the quality of the album, if they figure that snooze fest as an appropriate introduction.

And the track lengths seem stupidly long. I can practically already hear it - a whole load of Corona Radiata/the longer Dragon Tattoo-type tracks with Mariqueen singing over them.

Honestly. When is that fucking Fragile reissue coming out?

Wow, that's a whole lot of criticism considering the album (or even the other EP tracks) aren't even out yet. This is not Nine Inch Nails. And so far I only know one long, 7 min. HTDA song, A Drowing, and it's fantastic. You can never judge an album opener without hearing the rest of the album, that doesn't make sense to me either.

The only thing I would do differently is release the An Omen EP now and then another EP with all new songs instead of an album with new and old songs, but we'll see what Trent & co. have in store for us.

I'm really excited about this project, I loved the first EP and Keep It Together already grew on me a lot, especially after seeing them perform it in the studio. It's very experimental, minimalistic and I love all the layers.

I love how it's not even a "band" with a guitarist, a bass player and a singer. Rob Sheridan is a great addition, I've always been a fan of his artwork and now as a part of the group, even more so.

[Cringeon]

That's fair enough. I just see a lot of (expected) criticism towards Mariqueen's voice that I don't think is justified. That's the only thing I was defending. If you think the songs are boring, that's your deal and there's not much I can say to change that.I think her singing on the EP is equally boring and uninvented. HDTA have shown themselves off with 8 songs now, which I think is more then enough to form an opinion. I'd love to hear something (old or new) that shows her off as a great singer, and not this generic female voice you could swap out with any number of other musicians and not tell the difference.

[Manichaeist]

I think her singing on the EP is equally boring and uninvented. HDTA have shown themselves off with 8 songs now, which I think is more then enough to form an opinion. I'd love to hear something (old or new) that shows her off as a great singer, and not this generic female voice you could swap out with any number of other musicians and not tell the difference.

I have no idea whether she "can sing" or not and I honestly don't care either but sonic wallpaper has basically been Trent Reznor's stock-in-trade for, like, the last 8 years so I'm not really surprised that the music and vocals for this thing are bland and uninspired. As I've said before I'd have no problem with the guy scoring movies and video games for the rest of his life and giving up on pop music entirely.

[Cringeon]

I think YZ still had some gems vocally but the only thing I dug about the slip was the other musicians who performed which I thought gave a cool vibe. TR could just make scores or stuff like Ghosts and i would be content.

[johncraze]

Folks, we'll be able to hear the new ep tomorrow in "The Hype Machine" website.

"Trent Reznor ‏@trent_reznor
RT @mariqueen: psst: you can hear our new EP in its entirety tomorrow at The Hype Machine"

https://twitter.com/search?q=trent%20reznor&src=typd

Say what you gotta say about Reznor's creative direction these days, but he always comes off with a surprise out of his hat. I'm glad I'll be able to hear this early : D

[Homeostasis]

New NIN "in the works", says Reznor (http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/trent-reznor-nine-inch-nails-working-on-new-music-possible-tour-20121107). Read: Fragile reissue in late 2014.

Uh... I'm verging on not-giving-a-fuck-anymore territory at this point.

[Hazekiah]

^ While the re-issue of The Fragile is still an ongoing project, he was very clearly talking NEW music being written under the NIN banner rather than simply re-released old NIN music.

And PLEASE. You know you'll snap that shit up immediately WHENEVER he releases it, just like the rest of us.

:P

[gunz]

stoked about the new project he is working on with his wife and the new album should be an interesting listen after watching the video they just released. Defin. gonna pick up the re issue

[Atom]

You can listen to the EP here: http://hypem.com/featured

EDIT: And, in my opinion, "Keep it together" is by far the worst track off of the EP. "Ice age" is awesome.

[Cringeon]

Just listened to the whole thing, with the exception of Ice Age it all sounds like YZ-Ghosts NIN with reject TR lyrics. Not digging this at all, just really boring and meandering songs. And why does she sing the "I can see clearly the rain is gone" melody lol. I know they made this while TR did scores but I think it shows. It plays off the same instruments/synthesis that have been over the last handful of NIN releases. I guess the tolerable parts are the more instrumental sections because without knowing its HTDA it would fit in with Ghosts.

The only track that doesn't sound like Nails is Ice Age but not a good song at all. Can not stand her singing voice.

[Atom]

Damn, I didn't think any of it really sounded like NIN at all. Also thought her voice sounded pretty decent throughout most of the tracks.

Different folks I guess.

[Cringeon]

Yeah one track, I think the 2nd reminds me of The Greater Good from YZ to a T. I'll give it another spin, but just doesn't do a thing for me. The Sonics and production are well done, but song writing feels very hollow and unfinished. I wouldn't mind an instrumental version as just some casual background music but can't see my self paying for things of this caliber.

Edit: Track 3 reminds me of Greater Good. Last two track also sound a lot like bits taken from Ghosts. Just can't get past the lyrics/vocals for me. Hopefully they release the multitracks and someone does an instrumental mix.

[CellarOwl]

The most frustrating thing about HTDA is that they don't have any "songs." There's a lot of variation in the details but generally the music remains static whole way through. It's not everyone's thing and very easy to confuse that as lazy songwriting before moving on to something else. Maybe it's because I'm still drunk at noon from last night but for the first time the project is growing on me. Except the lyrics because those are still terrible.

Also maybe it's a weird coincidence but Brian Eno and David Byrne's collaborative album, My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts, seems like a major influence on the new EP. Trent's always been vocal about his Eno-boner so I wouldn't be surprised. Call it ripping off or borrowing, but they basically ripped off the cover art technique as well as the musical approach on the album. It's all pretty striking. First thing I thought of when I heard Speaking in tongues was the Eno track A Secret Life. Anyway I won't really listen to this so I guess whatever else I think about the EP doesn't matter, but I can appreciate it at least, if that makes sense?

[Manichaeist]

whole EP can now be streamed here:

http://hypem.com/artist/How+to+Destroy+Angels

[kleiner352]

Speaking in Tongues is amazing.

[Homeostasis]

Speaking in Tongues is amazing.
I'll take your word for it, because I've not been able to get that far on the EP. Tried listening to it on my MP3 player last night and got really fed up partway through 'The loop closes'. Switched over to the new Tweaker instead.

All the songs just sound like they're missing something. They seem to spend a lot of time creating the intro's, and then at some point someone goes "yeah, fuck it, that's enough" - and so the intro is all you get. Aside from some distant screeching effects, the background music of 'Ice age' stays the same throughout. All seven fucking minutes of it.

It just sounds lazy to me.

[ThreeEyedGod]

I gave up on all things Reznor

[Manichaeist]

yeah so this is pretty boring

[MixMastahTee]

Not gonna lie, pretty underwhelming. I really dig Ice Age, but like Homeostasis mentioned, the instrumentation is completely static. It sounds pretty cool, but it gets old. I don't hate it, but I had higher expectations.

[Manichaeist]

the guy isn't really a composer per se. what he does works when it's relegated to background noise - which is why it works so well in a film - but he's got a very limited pool of ideas and the ones he's got aren't terribly interesting. if he's not going to score video games or movies, he's a whole lot more compelling with distortion.

[Cringeon]

I think TR is a very capable composer. Pretty evident with thing like The Fragile, Still, and even some post sobriety work. I think the problem is he found a very safe space, and hasn't really expanded beyond it. Everything he's done in the last few years seems to just be more of the same things he did more out the gate from The Fragile (acoustic instrumentation blended with modular synth/electronic backbone). Even the lyrics of HTDA reek horribly of throw away NIN lyrics

http://www.ninwiki.com/Ice_Age

Pretty much every line in that can be retraced back to NIN. It's like a bad mash up of La Mer and Everday is Exactly the Same. If it isn't TR writing the lyrics, then I'm amazed from the ability to rip him off yet still manage to do a lesser job. I don't think any artist needs alcohol/drugs/etc to be creative, but I think sobriety has made TR comfortable with repeating himself. Everything from the last few releases that is "new" is really nowhere near inventive as changes from TDS to The Fragile or even TF to With Teeth. It's static and doesn't really scratch deeper than surface level noise.

[johncraze]

I go with the pretty "underwhelming" feel considering the new EP. They just haven't found their own voice. I thought Keep it together was a step in the right direction, and well the rest of the release didn't keep up with the vibes I expected.

Anyhow, today a video for "Ice Age" has been just released, that track received some positive feedback. So here it is:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Oq3pDuJeMqQ

[Cringeon]

VCRs are so retro. It's remarkable, she's somehow even more boring to look at than to listen to.

[Lucille]

Meh. Trent Reznor needs to shake it up a little.

[crazybitch]

Actually I just randomly watched it. I love the video. It's really different. Sick of the same old anyways. And I love her voice.

[Atom]

I also liked the video. It's visually interesting and fits the song well. And I really don't think they're trying to be "retro" by using VCRs for effect. What the fuck?

As for the EP - I like "Ice Age" and a couple of others but haven't had the urge to listen to it since a few days after it came out. It does nothing for me and that's fine. If this were a NIN album I'd be majorly disappointed and probably pissed off. But it's not a NIN album, it's something different, and I think people need to understand that.

[Cringeon]

I was referring to Rob's VCR technique that he coined retro glitch.

[Sans Agendum]

I'm not buying all the talk of people truly disliking Mariqueen's voice. A listen to Ice Age or any of West Indian Girl's stuff disproves any claim that she can't sing or hit the required notes for these songs. This music doesn't exactly ask for vocal gymnastics and neither does this group seem to be a sort of front to promote Mariqueen as some kind of virtuoso. It's like complaining that the guy getting your fries at mcdonalds didn't give you a shoe shine; It's not his job, nor is it part of the fast food experience. If you bought the music and are super surprised it's not some Mariah Carey pipes at the mic you should do more research.

Other complaints don't make much sense either. I think I read earlier that someone doesn't like her 'nasally' voice a few pages ago. A person complaining about nasally vocals on a Marilyn (nose whistlin got a deviated septum and all backed up with coke) Manson message board is pretty witless. If you're going to dislike her vocals, do it because they are too soft for your taste or too monotone, because they kind of are. Don't try to say she's 'nasally' though. You may as well just say she can't sing because she's married to Trent and that makes you mad. You'll make just as much sense and be twice as honest.

"Boring to look at" grabbed my attention too. Good to see we're reviewing the bands music and not being shallow about a person's appearance. Go listen to some image and fashion oriented band since that's what you're into. You sound pathetic, making such personally insulting comments. Especially when you're claiming this mother of two is 'boring to look at'. Once again, the criticism just doesn't stick. She's about as boring to look at as her singing is 'nasal'.

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/loudwire.com/files/2012/10/74046407.jpeghttp://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mczdv7ECXt1raba50o1_250.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=0&gs_ri=hp&tok=y2T4ke7uEMsVpOpNkNp37A&cp=5&gs_id=3k&xhr=t&q=mariqueen+maandig&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bpcl=39650382&biw=1208&bih=586&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=C9W_UNnUNqeaiALg2IGIBA

No offense meant if you're gay but it's either you're gay or crazy. I guess you meant it's amazing that she MANAGED to look rather plain and normal considering her natural good looks. While in a cabin. Right?

New EP is a cool listen. I like how organic and fluid the arrangements are. Lots of subtlety.

[Cringeon]

Or she just sucks. That too.

[Sans Agendum]

That's pretty much the best discussion I could hope for, I guess. XD

Thanks for supporting my case.

[303]

I absolutely loved the space in between and a drowning of the first demo. But after listening to the new ep a good few times, Im not really feeling the tracks at all.

[Manichaeist]

I'm not buying all the talk of people truly disliking Mariqueen's voice. A listen to Ice Age...disproves any claim that she can't sing or hit the required notes for these songs.

perhaps you've got an alternate take the rest of us haven't heard. did Trent leave a USB stick in a toilet with the "Mariqueen is worth a shit Mix" on it?

[spaceSuicide]

I downloaded the EP yesterday and have yet to listen to it. I love Reznor, Attitcus and NIN but I'm kinda not digging HTDA anymore. I liked the first EP at the time but barely listen to it now. Keep it Together bored me to tears so unsure if I have patience to listen to this EP.

[Sans Agendum]

I just noticed that Mariqueen's singing kind of reminds me of Sheryl Crow.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A-wnlBveFA

[Cringeon]

Sheryl Crow is a filthy whore.

[Sans Agendum]

http://images.sodahead.com/profiles/0/0/1/1/8/7/6/5/3/oh-you-93067263235.jpeg


Sheryl Crow is a filthy whore.

[spaceSuicide]

Hate to say it but the EP was a bore. I made it through halfway through most songs before skipping to the next track. Not to be a dick but I hope work under the Nine Inch Nails moniker and style is released soon because I'm so over this.

The songs were monotone, stagnant and showed little to no progression outside the intros and the vocal delivery fell extremely flat, even compared to the self-titled EP's vocal direction.

[Manichaeist]

yeah it sucks - and Dragqueen or whatever she's called isn't helping

[kleiner352]

Just about no one else seems to care about them around here, but oh well, news:


http://vimeo.com/56805766 Video for The Loop Closes.

Also, their first full album, Welcome oblivion, is coming out on March 5th.

[NapalmHeart]

I do, I just got home and watched it. Another amazing artwork. I love the visuals and the whole concept of analog/digital.

I can't wait for the album. While the Omen EP was very experimental and refreshing, it was lacking substance that I hope the album will contain.

[Cringeon]

More of the same. Spirals, glitches, stock footage ... and mandog's face. Hoped the album wouldn't feature the same tracks from the EP.

[NapalmHeart]

^Yeah, I don't know why they're doing that. I'd rather buy another EP with only new tracks on it.

[kleiner352]

More of the same. Spirals, glitches, stock footage ... and mandog's face. Hoped the album wouldn't feature the same tracks from the EP.

It's almost like it's still the same band that made the other HTDA stuff, and almost like artists tend to have motifs throughout their work (*MANSON, cough cough*) and almost like Sheridan has had that style of artwork for his entire career, and ALMOST like Mariqueen is the lead singer and almost like bands tend to show the singer's face in the video for the song. ALMOST.

The album having some of the EP songs is a little shitty, but hey, the EP had a limited release for that reason and seemed more like they wanted to release something without having to delay new music. They had originally promised their full length out last winter, but once they signed to a label there obviously would have had to have been some processing for the album to get released, so it seems to me like if anything the EP was their way of tiding fans over until then. If that's the case then I'm fine with that and think it's a great way of doing things, almost like a sampler that remains its own thing.

[Cringeon]

It just seems like real lazy NIN which is what my comment was minus mandog. They aren't trying, it still just screams bad NIN bsides with her face slapped on like some redeeming quality.

[kleiner352]

mandog..

Mandog: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/images/2008/08/27/mandog510.jpg

Mariqueen: http://m3.i.pbase.com/g1/56/54156/2/107351533.3QEivohK.jpg

There's a difference, if you couldn't tell.

[Cringeon]

Sorry, her ass is not redeeming. At least you can teach a dog tricks.

[Sans Agendum]

Sorry, her ass is not redeeming. At least you can teach a dog tricks.


What's to redeem? You don't like her or the band for that matter. We understand. Moving on. I swear, you're as annoying as some people in the Lady Gaga thread. It's not your cup of tea and somehow, hot Filipino girls resemble dogs to you. I can't relate to that at all, but it's okay. You don't need to keep reminding us like it's some sort of personal therapy.

Your insults are really weak and unintelligent. Just stop. It reminds me of a grade school child picking on a girl he has a crush on. It's transparent, nobody is impressed and nobody has gained anything from your repetitive negativity. You can't even make a single valid criticism. You just call it boring and bitch about Mariqueen. I even tried to enter discussion with you about it and you were like...

"Or maybe she just sucks"... Ace contribution there.

For someone so arrogant and cocky, you carry yourself with the grace of an MS patient. Step your game up or tone it down. I recommend you read more or something. Expand your limited vocabulary. Something. Otherwise you're just taking up space. Stop bogging down the thread or at least develop the intelligence necessary to make a decent criticism.

Thanks.

[Absolution]

So bummed out about how HTDA turned out tbh. While the first EP wasn't a solid flawless 10/10 piece of work, it was still interesting and catchy and left me wanting more. Most songs on An Omen is just the opposite for me, everything feels so drawn out and boring and there are no real energetic climaxes to counterbalance the repetition and restraint. The sound/instrumentation they got going on is cool and I like it, but it won't make up for the incredible bland songwriting.

Can't see myself enjoying the coming LP at all unless this EP was a collection of songs that was left out of the full length due to poor quality.

[Cringeon]

What's to redeem? You don't like her or the band for that matter. We understand. Moving on. I swear, you're as annoying as some people in the Lady Gaga thread. It's not your cup of tea and somehow, hot Filipino girls resemble dogs to you. I can't relate to that at all, but it's okay. You don't need to keep reminding us like it's some sort of personal therapy.

Your insults are really weak and unintelligent. Just stop. It reminds me of a grade school child picking on a girl he has a crush on. It's transparent, nobody is impressed and nobody has gained anything from your repetitive negativity. You can't even make a single valid criticism. You just call it boring and bitch about Mariqueen. I even tried to enter discussion with you about it and you were like...

"Or maybe she just sucks"... Ace contribution there.

For someone so arrogant and cocky, you carry yourself with the grace of an MS patient. Step your game up or tone it down. I recommend you read more or something. Expand your limited vocabulary. Something. Otherwise you're just taking up space. Stop bogging down the thread or at least develop the intelligence necessary to make a decent criticism.

Thanks.
The redeeming quality was in regards to the discussion about her lacking as a singer, and the idea that she was thrown into the front of the band as eye-candy which was further cemented by the ass picture. We've discussed in length about the lack luster musical compositions, sub-par vocal performances contrasted against other members who make up the band - and the continued use of themes already visited in other projects but are now being used to a lesser and more boring extent in HTDA. I'm not reminding you, each new post in this thread of rehashed material is reminding me. This thread is not limited to praise.

I don't need to write out a dissertation about how the formula of TR and AR paired with the visual styling of Rob Sheridan that don't venture further than the backyard already covered in the Fragile-YZ era NIN to explain why there are a large number of people who have been fans of TR's work feel underwhelmed by these releases. While HTDA has it's right to stand as it's own musical project, a person is only going to judge their response based on their experience with what is familiar. Regardless of the lead singer, this is a Trent Reznor project, and I don't see how you can take something like the latest video and not draw absolute parallels between the musical style of Ghosts (but with the more repetitive structure of the Social Network soundtrack which felt like Ghosts Lite) and the now cookie-cutter visuals that have graced NIN live shows since the better part of getting close to 20 years. You can write it off as their artistic style, but can you really say you are finding artistic growth in any of this? It seems like the attitude is to like it unless you have a reason not to. For as much as an influence TR and NIN is on me personally, I have no problem saying there has been hardly anything of substance since the original HTDA EP, which was mediocre at best.

These are not well crafted songs, and they are only weakened by lesser vocals. The songs that have shine feature TR which bridge it more into NIN territory than anything original. The arguments seem to be that unless you are just blindly cock-gobbling it down, you are just jaded, but it's quite possible you can still have an objective ear and hear that HTDA is the most color-by-numbers TR has achieved in his career. He's in love with his wife who is no where near as talented as the men she's surrounded by, yet people want to try and pretend she's there on some real artistic merit. Of course the argument against her will always turn to those who like her for her pretty face, or ass, or tits - but of course we aren't to think she's there on some superficial level. She's there purely for the music. Right.

[Sans Agendum]

The redeeming quality was in regards to the discussion about her lacking as a singer, and the idea that she was thrown into the front of the band as eye-candy which was further cemented by the ass picture. We've discussed in length about the lack luster musical compositions, sub-par vocal performances contrasted against other members who make up the band - and the continued use of themes already visited in other projects but are now being used to a lesser and more boring extent in HTDA. I'm not reminding you, each new post in this thread of rehashed material is reminding me. This thread is not limited to praise.

I don't need to write out a dissertation about how the formula of TR and AR paired with the visual styling of Rob Sheridan that don't venture further than the backyard already covered in the Fragile-YZ era NIN to explain why there are a large number of people who have been fans of TR's work feel underwhelmed by these releases. While HTDA has it's right to stand as it's own musical project, a person is only going to judge their response based on their experience with what is familiar. Regardless of the lead singer, this is a Trent Reznor project, and I don't see how you can take something like the latest video and not draw absolute parallels between the musical style of Ghosts (but with the more repetitive structure of the Social Network soundtrack which felt like Ghosts Lite) and the now cookie-cutter visuals that have graced NIN live shows since the better part of getting close to 20 years. You can write it off as their artistic style, but can you really say you are finding artistic growth in any of this? It seems like the attitude is to like it unless you have a reason not to. For as much as an influence TR and NIN is on me personally, I have no problem saying there has been hardly anything of substance since the original HTDA EP, which was mediocre at best.

These are not well crafted songs, and they are only weakened by lesser vocals. The songs that have shine feature TR which bridge it more into NIN territory than anything original. The arguments seem to be that unless you are just blindly cock-gobbling it down, you are just jaded, but it's quite possible you can still have an objective ear and hear that HTDA is the most color-by-numbers TR has achieved in his career. He's in love with his wife who is no where near as talented as the men she's surrounded by, yet people want to try and pretend she's there on some real artistic merit. Of course the argument against her will always turn to those who like her for her pretty face, or ass, or tits - but of course we aren't to think she's there on some superficial level. She's there purely for the music. Right.



The nude pics were taken long before she was in HTDA. She can't help that she's hot, but it's not like they dress her up in slutty clothes or ever promoted her as a virtuoso as a vocalist. She's not even really the face of the band. They're usually shot together in pictures and all contribute to interviews and the music itself.

Do you claim that Manson didn't embrace Dita or Even as something to be used in his art? Did you get upset over Dita and Even or Rose McGowan being present with Manson so much while they were together? What about this Lindsay girl who is taking Manson's artwork photography? Is she the most talented photographer alive? No. But she works.

I liked Ghost and definitely hear the similarities. Big deal. It sounds how it sounds. Many like it. You don't. The end.

These are songs that are meant to be more meandering and are not meant to have structure.

You don't have any informed arguments. You're pretty much just making things up and any informed fan can correct you. It has nothing to do with the hyperbolic idea that you have to 'suspicious homophobic falatio reference' everything done by the band. If you are going to hate them though, find something worth criticizing and escape looking so bigoted and misogynistic.

Also you are just imagining sinister motives behind how successful people make an honest living in the entertainment industry and you seem to hate women for simple things like sharing a passion with their musician husbands. What is that about? Its not any of your business.

People have only defended Mariqueen's looks because you have continuously called her 'ugly' in many crude ways. When you say a completely above attractive person has doglike features, it sets off alarm bells that you have some more personal reasons for venting so much. You seem to have 'issues' with women expressing ANY sexuality because I've really seen very little present in this band. Even her just sitting there seems to get under your skin. I would consider some deep introspection on the source of this hostility towards women.

[Cringeon]

The nude pics were taken long before she was in HTDA. She can't help that she's hot, but it's not like they dress her up in slutty clothes or ever promoted her as a virtuoso as a vocalist. She's not even really the face of the band. They're usually shot together in pictures and all contribute to interviews and the music itself. Don't care about the nude pics, it just seems a little silly that when the conversations stay focused on her output with the band - someone switches the focus to that which I find pretty shallow. I'm not attracted to her, and I'm not blindsided by tits and ass from her work as the lead singer of HTDA.


Do you claim that Manson didn't embrace Dita or Even as something to be used in his art? Did you get upset over Dita and Even or Rose McGowan being present with Manson so much while they were together? What about this Lindsay girl who is taking Manson's artwork photography? Is she the most talented photographer alive? No. But she works. Wasn't talking about MM, but if MM went off and started a shitty side project with them - I'd have no problem calling it out. I never paid attention to MM's women enough to really care about anything more than the influence they were used in MM's work (which I find were tasteful and still to MM's artistic output - not the ladies').


I liked Ghost and definitely hear the similarities. Big deal. It sounds how it sounds. Many like it. You don't. The end.That might be the end for you, so we could end it here. My posts are my opinions. At least we agree it sounds completely rehashed.


These are songs that are meant to be more meandering and are not meant to have structure. Who said otherwise? You've just agreed with my criticism for it. If the output was the desired result, than it's less failing and more purposeful shit.


You don't have any informed arguments. You're pretty much just making things up and any informed fan can correct you. It has nothing to do with the hyperbolic idea that you have to 'suspicious homophobic falatio reference' everything done by the band. If you are going to hate them though, find something worth criticizing and escape looking so bigoted and misogynistic.You don't have to be gay to have a penis in your mouth. Both responses in this thread from you couldn't resit personal jabs because you've pretty much agreed with the issues I have with the music. How much more informed do you have to be than listening to both EPs, seeing their 3 music videos and forming an opinion on it? It's not like there is some deep well of analysis to go on. It's music, shitty music at that and that's all I've said. It's funny that if I dislike them on a musical merit, her physical appearance is brought up and if I don't find that attractive it's equated to misogyny.


Also you are just imagining sinister motives behind how successful people make an honest living in the entertainment industry and you seem to hate women for simple things like sharing a passion with their musician husbands. What is that about? Its not any of your business. Sinster motives? I guess if releasing shitty music is what you call sinister, sure whatever. Trying to blanket the argument against all women is pretty pathetic. I don't dislike her as a woman, only a vocalist. It's still only about that. It's a pretty narrow minded idea that if you dislike something from a woman, than somehow that is a reflection on the whole gender. Don't hide behind gender equality when passing off judgements like that.


People have only defended Mariqueen's looks because you have continuously called her 'ugly' in many crude ways. When you say a completely above attractive person has doglike features, it sets off alarm bells that you have some more personal reasons for venting so much. You seem to have 'issues' with women expressing ANY sexuality because I've really seen very little present in this band. Even her just sitting there seems to get under your skin. I would consider some deep introspection on the source of this hostility towards women. Mandog was a jab at her last name - not her physical appearance. Go back, the only time I'll directly address how she looks is when people bring up her tits and ass again. Sure, it's snarky but people (just like yourself) will typically make personal digs for things that don't necessarily like. I dislike her as a vocalist in a really generic band that is made up of greater talents. Don't worry, I have plenty of women who inspire me artistically, I don't need to reevaluate the femenist role in my life because I find Mariqueen as exciting as a mannequin.

Edit: It's funny, go back and read this thread. You'll see my reaction to their first EP (and omg her vocals lol) as pretty positive. Funny how time to digest something will shape your opinion. I found the first EP fresh upon release, but it seemed like they hit their highest note there. The rest, that's where I find the TR/AR formula becoming tired, and the lack of further growth or direction disappointing. It's always fun to go back and see it shift with time. And of course reading the whole thread, everything had been about the music until Sans brings in the pictures to argue for her physical appearance. Go read the whole thread, some good insights in there.

[kleiner352]

Mandog was a jab at her last name - not her physical appearance.

So either A) you're being pretty racist or B) you're being sexist, and I fail to see how you couldn't realize that calling someone a dog is typically a way of saying someone is extremely ugly, and that saying mandog sounds like you are calling her an ugly masculine-looking woman.

Also I think a lot of the common criticisms about the songs not having majorly climactic moments, while kinda legitimate, are made by a lot of people that are unaware of the fact that there are entire electronic genres devoted to soundscape/atmospheric music and not the more familiar song structure of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, etc. Look at Aphex Twin or Faunts or any other band like that, and you'll find plenty of music similar to this structurally.

It's a type of genre, and attacking HTDA for being in that genre and calling it "lazy" is a really bullshit way of saying you don't enjoy a genre. There are more subtleties going on in the background of these songs than overt sweepingly epic moments; there's no Just Like You Imagined guitar solo or Perfect Drug drum solo, it's focused on having subtle shifts in the background layers of sound and having variations throughout while lulling you into a comfortable sense of familiarity. If that isn't your forte, then that's great, but plenty of people do enjoy it. Calling it lazy is a really bad criticism that avoids actually looking at it critically in the first place.

Oh, and Cringeon, Mariqueen has never been made the "face" of HTDA, nor has she been sexualized in any of their videos. In The Space Inbetween, she, Trent and Atticus all get just about the same amount of screen-time; in Ice Age, she is focused on more but then again, that song really has more strong/prominent vocals than any other song they've released to date so it makes sense; in The Loop Closes, she, Trent and Atticus are all shown just about equally, and even then you see little beyond their faces/hands, with most of the video devoted to the glitchy, hallucinatory footage that is common in a lot of Sheridan's art. So arguing that she's made the face of the band is kinda ridiculous. As Aegis pointed out, almost all of the promo photos released have been of the full group together with equal exposure. Also, you love MM, and how many promo photos since GAOG have really featured anyone besides Manson, Twiggy, and whoever he's been laying at the time?

[Cringeon]

So either A) you're being pretty racist or B) you're being sexist, and I fail to see how you couldn't realize that calling someone a dog is typically a way of saying someone is extremely ugly, and that saying mandog sounds like you are calling her an ugly masculine-looking woman. While it's not uncommon for someone you find unattractive to be called a dog, it really was just playing with her name. Her race was never a factor, I simply don't know or care what her ethnic heritage is. It was just a snarky comment, and I've said as much.


Also I think a lot of the common criticisms about the songs not having majorly climactic moments, while kinda legitimate, are made by a lot of people that are unaware of the fact that there are entire electronic genres devoted to soundscape/atmospheric music and not the more familiar song structure of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, etc. Look at Aphex Twin or Faunts or any other band like that, and you'll find plenty of music similar to this structurally. I don't need a music lesson, I'm quite a fan of music that goes beyond even Richard James' output. It's not the genre, there are many bands doing more (or less) much better. For the most part though, HTDA actually does follow the more pop song writing TR is famous for. I'm a huge fan of the NIN Ghosts I-IV release, still have it on heavy rotation. I just find the similar approach being done not as well as either TR has himself done previously, or other artists are doing in similar or different ways. It's not the type of music, but the quality of it. It sounds like TR is in a rut, like I said go back and read this thread. It's not an isolated opinion, even amongst NIN fans like myself.


It's a type of genre, and attacking HTDA for being in that genre and calling it "lazy" is a really bullshit way of saying you don't enjoy a genre. There are more subtleties going on in the background of these songs than overt sweepingly epic moments; there's no Just Like You Imagined guitar solo or Perfect Drug drum solo, it's focused on having subtle shifts in the background layers of sound and having variations throughout while lulling you into a comfortable sense of familiarity. If that isn't your forte, then that's great, but plenty of people do enjoy it. Calling it lazy is a really bad criticism that avoids actually looking at it critically in the first place. As a sonic junkie, I know how to hear my way through the depths of even the most minimalistic music. Where I can find a song like Corona Radiata interesting, I can find the newer HTDA very lackluster and as Sans mentioned - meandering. If meandering music suits you, then you've found your band. You can still have music rooted in minimalistic electronic, dub and drone, and still do something fresh with it. To say that bad music is okay because it's the sound of the genre is just ignoring bad song writing.


Oh, and Cringeon, Mariqueen has never been made the "face" of HTDA, nor has she been sexualized in any of their videos. In The Space Inbetween, she, Trent and Atticus all get just about the same amount of screen-time; in Ice Age, she is focused on more but then again, that song really has more strong/prominent vocals than any other song they've released to date so it makes sense; in The Loop Closes, she, Trent and Atticus are all shown just about equally, and even then you see little beyond their faces/hands, with most of the video devoted to the glitchy, hallucinatory footage that is common in a lot of Sheridan's art. So arguing that she's made the face of the band is kinda ridiculous. As Aegis pointed out, almost all of the promo photos released have been of the full group together with equal exposure. Also, you love MM, and how many promo photos since GAOG have really featured anyone besides Manson, Twiggy, and whoever he's been laying at the time? Didn't say she was sexualized by the band, it's been the fans that bring that up - which I don't care for. Mariqueen is the lead singer, and is the focal point for a majority. Sure, it would be a bad business decision to not showcase TR because that is the selling point of the band no matter how you boil it down. It's also possible maybe you don't understand what I mean as "the face" because it's not the literal presentation of a lead singer, but that Mariqueen is the only thing that shakes this up from being filed under NIN. It's the novelty of what tries to make this unique while the music and art direction is a continuation of what TR/AR/Rob have been doing for years. If MM started a new project, under a new name but kept doing the same thing - I'd call it out on the same front. The criticism is that for what could have been something unique and fresh has almost pigeon holed itself into the mundane.

[spaceSuicide]

I'll weigh in...

At the beginning, much like Cringeon, I adored the new sound and the new aesthetic with the new Mariqueen Mandiig-Reznor being thrown into the mix. The first EP was fresh, something entirely new and actually held some great songs like The Space In Between and Parasite. They showed promise and was awaiting the next release with open arms...

Between those two years we get the Social Network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Both interesting enough but when it comes down to it, they're both just soundtracks at the end of the day. It has Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross working hand in hand. Not much to have a long lasting merit.

We have How To Destroy Angels now: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross working hand in hand with Mariqueen's flat vocal delivery (which is pretty much the same style as the first EP but that's not a gripe as it fits the songs).

This new EP is nothing but a soundscape with familiar sounds, a safe territory of work that every TR related thing (outside Tetsuo: The Bullet Man) since The Slip has sounded like and a played out art style that Sheridan recycles over and over again ever since Ghosts I-IV. I agree with Cringeon that this EP is a step in no progression whatsoever. If this project keeps up a sound and style like this it'll start to be even more boring. Most of the songs on An Omen EP were over 5 minutes long and featured the same droning shit the entire time with maybe one slight change in delivery throughout the time. This new EP sounds and seems like soundtrack throwaway work that didn't need to be discarded so it was repackaged, made longer and had vocals slapped to it.

I'm a huge Reznor and NIN fan, since 2006, and I must say I haven't been interested in a thing the man has done since Year Zero. I've liked and moderately enjoyed everything from Ghosts till now but the wow factor isn't present because it all sounds safe and the same. Every single piece of work the man has done in HTDA and soundtrack scoring all sounds the same.

P.S. I EVEN made this thread back in 2010 and I'm dismissing this project now. That proves how dull and boring it can become. He's not pushing any sound or style boundaries. He's stuck in this same loop and it's not going to change until the next NIN release as far as I am concerned. Until then let's hope after this next HTDA album, that loop closes. (See what I did there?)

[Homeostasis]

Also I think a lot of the common criticisms about the songs not having majorly climactic moments, while kinda legitimate, are made by a lot of people that are unaware of the fact that there are entire electronic genres devoted to soundscape/atmospheric music and not the more familiar song structure of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, etc. Look at Aphex Twin or any other band like that, and you'll find plenty of music similar to this structurally.
Yeah, but when HTDA make something as gorgeous as "Avril 14", that's the moment I'll start to give a shit.

Don't attempt to talk down to people for not liking HTDA as if they're incapable of liking it simply because they're dense morons who know nothing about the genre. A piece of music not having a big, dumb, exciting peak isn't specific to any electronic genre. There's plenty of classical music which has that trait too, and I love me some Arvo Pärt. That's not a problem for me. The problem here is that HTDA are, creatively, nowhere near the level you seem to ascribe to them.

[kleiner352]

Yeah, but when HTDA make something as gorgeous as "Avril 14", that's the moment I'll start to give a shit.

Don't attempt to talk down to people for not liking HTDA as if they're incapable of liking it simply because they're dense morons who know nothing about the genre. A piece of music not having a big, dumb, exciting peak isn't specific to any electronic genre. There's plenty of classical music which has that trait too, and I love me some Arvo Pärt. That's not a problem for me. The problem here is that HTDA are, creatively, nowhere near the level you seem to ascribe to them.

Sorry if I came across that way, I wasn't trying to talk down or call anybody morons. A lot of people are ignorant of genres and that doesn't make them idiots, but I have heard a very constant complaint about that very subject of a lack of common structure/climaxes (someone in this thread even said as much).

[johncraze]

HDA's debut as live unit will be at Coachella 13

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555213_524218640932943_1743319119_n.jpg

[Heather Quick]

Meh...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2013/01/30/170687806/trent-reznor-new-band-new-song-new-video-still-terrifying

[kleiner352]

Meh...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2013/01/30/170687806/trent-reznor-new-band-new-song-new-video-still-terrifying

Personally I REALLY like this video/song and if anything it shows that vocally the new album is going to be stronger than the last EP. Really excited.

[CellarOwl]

And somewhere still, people are mercilessly lapping away at Reznor's balls. Just terrible.

[kleiner352]

And somewhere still, people are mercilessly lapping away at Reznor's balls. Just terrible.

It's almost like some people have different taste than you. Just terrible, right?

Now anyway, OT: http://howtodestroyangels.com/ Has the vinyl cover and tracklisting of the upcoming album; the vinyl edition has 2 extra tracks and comes with a free CD of the vinyl edition as well, so it seems vinyl is the way to spin this thing.

[johncraze]

Just heard the new song, I really try to feel it or get into it, but I just wander off while the track plays. The theme is interesting, but the music doesn't draw my attention at all.

Guess will have to wait for the album to sort out if I dig HDA or not, I loved the first EP, Keep It Together and Ice Age, but there's a lot of dullness in a fair number of tracks.

[spaceSuicide]

Meh...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2013/01/30/170687806/trent-reznor-new-band-new-song-new-video-still-terrifying

Agreed on the Meh.

:(

[DecayingSinner]

It was very disappointing. Almost couldn't get through the entire song.

[Atom]

I like that it's different from what I expected but other than that I'm really not feeling it. An Omen had some good stuff on it but got stale rather quick for me. I still have some hope for the full length but I've come to just accept that while I love NIN I may not be that big a fan of HTDA.



And somewhere still, people are mercilessly lapping away at Reznor's balls. Just terrible.

Kind of like how some people on here would happily let Manson shit in their cereal?


EDIT: And holy fuck some of you need to get a grip. It's fucking music. If you don't like it, fine. If you do, great.

[gunz]

loved the video..different spin on post world and greed . If you mute the music it is pretty creepy.

[Cringeon]

Haven't watched or listened yet, but funny to see the critical MM fans suddenly trying to promote letting fans like what they do. I'll post my review in a few when I'm home and check it out.

[AssetReign]

^ I've noticed that as well. It's often the most vocal anti-MM who get so butthurt when others don't agree with their taste in bands/music.