Hey all, I'm about to rave about Nine Inch Nails' new album, Hesitation Marks. Quickly, a disclaimer: I WAS A NIN FANBOY IN A FORMER LIFE. That former life was high school/early college. I now only consider myself an ardent fan, not quite a fanboy. But nonetheless, ardent fan indeed.

Having said that, Hesitation Marks is, surprisingly, becoming my favorite NIN album of all time. It's strange because, well, The Downward Spiral will likely always be regarded as Trent Reznor's finest work, and in terms of the sheer ingenuity, use of sounds and gravitas of an album-as-a-whole, there will be no other. But those tracks are rooted, for me, in teenage angst, and it's difficult for me to listen to The Downward Spiral and truly enjoy the music in the way that I used to. Twenty years, man. Jesus. Fucking crazy.

Trent included an audio track at the end of [the Deluxe Version of] the new album and described the process of its creation. From the cover art to the lyrics, this album is a direct reflection on The Downward Spiral, and I think he nailed in near perfection what he wanted to do. I say near perfection because, well, one of the tracks I have actually removed from my digital copy so I don't have to skip over it. But excluding that track, I've been listening to the album in full on repeat for the last two days. I'm actually excited about this album, and it has absolutely exceeded my expectations. The fact that I don't know which track is my favorite yet is probably the most exciting part. It's almost an adventure.

The sound engineering on the album is exquisite: some of the songs layer in a way that make you think of different colors of mist swirling in harmony, sounds flowing in and out of the audiosphere that have no beginning and no end, and somehow last just long enough to leave a sweetly shaped impression on your ear drum. For the most part, it is rich without sounding chaotic. And when there is chaos, it's purposeful. Many of the songs have movements--no track is under 4 minutes and most are between 5 and 6--and it's impressive the way you end up effortlessly flowing with the album. Disjointed beats and sounds become melodies and aural landscapes in just a few quick measures, unexpectedly and surprisingly. Then again, I've also been very stoned the last few days...

He takes a few chances on the album, and for the most part they work out. It's an admirable work of art, a wonderful reflection, and a remarkably easy album to listen to as a whole (excluding, of course, the one track). Those who loved the jump that Reznor made when he created With Teeth will not be let down. He took a turn for the sober that surprised many, but shed away some of the darkness that dripped from his former albums. He's brought some of that darkness back, but with just the right amount of balance.

*And now for Andy's one liners re: each track.

1. The Eater of Dreams - An intriguing beginning.

2. Copy of A - Asynchronous synth lines ftw. Catchy and clever, though easy to mistake for post-teen angst.

3. Came Back Haunted - Turn up the bass. A throwback to Lost Highway in the best way. (see also: David Lynch's weird video for this song)

4. Find My Way - The best NIN track I've heard in years, possibly ever. Beauty in the quiet, reminiscent of Angelo Badalamenti's score in Twin Peaks.

5. All Time Low - If I were a woman, this song would make me wet. Then it would drive me into a psychedelic dream.

6. Disappointed - Even the post-teenage angst sounds amazing.

7. Everything - [DELETED]

8. Satellite - So very high indeed.

9. Various Methods of Escape - The computer speaks. It even sings. And it sounds great, if not a little standard.

10. Running - Points to the person who can say what Chemical Brothers' B-side this song sounds like. I was surprised to enjoy this upbeat one.

11. I Would for You - The beats strike hard and fast, and the melody is powerful. Clever editing choices in this track, no doubt. At this point, the album flows, and it's impressive. [Insert classic tortured-soul-on-piano moment]

12. In Two - The old NIN rearing its head for a roar, and the new quietly supporting it in parts. A build brings a smile to my face.

13. While I'm Still Here - Might as well lyrically end the album on a good note. Growth is a good thing. Another interesting choice.

14. Black Noise - A more aesthetically pleasing end than its beginning, no doubt. More of a wrap up than an end track, and it wraps up the screams from the past with a quick choke.

[Remixes not worth mentioning]

Audio track - This is a 42 minute track of Trent describing the process of the album's creation, partial history of Nine Inch Nails, and demo/unfinished tracks that didn't make the album that are played in full. Yet another unexpected, welcome surprise.

[End review]

MadPooter, on 06 September 2013 - 12:08 PM, said:

*cough*

MadPooter, on 06 September 2013 - 12:08 PM, said:

Funny, german magazine "Focus" said that about "Satellite"...

I still love year zero. after that and the slip seems like he's gone back to past. He has a few albums, downward spiral is good and earlier. One of those bands where theres always good moments in each album. Hesitation Marks wouldnt be my favourite of the catalogue but there are some highlights in there. Kind of agreed with some opinions of the Pitchfork review actually (where they got a good rating anyway) but said that this album seems like it took a while to find the new direction and maybe the next album will be better because of it. With some of the NIN tracks (that only use drum machines) its like listening to a dated 90s electronic rock group but then all of a sudden the heavy riffs may kick in and something changes and it makes the song good to listen to.All time low is like the new closer as everyone is comparing it too.I actually dont mind everything, for me it saves the song from going into a good charlotte track by kicking in the NIN style guitar riffs and 4x tom drum/snare hits to break up the pop song.so yeah maybe some awkward moments but am listening to it still.

@Pumisher: If I could read German, I think I'd find that link entertaining.

@Mikl: All Time Low is certainly meant to be compared with Closer. The beats during the chorus of the track are likely ripped straight from Closer with some nuances.