Opera Singer analyzes Nine Inch Nails's Trent Reznor for the first time.

[@yomo1690]

The thing with Reznor is that you totally believe he is sincere when singing. He never looks like he is phoning it in or acting. It like he is genuinely expressing how he felt when he wrote it.

[@smileygladhands]

Agreed. You can almost feel his pain, anger and regret in his voice and lyrics. I've gone through many of the things he sings about, so his music has helped me through some tough times.

[@korbain86]

Always thought that. Its like when he performs a song he just feels everything its about. Its truly brilliant and few artists do what he does. Seen them a fair times live and he is just in the zone each time.

[@kyu2o337]

​@@korbain86I've never been a huge fan of live shows, but there have been a few that were truly incredible...I saw NIN in Chicago on their Wave Goodbye tour and it was one of the best experiences in my life...right up there with the birth of my kids, my wedding day and skydiving, lol.

[@neil2444]

@@kyu2o337 How dare you compare a NIN concert with the most memorable moment of your life: *skydiving*! 😅

[@michaellaporte4951]

I remember a comment he gave on the writing of Pretty Hate Machine, that he forced himself to not feel self-conscious about what he wanted to say simply because he never thought anyone would buy the record.

[@andrebaptista8284]

Trent reznor is a straight up genius. His lyrics, his writing , production, art direction, cinema scoring. He creates such beautiful and haunting music, really capturing parts of the psyche and soul that I resonate so heavily with. He is unequivocally my all time favourite artists. So happy you are doing NIN. ❤

[@claymccoy]

He has multiple Grammys, Oscars and Emmys.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

I love that he actually has a genius IQ because no one can really argue against people saying he is one lol

[@HankChinaski27]

Except "grey would be the color if I had a heart." That is objectively bad lyrics.

[@APFism]

Totally agree! 👍

[@neil2444]

I love when he completely contradicts the scale of the song and makes the song sound unhinged and disturbing. That is of course entirely deliberate.

[@michaellangley183]

Pretty Hate Machine, the studio album that this song is from, turns 35 this year. It's an absolute masterpiece from first song to last and was written and performed entirely by Trent Reznor himself, at a time when producing industrial electronic music was a vastly more tedious and difficult process than it is today.

[@GeneElder.R027]

Its one of those albums I have to listen to the entire album front to back, or i get cranky. Like Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon or Queensreiche Operation Mindcrime.

[@mistymangham4410]

Talk about making one feel old. Wow, 35 years.

[@BKKMekong]

Best Debut album of all time, and I enjoy as much today as a 60 year old as I did when I was 25

[@lesterawilson3]

NIN's entire "Pretty Hate Machine" album (from which 'Terrible Lie' comes from) is worthy of an entire reaction video.

[@lesterawilson3]

@@BKKMekong PHM is timeless - never gets old.

[@pdmayton]

Trent saved my 15 yo life. Now 38 father of two. Happy, and successfull. Love you, Trent.

[@rocketPower047]

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@BiLLz66614]

I remember the day he pulled you out of the lake. Good man.

[@KrashyKharma]

ay 37 year old father of two here who was also saved by this amazing man and his poetry and conviction in delivering it. Terrible Lie and Down In It are so much a part of my life I'd get the entire lyrics tattooed on me if I was slightly more masochistic and could find a way to make it look good.

[@syyneater]

Glad you’re still with us!!

[@Morgoth666PL]

I'm 40 and i know i was closer to god twenty years ago. But i'm alive. I will also be a father soon.

[@jasonbartels1485]

My favorite is “every day is exactly the same”. The way the chorus’ tone and pitch is so exact everytime is genius

[@jrzy7479]

OMG! You should absolutely checkout Something I Can Never Have! Beautiful example of Trent's vocal range.

[@SgtPnkks]

Specifically the version from closure... Which I believe is the woodstock 94 performance

[@paulaboyd9743]

I LOVE that one ❤

[@journeytosilius1]

Another good one would be The Fragile. Certain songs he actually "sings" a bit more in. It's one of my favorites of NIN.

[@selfbiased1860]

I'll see you "Something I can never Have," and raise you "And All That Could Have been."

[@darkthaumaturge587]

@@selfbiased1860 The first time I heard And All That Could Have Been, my girlfriend and I went after I got off work to the mall specifically to get The Fragile, and we listened to all of disc 1 in the car on the way home. When it got to AATCHB, at that one part - you know the one - we both just burst into tears on the spot and I had to pull over. Absolutely wrecked us.

[@blaisearwyn3405]

Love Trent for how he uses his voice to enhance the emotion and enjoyment of the song. He understands the limitations of his voice and uses it like any other sound, when needed. His vocals are adored not for their range but for the feeling they incite in the listener.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I always say that emotion is much more important than technique.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Dang it. Now I DO want to hear him sing "Chestnuts Roasting over an Open Fire" in his own style. Thanks a lot, Elizabeth...

[@JeremyOuelletteNH]

@@MonkeyJedi99 lol ya he'd get all metaphorical with it, singing in dark, hushed tones of the existential angst burning through the chestnut's soul just as the open flame burns its flesh one lick at a time. All that with a cold AF melody and sick AF drum beat. 🤘

[@scottmelville3476]

Also lyrically, NIN has more sing along lines than any other band.

[@blaisearwyn3405]

@@scottmelville3476 Trent does love his rhymes ;)

[@GrymmJymm]

“Were in this together now” is a better song to hear the range he is capable of, but SOOOO glad to have this video from you, thank you!!!

[@imyoursuperbeast8220]

That is a sweet tune. Dare I say underrated?

[@GrymmJymm]

@@imyoursuperbeast8220 Absolutely. From the very first vocal he is hitting this pitch that is daring to the ears, almost off putting if taken from any other vocalist, but you know with Trent that it’s got this primal tension because it’s a lyric with authenticity behind it, and if there is a painful note to the ears it was left in intentionally because Trent controlled it in the studio and felt that was the take that captured the intention the most/best. It helps to know he is in the driver seat of pretty much everything that gets entered onto the albums. And he is willing sometimes to even include the vulnerability and perceived flaws, and it comes from a deeper place of artistic expression. Not in that phony “oh hes such a deep poet” sense some people believe and express, but one where you know Trent’s actual view is “i dont give a shit if anyone thinks its poetic, this is what it is and what i want it to be, so there you go”. The man shred his voice on this song and thank God he left every damned bit of sonic shrapnel in the track, it’s a punch combo that floors, everytime.

[@retro7943]

@@GrymmJymm Yes!!! I feel like "We're in this Together" was Trent's Magnum Opus from the 90s, a way for him to say hello to the new millennium. A way to say to his fans, "Thank you for being here. Ready for what's next?"

[@robdaniel3211]

Thank you for finally taking the dive into one of the most uniquely creative musician, writer, composer, performer, and producers of the modern era.

[@MrIceyak]

As an enormous NIN fan - thank you for finally analysing Trent and Co! I can hugely recommend live versions of "Sanctified" and "The Big Comedown" for the future and you definitely need to see them live in concert, they're phenomenally good!

[@RedQueenCreative_Roxie]

The big comedown is underrated

[@tinydot5068]

Sanctified from the 2013 Tension Tour…OMG

[@Arenow]

This performance comes from a very particular time in NIN history. This was 2006 during the first tour with sober Trent, he had been a "skinny fragile tortured soul" and suddenly he looked buffed, confident and energetic instead of frustrated. The band was also completely renewed and had a lot of character: Aaron North on the guitar is tremendously chaotic, he takes the "there are no wrong notes" to a whole new level. Twiggy on the bass was very welcomed by the fans who knew him from his Marilyn Manson and A Perfect Circle days. Alessandro Cortini on the synths was very discreet but has kept collaborating with Trent in studio and he is still on the NIN line up. And Josh Freese on the drums is arguably the best session drummer in LA, he's been on over 400 albums (not even kidding), very technical and you can hear by the end of this song he can be tremendously creative. It's by no means the most famous or iconic line up, but they gave an amazing show live. Hope to get some more live NIN on this channel!

[@cecilkeith1951]

I came here to post something similar. Thank you.

[@MauGifts]

I miss the days before sober Trent :( There was so much raw, original and cult sounding tracks he could only imitate now. But I'm also glad he saved himself and gave us 100s of good sounding instrumental music for OST as well. *For me Danny Lohner is the best on the bass.

[@twal3]

Trent's physical transformation makes total sense now. I'd noticed that at some point mid-00's he began to morph into Henry Rollins.

[@firewater1022]

Excellent info! As soon as video started, I was all "Oh my, Trent 2006 Rupp Arena; still possibly the best concert of my life!"

[@iammattjones]

I saw them in Knoxville and Trent came out looking like a fucking full back. He went crowd surfing and surfed over me. Dude hit the gym hard. Felt like moving a marble statue over my head. Easily one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The technology and sound was amazing.

[@Spencer_Beard]

I am REALLY hoping this opens the door to more industrial music acts, like: Front 242, KMFDM, Ministry, Nitzer Ebb, Frontline Assembly and many others

[@ShaneMurphyCthulhu]

I'd love to add Gary Numan to that list, especially since Trent did perform Cars with him.

[@BrickNewton]

KMFDM!!!! I had my first real girlfriend get me into these guys.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

I saw Front 242 in BC once. At least at that event, they were not sounding good.

[@noracola5285]

And Skinny Puppy!

[@JeffTiberend]

Yes to all of this!

[@carlitosd.9699]

Trent Reznor is NIN and creates the entire composition, orchestration etc, (although he collaborates with Atticus Ross these days) so he’s super creative at using the entire sound to compliment his voice and all the music dynamics, that’s why it’s all so ridiculously well integrated. One of the best composers in modern times… people that dismiss them don’t really know music, who else do we have these days that can do the heaviness of the Downward Spiral or the Fragile, THEN score a PIXAR movie? Genius musician!

[@daveharris39]

Yep. Inside the cassette tape case where you would usually find which band member did what, it simply said: Nine inch Nails is Trent Reznor.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I would have to agree with you on this one.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Nope. "Texturist" (more than "composer."). ...the man has great in-studio skills [There's no argument possible, there.]. His work with Atticus Ross on Ken Burns' (enveloping and excellent) Viet-Nam documentary series is amazing.

[@DeceptiveSquid]

Lets not forget Trent Reznor was only 22 when he composed all the music and wrote the lyrics for this track. It was unlike anything else on the record shelf in 1989. His live performance of this track has only gotten better over the years. But the level of inherent musicality and inner creation is just off the charts.

[@xaeromatic]

Trent very much uses his voice as an instrument. He brought his flavor of industrial music to the masses with full intent of captivating listeners, and audiences. Watch the Woodstock 1994 version if you want a real headspin on the vocals. Thanks for reviewing this and for everything you do.

[@maelstrom8088]

Good lord you are on fire with some of the reactions I've been waiting forever to see popping up lately. NIN is a crazy deep rabbit hole with a huge catalog and wildly varying stylistic choices from song to song, album to album, brilliantly done. A particular song not really your style? No problem, check out another album.

[@karl_alan]

Agree wholeheartedly. Each era is such different music

[@Jeff_Vader]

I read your comment, and before i clicked "read more," the last line said, "NIN is a crazy deep rabbit hole with a hug." I thought that was a slightly strange way to describe NIN's music, but I like it.

[@BrotherPraetus]

Only 34 Halo albums to work through.

[@wheelz8240]

I was super into them as a young teen...maybe it's time (in my 40s) to dive back into them.

[@NerevarineKing]

His output in the 80s and 90s was untouchable for me, but I'm also a big Year Zero fan.

[@dethmunky86]

It's unbelievable that they've been playing that song since 1989 and can still do so with such intensity.

[@shaunhatesyou]

honestly the most shocking part about NIN's career is I've never heard a performance of anything where it felt phoned in. the intensity is always consistent, regardless of who's backing Trent up.

[@yomo1690]

Genius gets thrown around alot. But with Reznor its totally applicable. From the most beautiful soundscapes to the sound of hell and everything inbetween ( including a few poppy tunes). And it never feels contrived or fake.

[@climber950]

He’s incredibly underrated. I’ve never understood why.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I love this comment, and I hope one day I can talk to him about his compositional process!

[@TheBaconWizard]

@@TheCharismaticVoice I will pray to the music-gods (and Kirk!) to make this happen :D

[@iananelson8256]

@@TheCharismaticVoice A tea time interview with Reznor would make me so happy!

[@GraveDirectionswithSugerkat]

He introduced the Cure at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Excellent speech and gives you an idea of who he is. I've seen NIN twice and they are amazing. He's gifted. I went through 2 Pretty Hate Machine cassettes back in the late-80's, early-90's.

[@-SayWhatAgainMF-]

Me too! Fucking mind blowing each time. Seeing James Addiction after them was awesome too

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

7:50 is such an educated, accurate description of Trent Reznors singing philosophy. You, once again, prove to us why you're such a professional! I love your insights.

[@alecscott-ev5rw]

Love love love NIN and Trent Reznor's singular genius as a composer and a sound designer who completely changed the sound of music from 1994 onward. I'm super stoked at the prospect of watching this. Too cool!

[@iamtorryian]

There's NIN recorded and then there's NIN live. They put on such an amazing show! Glad to see you react to such an awesome band and song!

[@jaymorrison2419]

They still put on an outstanding show.

[@Flagg795]

They are so, so great live. The Lights in the Sky tour blew my mind with the production levels.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Usually, studio versions of songs play better, and allow me to hear what's happening at its source. But sometimes, a band live will always surpass a studio recording. I think this might have been one of those instances, but I'll have to listen to the album version first.

[@DMjops]

@@TheCharismaticVoice This entire live DVD "Beside You in Time" is incredible, and just as intense throughout.

[@bmFbr]

@@TheCharismaticVoice This was a great pick also because Terrible Lie is one of those rare songs where live versions are a lot better than the studio one. The original recording isn't bad by any means, it's just a lot more minimalistic instrumentally. The live versions add a LOT more energy and intensity that matches better the tone of the song

[@GodAesthetics]

NIN Woodstock performance is something to behold. The intensity is so extreme that it’s almost on the edge of breaking down into a disaster. So good!

[@introneurotic]

The performance on stage was absolutely amazing at Woodstock 94. Unfortunately, the vocals he gave wasn't on par with he would have hoped (he's gave multiple interviews about how disappointed he was with himself), but this performance as a whole took his band to the next level of public interest and popularity. Trent Reznor is one of the most amazing composers that always seem to push himself to the next level each album. It's remarkable to me that many bands come and go that I enjoy, but NIN is one of those that I NEVER get tired of listening to.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Ooo. I'll have to check that out then. 1994?

[@GodAesthetics]

@@TheCharismaticVoice 1994 Woodstock. “Happiness and Slavery” was the culmination of the destruction that was the set. It starts to evolve into a kinda performance art.

[@GodAesthetics]

@@introneurotic That maybe however that performance put NIN on the map as a viable mainstream music juggernaut.

[@introneurotic]

@@GodAesthetics Yup, I mentioned that in my OG post above.

[@jessicacarron8117]

I have seen NIN 8 times. Of all of those shows, only 1 wasn’t opened with this song. He always puts in the effort. His musical style has changed and I have enjoyed every shift they have made. Listening to the albums in order takes you on quite a journey through Trent’s life. His choosing sobriety changed his music as well. He does scores for movies and his skill and production quality translates so beautifully.

[@melissacernota5340]

He is such a nice person. Met him many times when he was starting out and walked around the crowd after the show.

[@SilentRunningRedux]

How lucky you are. I’ve been invited to after parties with the band, supporting ppl (so many nowadays), and whoever was the “opening act.” Trent doesn’t emerge and one is told he may, then that he’s gone back to his hotel to get some time with the family (often along) and much deserved rest (I hope he does sleep!). I’m sooo happy for him w with his love of both his family with Mariqueen and now 5 kids, AND his music, doing everything…. And now when asked what he is/does he says “I’m a composer.” Full stop. He’s that and he’s a fabulous, and *generous* performer too.)

[@kyu2o337]

Finally, my favorite band...please, do literally every single song, lol. In honesty, Something I Can Never Have would be my #1 request, if not the entire Downward Spiral album. I'm just so excited to finally see NIN covered on this channel.

[@climber950]

Trent has got to be one of the most underrated musicians of the last century.

[@kyu2o337]

​@@climber950I don't think people realize how much of his work they're consuming, such as all of his film scores. Industrial fans also kind of regard NIN as entry level because he basically used that genre as a launching pad and then expanded from there into his true genius. I guess you could call Pretty Hate Machine fairly poppy, as far as industrial is concerned, but past that I really think NIN is just kind of it's own thing, and it's all Trent's brilliance. I've kind of found new life in my love of NIN in recent years realizing just how much of his lyrics relate to addiction. Some of it isn't super obvious unless you've been down that road, ya know?

[@climber950]

@@kyu2o337 I’m blessed to say I’ve never been down the road of addiction. But I’ve been a paramedic for 17 years so I’ve seen its dark realities much more than I’d like to remember. I felt his score with Atticus Ross of The Social Network just phenomenal. Another musician I find equally impressive is Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish. His score soundtrack of Imagenarium was pure brilliance. It’s on Apple Music and KZbin.

[@anthonydawson8080]

PHM is actually still my favorite. I don’t think every song is amazing but it was the first album I had and I played it so much. It was different than anything else I listened to so it definitely holds a special place for me

[@kyu2o337]

@@anthonydawson8080 I still love that album, but The Downward Spiral tales the cake for me, with The Fragile basically tied. That said, Something I Can Never Have is still my favorite NIN song.

[@OnlyAtJaMart]

I’ve been a NIИ fan for 30 years. Seen them live 8 times, I am so glad you’re finally covering my favorite band/artist!! I’ve been waiting for you to cover them/him. So excited to hear your thoughts!

[@chitlitlah]

I got into them as soon as the Downward Spiral came out. I was 11 at the time and they really shaped my musical tastes going forward into adulthood. I've only seen them live three times, but I haven't gone to a whole lot of concerts. Trent isn't an extraordinary singer, but if you like his music, he does a great job of reproducing it live and doesn't disappoint.

[@OnlyAtJaMart]

@@chitlitlah I found them in 1993 (also when I was 11) right after Broken, but before TDS. That 5 year wait for The Fragile was painful too.

[@OnlyAtJaMart]

@@chitlitlah …oh, and I agree that he’s not a traditionally trained singer, but man, his voice can be hauntingly effective at conveying various emotions. NIИ got me through a lot of tough times. I agree they are amazing live too. People I’ve brought to shows were amazed at how well they sound live. Some bands aren’t as good live, like the experience is great, but the songs don’t always sound like the album version. NIИ really preserves the integrity of the original sound, and if they make changes to a live song, it totally works!

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

Hi, just checking in as another person(born in ‘85) who was way too young to be listening to NIN in the 90’s but was absolutely enamored by them back then and they’re still my favorite. To this day Reptile is like a deep tissue massage for my brain and I can sink down into those sounds like a warm bath 🖤

[@OnlyAtJaMart]

@@Chet_Thornbushel Ugh Reptile! The sound of clicking insects, and machine hydraulics (best way I can describe it in a comment) was so damn dirty, in a good way. I can play any song from their discography in my head. I’m a bit too obsessed with NIИ, lol

[@5mear]

I’ve been to over 400 concerts and Trent is hands down one of the best live performers I’ve ever seen.

[@SkewtLilbttm]

As someone who's also seen a shitload of shows, would you agree that you've found bands that you may or may not enjoy listening to at home or whatever, but that you'd never want to miss seeing them live after that first show? Hopefully that's worded clearly, I'm quite tired.

[@STRANGEANATOMYBAND]

Endurance is the word. I think what’s impressive about Trent, beyond the expressiveness with a limited range as you pointed out, is that he can do this for hours, night after night. You could imagine that what he does in the studio is not so difficult if one had the time to comp a performance. But the fact that he does what he does live with such consistency, is truly mind blowing.

[@madcapHPS]

The NIN show I saw was them going at it for like 4 hours. It was gnarly.

[@WorkFromYourLaptop]

MORE NIN!!!!!!!!!!! The intensity of his live performances adds so much to everything. Please analyze more of his stuff! You’re so good when you’re letting yourself get lost in the sound. Love this!

[@drewstar7116]

I have seen NIN live several times and the amount of energy Trent gives off is insane. Such a great performer.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I would go watch a live performance at a drop of a hat.

[@brianwhite2960]

Best show I have ever seen. Saw With Teeth tour and Trent knocked it out of the park!!

[@TzunSu]

It's incredible how energetic he is. One of the times i saw him, he booted his keyboard off the stage, then we had to wait a few minutes for the roadies to get it and put it back lol.

[@Spencer_Beard]

@@TheCharismaticVoice if no one has mentioned it yet, the NIN set from Woodstock '94 is the stuff of legend

[@billmatthews5877]

I saw NIN at the 1st lollapalooza in Phoenix when he destroyed the stage cause they wouldn't let him say fu...

[@PvtDamion]

I've always found Trent not to be a particularly great singer when analyzing purely his technique, but he has an amazing ability to get emotion and tension across like no other, his lyrics can really get under my skin (in a good way). He has range and can sing very delicately and deliberate, but can also be loud and harsh (he often mixes both sides together on studio albums). Can't wait for your take on Nine Inch Nails; their/his music has gotten me through some difficult parts of my life and am grateful for the people who introduced NIN to me

[@jericoba]

Well put. Basically what I intended to say.

[@PvtDamion]

I have to say that the era with Aaron North is actually my least favourite of the NIN lifespan, I hope you might do another song from another show, maybe from "And all that could have been" (2002), "1.000.000 rehearsals" (2008) or "Tension" (2013) tours? Or maybe even newer

[@nathanpapp432]

@@PvtDamion Hard disagree. Robin is great but Aaron had a really unique and interesting sound. They also had Josh Freese on drums during this era, who i prefer to Ilan Rubin. That said, AATCHB is NIN's best live show.

[@jasonstacy5587]

"That's destructive. Let's go back!!" Greatest line in channel history. LOL

[@RainisaurusRox]

Great Video :). Would really like to see you analyze one of his 94 performances. oO Trent really growed as a person and as a singer but even back then, 1994, he already reached a sprectrum of existence that blews my mind till to this day. I'm glad he made it through all of this alive, became a great father and person to be around with. Really, every time he talks of his kids I could cry. Also to this day I'm not sure he does stuff like the vocal intensity you mentioned on purpose or if it's just real. I think he just gets in the mindset, he puts himself into the shoes of the song's protagonists so I think, when he sings it, he feels it. When they performed Hurt in my town, a guy in the audience would scream something like 2 times and Trent stopped the song, told him like "I heard you the first time, and you, know, fuck this", and they played something else instead. He just lost his train of thought and said fuck it. oO He also mentioned that he cut songs from his tours that he isn't comfortable performing anymore, I think singing is a very intimate and personal thing for Trent and when it sounds as he would start crying live, this tension you mentioned it's because he relives what ever made him write the song. I don't think it's a creative choice. At least not all the time. "That's destructive." No. This is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqKbeZiYrcSKppI :D

[@realbadmews]

i'm brand new to your channel, only here because of you analyzing trent's vocals, and i don't think i ever subscribed so quickly once you started getting into it. i've never seen anyone react to music/singing quite like i do and you remind me SOOOO MUCH of how i react to things and what i react to. ESPECIALLY with nin/trent!!! you're reminding me of how i was reacting when i was first getting into nin at the end of 2022. and i don't know very much, especially about technical things with singing, so i'm learning a lot in what you are saying and pointing out. this is fantastic. i can't wait to watch more of your videos.

[@smileygladhands]

Remember, he's also playing the hell out of that guitar while singing. The guy is amazing. On the album versions, he plays every instrument. His lyrics really hit home for me, and probably saved my life.

[@cleanslate7929]

It was the summer of ’86. I’d dropped out of college and was living in Cleveland trying to find my way in the local music scene. I knew where I wanted to go with my life but I didn’t know how to get there. A group of friends and I drove down to Blossom Music Center amphitheater to see the Black Celebration tour. DM (Depeche Mode)was one of our favorite bands and the Black Celebration record took my love for them to a new level. I’ve thought about that night a lot over the years. It was a perfect summer night and I was in exactly the right place I was supposed to be. The music, the energy, the audience, the connection… it was spiritual and truly magic. I left that show grateful, humbled, energized, focused, and in awe of how powerful and transformative music can be… and I started writing what would eventually become Pretty Hate Machine. Many times, particularly when we’re playing an amphitheater, I’ll think of that show while I’m onstage and hope someone in the audience is in the midst of a perfect summer night feeling how DM made me feel so many years ago. - Trent Reznor

[@salyx]

It’s always amazing just how much DM has inspired over the decades.

[@jenb3569]

As someone who lives 15 minutes from Blossom, this pulls at my heart in a way I can’t quite describe. ❤

[@RedQueenCreative_Roxie]

This is so fitting considering that they were both inducted into the RRHoF in the same year.

[@sludgebuninsky]

Trent Reznor is probably one of my favorite musicians because of the sheer amount of energy and emotion he pours into every song in every way he can, and the unique and creative ways he creates and incorporates sound in all of his music. I haven't heard a single song he's written, or had a hand in writing, that I didn't fall absolutely in love with. He creates incredible soundscapes.

[@MoonMagickMayhem]

Same I have NIN tattoo because his music is more than entertainment, it's literally a piece of me. A lot of it got me through hard times and music flows through my veins... it's just in my blood. Ao I have a lot of music related ink and not in a "fangirl" kind of way... a TRUE appreciation for ALL that music is!

[@goblinkok]

I've been a fan of this channel for a while. I'm so glad you did this. I've started listening to him in the 90s. He's always been my favorite artist but when I went through a divorce in 2009 realized how important he really was to me. I thought about suicide a lot. His music help keep me here. Stay strong anyone reading this.

[@tneper]

That’s a man expressing the pain of hope and betrayal, more artfully and honestly than anyone deserves to hear it.

[@Gixx-yh4ih]

And every band member!!

[@macronencer]

Pretty Hate Machine is genius. The first time I heard it it hit me hard. "Intense but controlled bitter anger" is a good description. I once almost saw NIN live... but I was unlucky. We arrived at the gig to be told it had had to be cancelled because the drummer was ill. I wish I'd made the effort to try again another time. As an older listener and original Gary Numan fan, it's also cool to know that Trent named Gary as one of his influences... and Numan's rebirth post-2000 went very much in the Industrial direction, which has worked really well for him too. This is musical raw meat.

[@Immortal628]

A great example of Trent Reznor's voice is the song We're In This Together Now.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I just love the title of this song!!!

[@cpurday9681]

Agreed. It’s fantastic. One of my favourite songs.

[@carn9507]

Fragile era means a lot to me. Difficult time of my life and that album became a source of comfort.

[@AlexPalumboG]

It's worth noting that "We're In This Together" is probably where Trent's vocal range peaked (1999) and it's diminished since then but it exemplifies Trent's dynamic range when it comes to timbre and intensity

[@fxzero666]

@@TheCharismaticVoice It's one of his best and one of my favorite songs of his... just amazing!

[@ronkerr5080]

Trent Reznor is a master of building a soundscape. His voice is one small part of it. ps. The drummer is Josh Freese on this tour.

[@jAug94]

Heard this song and this specific performance a million times and it was really cool to hear your angle

[@Roslyn111]

The pauses you take to analyze the bits are making me realize there are a lot of early Depeche Mode influences. Makes sense since Trent said he was inspired to form NIN after seeing DM live on their Black Celebration tour.🖤

[@iancoleman4232]

Been dying to hear you react NIN and Trent's vocals. What a absolute treat. The emotion he puts into his music, is spellbinding. When he repeats "Dont turn away from me" you can feel the raw emotion, the pain he's expressing. From a lyrical content perspective, some of NIN's songs are distressing, morbid, vivid yet seen in a different light, uplifting.

[@lwwells]

Trent has an eerie ability to grab your emotions and ramp them up to a fever pitch. You will fuq’n love the industrial sounds of “the big come down”. The ending of “somewhat damaged” always gets me right in the feels.

[@stevenrs11]

Somewhat damaged is an incredible piece of music

[@bikebum]

TR has really been explicit in his interviews that when things are out of tune, off register, distorted, it is intentional to make the listener focus like you do. Often to create a feeling of uneasiness, etc in his songs. Love seeing you react to these type songs from my past.

[@hobbesholiday]

You made boing boing. Nice to see the channel getting some love out in the wild. I would love, love, love to hear your take on more Lisa Gerrard. Her work with Dead Can Dance is legendary. In particular the version of Cantara from Toward the Within, a live album. I've never heard a voice come so close to popping right out of a body and ascending into space.

[@kevinabraham9260]

I AM SO HAPPY he’s my favorite and your my favorite reactor been to 8 live shows the man is just an incredible composer and musician. If you are able to get this genius recluse to come out of hiding to interview I think I’d cry with joy listening to two extremely talented musicians

[@dream_in_digital]

I have been _waiting_ for you to react to NIN - thank you! Although Trent isn't the greatest singer in the traditional sense, his vocal strength is his ability to emote, manipulating intensity and fragility. He doesn't use his falsetto often but when he does, the emotion is indescribable. Despite NIN's image, they've done everything from ambient, industrial, jazz fusion, pop rock, piano ballads, you name it. Hope you come back to them again!

[@sinisterfame622]

I can honestly say, without doubt, that i have listened to more Nine inch nails than I have of any other artist. As old as i am, i discovered trent, and all his uniqueness, greatness, genius, early in his career. I dived into the downward spiral and never left. I still listen to his catalog daily. I am so glad you are analyzing this man. Next up: Something I can never have.

[@ursulthebear]

If you can ever find a live performance when Reznor and Bowie toured together treat yourself it was amazing to see them do each others songs and duets.

[@michaelhyland956]

I saw that tour. In mass Iv been going to Trent shows a long long time The man is awesome. Would have loved to see the Boston small room with Atticus and Peter. Great stuff

[@vermilliongecko]

YES YES YES!!! ❤

[@jessicacarron8117]

I second this. I saw this tour. It was amazing.

[@TFOLLT]

I mean, there's a live version here on youtube with Trent and Bowie singing Hurt. It's insane.

[@mahtinhall]

I saw them on this tour. Prick opened up for them in the Palace of Auburn Hills, MI. That concert is definitely in my top 5 favorite concerts of all time.

[@tylerdurden5593]

It makes me emotional seeing you getting into the artist I spend my whole youth listening to. Pretty Hate Machine, The Fragile and The Downward Spiral are top 10 albums for all time to me. Creating all this music on his own, writing, composing, playing the instruments, singing, producing all these masterpieces still blows my mind. I hope we can see more from you reacting to NIN.

[@nature_nd]

One of my favorite reactions! Well done!! :)

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

Excited!!! And I love that you’ve got a live performance for this. NIN is hands down the best live band I have ever seen. Everytime I’ve had a chance to watch them over the years it’s incredible. Even now with Trent and Att being “old” sober, dads they still put on absolutely amazing shows with so much raw, real energy…while also meticulously orchestrated and designed. Just beautiful performers 🖤

[@myrielleak907]

I am a long time subscriber to your channel and i absolutely love your reactions. I very rarely comment on videos, however if we are getting into the NIN sphere, i felt i must agree with another commenter here. Something I Can Never Have is such an emotional, pure, raw and intense journey i believe it could bring tears to your eyes. Thank you for all your lovely videos!

[@goodtimegreg9434]

100% agree

[@genghisgalahad8465]

No however, just and, no?

[@gaylynndaughertygmoney]

Also “And all that could have been” alwaaaays makes me cry

[@steponme583]

Oh dear, you need to watch this entire concert top to bottom....... Gives me chills every time

[@maverickpearson9212]

Doing a deep dive into Wish would be such a treat - absolutely love that song

[@craigl4023]

The extended version

[@sventipede]

Watching you get so excited over music as much as i do fills me with so much joy!!! i sit here grinning through all your videos! I was already a massive NIN fan but this increased my love for them tenfold ❤‍🔥

[@bradsmith9282]

You're so awesome, Elizabeth. Your analyses are so amazing and in depth, your reactions are so authentic and unabashedly emotional. Thanks for your enthusiasm

[@BlutigeTranen]

Trent has a very raw vocal performance. I personally believe that's why Hurt transferred to Johnny Cash so fluidly

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

Trent Reznor is my favorite musician of all time🤌🏼🔥 his music has saved my life multiple times. So glad you're finally reacting to NiN🤘🏼

[@whamptonr]

Have you listened to his interview on Rick Rubin’s “tetragrammaton” podcast? I am a huge Trent Reznor fan as well and am amazed at how uncharacteristically open he is in that interview. I guess because they are friends with a mutual respect for each other.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

@@whamptonr I haven't but I'll have to find it on KZbin. It's rare for him to open up.

[@viol8torUK]

I'm loving this new direction you're heading in with your new videos! Depeche Mode and NIN have been two of the bands that got me into music writing/performing/production in the late 1980s onwards and helped cement music as a primary need and focus in my life. I've been fortunate to see both bands live multiple times in the UK over the years until emigrating to the US 14 years ago. Trent Reznor regularly cites Depeche Mode and Gary Numan as heavy influences during his first album Pretty Hate Machine (which this song is from). There are so many more artists that utilize harsher electronic sounds and darker emotional concepts that are definitely worth looking at if you're heading down a new voyage of musical genre discovery! I agree that vocally this style of music may not be pitch perfect, or technically amazing, but it more than makes up for that in emotion and true grit. Thank you for this review of an amazing band/singer!

[@MichaelWagner-ie9px]

Highly recommend And All That Could Have Been. It’s from a specific tour and they were really on point. Probably some of the best NIN performances recorded

[@h23erst923]

What you’re getting that reminds you of Chester is pure passion. They are/were two of the most passionate about music artists out there and they put all their emotions into their performances. No faking it, just pure love for music and putting it all on the table and being vulnerable in a world where people usually hide it and fake it.

[@jduncanandroid]

Agreed, but I'd also put Maynard on that tier, as well...

[@HarryDirtay]

Yes, the raw energy is amazing.

[@karl_alan]

Thank you for getting to this. Been one of my favorite musicians since the 90s

[@davidwalker3783]

Trent Reznor is Mozart reborn. He has like 60 different CDs out. I think he has like 10-15 albums but he makes multiple remix CDs for each album. Him and Maynard are 2 of the best musicians ever!!

[@cpurday9681]

One (Trent) is far better than the other

[@BlackShardStudio]

Mozart is exactly the comparison that came to my mind, too.

[@SuzakuX]

He's also now won multiple awards for scoring films and is now only a Tony away from achieving an EGOT.

[@sharknadofartquake2449]

@@neinnonon Lol IKR because he also thought heroin was cocaine and almost died because of it and maybe people should be judged for the stupidest things they've done and not the smartest things!!😝😝😝😝

[@PEGGLORE]

Mozart reborn was Tim Smith from Cardiacs. Trent Reznor partially ripping off other bands, like Can, This Heat, Killing Joke and stuff.

[@RobAngelRobert]

True, flawed, honest people doing music in a way it resonates with something you didn't even know was inside of you - NIN is perfection. They carried me through my toughest moments, had a bunch of different meanings to me... but always there to make something I fell make sense. Pure genius!

[@zaprowsdower2879]

This channel is why KZbin should exist. Love your stuff

[@jwilliby7]

Pretty hate machine was so ahead of its time. 30+ years later, it is still one of my favorite albums.

[@TrentonHawk]

OMG! I am so excited for this one! NIN is my absolute FAVORITE band. Trent Reznor is my God (so to speak). He is the reason I am Still alive. His music helped me as a troubled - Depressed teenager (51 now). This song is one of my top 5 favorites. "Gave Up" is my number 1. I have been watching you for quite a while now and your analysis of the songs you do are very intelligently dissected. Thank You sooooo much for doing "Terrible Lie".

[@musikschizo81]

the "beside you in time" and "Live: and all that could have been" concerts are utterly fantastic shows.

[@logankerlee]

This makes me so happy! I've wanted you to react to Nine Inch Nails for a LONG, LONG time! :D Seriously, though! There are other Nine Inch Nails live videos that are AMAZING to listen to! Count me in on looking forward to more!! Nine Inch Nails has been my top favorite band to listen to for so many years and it makes me very happy that you're now a fan of them as well. :)

[@SydneyFrames]

You're wearing a hoodie, but I can SEE that you have goosebumps through this! lol NIN has been my favorite band of all time for probably 30 years now. Glad I found your video!

[@NPC-zv8bo]

Hurt has got to be the next NIN song you do. It's not just vocally intense but there's an intensity in the lyrics that just...gets you in the feels. There's some really good, clean sounding, live performances to be found of this such as Beside You In Time tour.

[@HannahRainbow88]

I heard that Trent said Johnny Cash did it better... As if it was written for him to perform or somesuch. I love both versions in different ways and would love to see her compare/contrast both! 🤩

[@leonardchilcoat3266]

@TheCharismaticVoice Have you considered doing a studio and live version in one video? I second the idea of reviewing both versions of HURT by NIN and the Johnny Cash cover.

[@peaches65835]

Hurt live by NIN from the 1995 Self Destruct tour. Its on the Nine Inch Nails KZbin channel. I saw this video on Rage back in 1995 and its lived rent free in my head ever since. I still have the video cassette I taped in on.

[@debbieschwartz9827]

The intensity of the entire visual presentation for Hurt in concert was…immersive. I’ve seen NIN live 4x - the first times in clubs and the last time in a larger venue and Trent just filled every place he played with a dark energy. ❤

[@snow_bound266]

NIN and Trent himself are so amazing. Start from the Pretty Hate Machine and just work through his music chronologically. He truly has so much maturity to his music over the years. Also, I think we need to introduce you to Peter Steele and Typo-O Negative

[@w1ndex]

I have to agree, she'll probably enjoy Peter Steele. He was taken too soon, RIP.

[@alleygh0st]

Pretty sure she did Type O already

[@oni1608]

NIN was my first concert ever, back in 2000 for the Fragility Tour and the whole atmosphere was as thick as could be leading up to the opening of his first song. Almost surreal, and I never quite experienced anything like that since. My brother and I stuck out like sore thumbs, dressed in blue jeans and white tee shirts while the rest of the audience was decked out in assorted black outfits. When we left the arena later that night after the concert we both felt like we were on overdrive. That show was so exhilarating that even today we remark on how much of a rollercoaster it was more than any other concert we've been to. My heart was still racing afterwards and took awhile to come down, almost like I was on some kind of drug. We were both nearly deaf for a couple hours after the show but our hearing returned the next day. Trent Reznor knows how to tap into something primal, and evokes feelings & emotions that I otherwise would not normally exhibit. His music can be very powerful and scary, yet somewhat saddening at times too.

[@katstorm13]

They were my 3rd or 4th concert, but in 1990 lol. 33+ years later, still in my top 10 shows of all time.

[@Mannahnin]

I saw them on this tour as well. Second greatest show I've ever been to, only surpassed by Massive Attack's Mezzanine 20th anniversary tour nineteen years later.

[@mikewilson858]

Now I want Trent Reznor to cover Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.

[@sproutpits]

I vote for "The Becoming" for your next NIN review. Absolutely amazing.

[@djstraylight]

I like this reaction because this is a very early Nine Inch Nails song and those early songs are very raw. A young Trent Reznor getting his angst out. There's a few 'eras' of Nine Inch Nails songs. From albums Broken, to Downward Spiral, to With Teeth. You'll be visiting NiN land a few times.

[@jasoncutler6615]

Thank you--you've finally touched on my favorite band. My first introduction back in university was The Fragile, which I played over and over and over again. The Downward Spiral is of course the best, but musically each and every album has something to offer and respect. Reznor is an individual who refuses to compromise his artistic integrity. He and Bowie were famously good friends. Last time I saw NIN here in Korea where I live, they played a song from Bowie's final album. I looked over to my wife, both of us sweating profusely at that outdoor concert...it's one of my favorite memories. Reznor's voice brings his music together: his soul, his suffering, his love for his audience--all of that radiates out of him. The music runs the gamut, and some of the best pieces have no vocals at all, but his voice is our guide through his landscape of pain rising to enlightenment and beyond, slamming back down to pain again and bouncing all about the layers upon layers of his compositions.

[@SilentRunningRedux]

Beautifully put; evocative. I love NIN, could go on and on. You write so well…

[@jasoncutler6615]

Much obliged. It's my favorite band, after all.

[@SDGxNPC]

Super happy to see you finally digging into Trent Reznor’s work. Perhaps for the next analysis, you can review one of his less energetic(?) pieces. Recommendations: - Right Where It Belongs - And All That Could Have Been - (You Made It Feel Like) Home - Lights In The Sky - Hurt

[@auralxtc]

I love it when Elizabeth gets excited about something she hears. True joy through music.

[@chuckfrancis]

Finally! I’ve been dying, hoping you would review a live NIN song. I’ve seen a lot of concerts and to this day seeing them live is easily a top 3!

[@tysekimball3723]

NIN HEAD LIKE A HOLE, WOODSTOCK 94' live is INTENSE! The whole band and crowd was covered in mud. And the NIN video for Perfect Drug is 🤤 also

[@shaungold]

Wondered when someone would mention Head like a Hole lol.

[@ellec8224]

Yes! Please assess The Perfect Drug!!!

[@roge0934]

I 100% appreciated the use of Dagnabbit. That being said, Trent Reznor is a beast and is an amazing musician. Please delve more into his work

[@lgaines62]

Haha, I also enjoyed the Dagnabbit!

[@LateCloser]

"That's destructive." lol. As a NiN fan, I look forward to future explorations on this channel of Mr. Reznor's voice/performances. Fortunately, it should be very easy to find live performances that are high quality recordings. They have released a lot of stuff for free (both studio and live), over the years.

[@StJulesMusic]

"Something I Can Never Have" and "The Fragile" from the "Still" Album will make you cry, I guarantee it.

[@davedivoky2114]

NIN was my soundtrack to life from High school to college! Trent's music helped me be able to cope with so much crap in my personal life I could never thank this man enough!! Love that you took the time to explore into on of my favorite singers who has touched so many lives.

[@jeffyoung9341]

The idea behind industrial was the “music” that production machines make when running! Terrible Lie is often the opening song in concerts. I’ve seen them around 20 times. Excellent concerts each! Nice reaction.

[@MrSoulcage]

Please please please do “burn” next. So much raw emotion. That song saved me. It showed me other people feel the same.

[@Meyzen76]

Saw them for the first time on this tour. It was a makeup show because Trent was sick on the original date. He promised at the beginning it would be the best show he could give us. And boy, he delivered! One of my Top 5 shows without question. Stellar artist. And the band killed it as well.

[@JasonKucherawy]

They're among the top 5 live acts I've ever seen. Trent puts as much work into the live show as he does producing his music. Catch them if you can! They deliver the goods.

[@RedQueenCreative_Roxie]

Absolutely agree, we saw Tension 2013 in LA and it still is the best live show I've ever seen. It's on Vevo.

[@artpro5930]

I've watched a lot of vocalists react videos, and this is the best one I've ever seen. The KZbin algorithm really f-ed up not showing me this channel sooner! I saw this link on Boing Boing and appreciated the breakdown of all the things Reznor was doing with his voice throughout the song. Trent Reznor is absolutely phenomenal. This song, and NIN first album, came out in 1989 when Reznor was just 24 years old. He's a mind-boggling talent and in 1989 it was a real "WTF? did I just hear moment" the first time I heard it. As this video helps to show, I think he has refined his vocal technique over the years with higher and lower emotional moments. I think his performance now does a better job of conveying those emotions than the original, but that's what you often get with live performances.

[@Spencer_Beard]

If you're going to dip your toes into the genre of industrial music (metal, techno, dance, etc.), NIN is a good place to start, just from an accessibility angle. NIN's style, especially on their first album, "Pretty Hate Machine", is far more accessible than say diving into "Year Zero", or "The Downward Spiral" in E's case.

[@epistte]

FU like an Animal and Head Like a Hole are classic tracks.

[@QuantumBeeWellness]

Pretty Hate Machine and Downward Spiral are my two fave NIN albums! So awesome!

[@jamesdenton3725]

@@epistte the visuals on "Closer" are just impressive...

[@jamesdenton3725]

Ministry, Velvet Acid Christ, Enduser, Izoloskope, early 100blumen, Mono No Aware, Monokrom, Winterkälte, S.K.ET., Mezire, Tzolk'in, Pow[d]erPussy, Ah Cama Sotz, Militia, Contaminant, Grendel, 5F_55....

[@kitnfreek]

Part of me is thrilled to hear your take on NIN. Part of me wishes you went for a more dramatic song. But I understand. Baby steps. His body of work is PROFOUND. I am sure your hubby is well acquainted.

[@heathhoughtling5926]

You interviewing him would be an amazing experience.

[@LeoSchuldiner23]

I'm so glad you picked this song.. for real, terrible lie is one of the first and greatest songs of NIN for me. So expressive, and stylish at the same time. Great video. Cheers from Chile

[@EdM66410]

Trent’s album “and all that could have been” has been my personal standard, to which I’ve put all live performances up against, for the past 20 years. Always a banger