Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Moskie · 04-12-2007, 06:07 PM

If there's already a thread for this, apologies...

But, I got my hands on an "advanced" copy of the album.... and I CANNOT get enough of it. It's great. Phenomenal. Did I mention I like it?

I wasn't a huge fan of With Teeth. It had its moments, but overall it left me cold. It was a far cry from what I got out of TDS and The Fragile. I think what Trent was trying to do with his music had changed with With Teeth, but he hadn't quite found his voice for it, both lyrically and musically. That's changed with Year Zero. His message is crystal clear, but it doesn't have the cliched/unoriginal feel that I thought was apparent in With Teeth...

Survivalism is fucking fantastic. I think my favorite song as of now, based on pure entertainment value, is Capital G: a pretty funny, and overt, anti-Bush song. Trent starting off with that dumb accent is a great twist from the usual. And Zero-Sum is a great, great end to the album. And there's a ton more great moments on the album... too many to go into.

I haven't been inspired by an album like this in a long time. I think some of KMFDM's albums during their peek would be the closest for me. And politically, I feel like it captures a very specific, and large, group of people (that I'm a part of) that are not very big fans of the current adminstration....

Is anyone else as enthusiastic about this album as I am?

Halx · 04-12-2007, 06:11 PM

After that piece of absolute steaming shit called With Teeth, I'm skeptical.

Esen · 04-12-2007, 06:42 PM

Axtually I loved With Teeth, ha I guess not everyone likes the same thing.

Sounds like th enew albums should be pretty good

SecretMethod70 · 04-12-2007, 10:44 PM

I've been enthusiastically following the Year Zero ARG (Alternate Reality Game) since the first song leaked via USB drive.

While I liked some of the leaked tracks more than others, I definitely like the creative marketing that has gone into this album, the message, and the music itself. Granted, I also enjoyed With Teeth, but I can certainly agree that Year Zero does feel more closely related to Trent's previous work - albeit, with a somewhat different sound and focus, as should be expected since this is 8 years after The Fragile.

Anyway, I won't go on too long: I think the album is great. While there are a lot of songs on it which I enjoy on their own, I do think it works best to listen to the album as a whole since it is a concept album after all. If anyone doesn't already know, it's available to listen to for free (and legally) on http://yearzero.nin.com. In fact, I currently have a direct link to the player in my signature

Glory's Sun · 04-13-2007, 04:14 AM

I still haven't got the feel for this album yet. I think I'm guilty of holding it up against Downward Spiral and The Fragile. This is a completely different album although it does hold some throw backs.

I think if I can get the old albums out of my head, I can accurately listen to this album and get the feel for it.

Moskie · 04-13-2007, 06:10 AM

But I think it's much more appropriate to hold Year Zero up against TDS and The Fragile than it was with With Teeth. There's definately some moments of noise/chaos that reminds of TDS. And "The Greater Good" might as well be on the Fragile.

Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I don't think this album is as good as TDS and The Fragile. But it's at least in the same ballpark.

Glory's Sun · 04-13-2007, 06:43 AM

It most certainly is better than With Teeth, but even though it holds some throw backs to TDS and The Fragile, it just doesn't match up which is why I'm saying I need to quit holding everything that comes out by Trent to those standards.

It's just like holding everything TOOL puts out against Ænima.

Moskie · 04-15-2007, 10:59 AM

I do have to say that I could do without "The Great Destroyer."

It's a frustrating track. Lyrically, I think it's great, and it really fits with the theme of the album.

BUT... gah, musically... it's got some problems. The beat (which we hear by itself at the track's opening) is really cheesy and bland. The song saves itself somewhat once the singing starts. But then it comes to the part where Trent screams "the great destroyAAAAHHHHH" and I suddenly feel like I'm listening to a Dragonforce song. After that, the noise kicks in.... which sounds incredibly uninspired. There's other noise moments on the album, and they're great. This is not one of them. I find myself quickly wanting this track to end.

Daniel_ · 04-15-2007, 12:20 PM

I really like the new album.

For the record, I rate NIN in the past as follows (best to worst):

Pretty Hate Machine
And All That Could Have Been (CD 2)
Fragile
Downward Spiral
Broken
With Teeth
Fixed

Jetée · 04-16-2007, 04:20 PM

For those that are excited as I am, or even moreso, here is the important reminder that the wait will be over come tomorrow, for the new album will hit shelves tonight at midnight.

Yeah, Year Zero is less than a day's away, and I am psyched.
I would like to dedicate this to SecretMethod70, and his devotion to the project.

seretogis · 04-21-2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

After that piece of absolute steaming shit called With Teeth, I'm skeptical.

I find myself in agreement with Halx. With Teeth was garbage -- especially when compared to any of Reznor's previous work.

Unfortunately, Year Zero is worse. It is so bad that a Reznor (or whoever is mismanaging his money now) had to come up with a "brilliant" marketing scheme to attempt to cover over the low quality music with an "alternate reality game." In other words, an eye-roll-inducing "story" which is played out with poor lyrics voiced with tired vocals on top of sub-par instrumentals. Oh, don't forget the pretty looking websites with cute little messages. What that has to do with a MUSICAL ALBUM, I have no fucking idea.

If you were a fan of Reznor/NIN but have yet to completely succumb to fanboihood, participate in MY "alternate reality game" and pretend that Reznor died in rehab and was replaced with a look-alike.

Moskie · 04-21-2007, 05:23 PM

Year Zero is worse than With Teeth? Damn. That's hard to swallow. Can I ask "why?" Critically, what's wrong with it? I mean, I guess people can get turned off by the (pseudo?) political 1984 bent to it... but I have to ask: can you point me to an album that successfully does what Year Zero is trying? I understand what he's saying isn't original in a universal sense, but it's at least an original way of presenting it (with a music album). I know some people don't go to music for those sorts of things, and that's fine... but I get a kick out of it.

Have I succumb to fanboism? *shrug*... didn't like With Teeth, and I didn't really know anything about the "alternate reality game" until after i downloaded the album, and thought it was great, so i figured i should poke around those web sites. i knew the marketing campaign existed only because I saw the stories posted on Digg. I was by no means following it or into it.

Well, to each their own. I suggest NIN fans (and others) check the album out and decide for themselves.

seretogis · 04-23-2007, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moskie

but I have to ask: can you point me to an album that successfully does what Year Zero is trying? I understand what he's saying isn't original in a universal sense, but it's at least an original way of presenting it (with a music album). I know some people don't go to music for those sorts of things, and that's fine... but I get a kick out of it.

Google "Ayreon" for the story-concept, the album "The Human Equation" is particularly interesting.

As for the politically-driven/inspired music, try listening to KMFDM's album WWIII. It is just as doom-and-gloomy while actually being high quality musically.

Moskie · 04-24-2007, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seretogis

Google "Ayreon" for the story-concept, the album "The Human Equation" is particularly interesting.

Thanks, I will.

Quote:

As for the politically-driven/inspired music, try listening to KMFDM's album WWIII. It is just as doom-and-gloomy while actually being high quality musically.

Preaching to the choir on that one.

Been a long-time KMFDM fan. But I think Nihil is a better comparison... but maybe I think that just because I think they've been in a steep decline (dare i say a downward spiral?) since the Symbols album.

Jadedfox · 04-27-2007, 03:22 AM

I like Year Zero much better than With Teeth. I'm still disappointed as hell though, I was expecting much much more.

--jaded

Mastadon77 · 05-05-2007, 08:39 PM

The more I listen to it, the better it gets. I started with NIN before TDS came out and this feels like a step back to the Pretty Hate Machine days. Very beat oriented, with the guitars taking a backseat to beeps and vocals.

Not what I expected, but turned out to be a good thing. I would have got bored quick if it was like the last few albums.

ATM.....God Given is my fav track. The Warning a close second.

seretogis · 05-06-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastadon77

The more I listen to it, the better it gets.

That's due to your denial over how terrible it is. No one wants something from someone who produced greatness to turn out to be garbage.

SecretMethod70 · 05-06-2007, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seretogis

That's due to your denial over how terrible it is. No one wants something from someone who produced greatness to turn out to be garbage.

Right, because obviously no one would have an opinion different from yours

I happen generally to agree with Mastadon.

Mastadon77 · 05-07-2007, 07:09 PM

I am a self admitted NIN fanboy, and yes, I will give trent more of a chance than other artists. However, my copy of With Teeth hasn't got much use. I've tried and tried to love that album, but I just couldn't lose myself in it like his other stuff.

To elaborate on the "not what I expected"....Alot of people (myself included) expected something more aggressive than it is. The militant and somewhat disturbing websites and videos promoting the album specifically.

The way I see the album, it's not an album about the terrible things in the world (the real one or the one is the promo sites) it's about people using art and expression to change the world. I know I sound silly, but I think that is the message he's trying to convey.

Plus....if you don't care about that kinda stuff....there is lots of good booty shakin moments.

04-12-2007, 06:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero If there's already a thread for this, apologies... But, I got my hands on an "advanced" copy of the album.... and I CANNOT get enough of it. It's great. Phenomenal. Did I mention I like it? I wasn't a huge fan of With Teeth. It had its moments, but overall it left me cold. It was a far cry from what I got out of TDS and The Fragile. I think what Trent was trying to do with his music had changed with With Teeth, but he hadn't quite found his voice for it, both lyrically and musically. That's changed with Year Zero. His message is crystal clear, but it doesn't have the cliched/unoriginal feel that I thought was apparent in With Teeth... Survivalism is fucking fantastic. I think my favorite song as of now, based on pure entertainment value, is Capital G: a pretty funny, and overt, anti-Bush song. Trent starting off with that dumb accent is a great twist from the usual. And Zero-Sum is a great, great end to the album. And there's a ton more great moments on the album... too many to go into. I haven't been inspired by an album like this in a long time. I think some of KMFDM's albums during their peek would be the closest for me. And politically, I feel like it captures a very specific, and large, group of people (that I'm a part of) that are not very big fans of the current adminstration.... Is anyone else as enthusiastic about this album as I am? __________________ Greetings and salutations. Last edited by Moskie; 04-12-2007 at 06:21 PM..

04-12-2007, 06:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	After that piece of absolute steaming shit called With Teeth, I'm skeptical. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

04-12-2007, 06:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
Esen TFPer formaly known as Chauncey Location: North East	Axtually I loved With Teeth, ha I guess not everyone likes the same thing. Sounds like th enew albums should be pretty good __________________ ~Esen What is everyone doing in my room?

04-12-2007, 10:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	I've been enthusiastically following the Year Zero ARG (Alternate Reality Game) since the first song leaked via USB drive. While I liked some of the leaked tracks more than others, I definitely like the creative marketing that has gone into this album, the message, and the music itself. Granted, I also enjoyed With Teeth, but I can certainly agree that Year Zero does feel more closely related to Trent's previous work - albeit, with a somewhat different sound and focus, as should be expected since this is 8 years after The Fragile. Anyway, I won't go on too long: I think the album is great. While there are a lot of songs on it which I enjoy on their own, I do think it works best to listen to the album as a whole since it is a concept album after all. If anyone doesn't already know, it's available to listen to for free (and legally) on http://yearzero.nin.com. In fact, I currently have a direct link to the player in my signature __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling Last edited by SecretMethod70; 04-12-2007 at 10:47 PM..

04-13-2007, 06:10 AM	#6 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	But I think it's much more appropriate to hold Year Zero up against TDS and The Fragile than it was with With Teeth. There's definately some moments of noise/chaos that reminds of TDS. And "The Greater Good" might as well be on the Fragile. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but I don't think this album is as good as TDS and The Fragile. But it's at least in the same ballpark. __________________ Greetings and salutations.

04-13-2007, 04:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	I still haven't got the feel for this album yet. I think I'm guilty of holding it up against Downward Spiral and The Fragile. This is a completely different album although it does hold some throw backs. I think if I can get the old albums out of my head, I can accurately listen to this album and get the feel for it.

04-13-2007, 06:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	It most certainly is better than With Teeth, but even though it holds some throw backs to TDS and The Fragile, it just doesn't match up which is why I'm saying I need to quit holding everything that comes out by Trent to those standards. It's just like holding everything TOOL puts out against Ænima.

04-15-2007, 10:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	I do have to say that I could do without "The Great Destroyer." It's a frustrating track. Lyrically, I think it's great, and it really fits with the theme of the album. BUT... gah, musically... it's got some problems. The beat (which we hear by itself at the track's opening) is really cheesy and bland. The song saves itself somewhat once the singing starts. But then it comes to the part where Trent screams "the great destroyAAAAHHHHH" and I suddenly feel like I'm listening to a Dragonforce song. After that, the noise kicks in.... which sounds incredibly uninspired. There's other noise moments on the album, and they're great. This is not one of them. I find myself quickly wanting this track to end. __________________ Greetings and salutations.

04-15-2007, 12:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
Daniel_ Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It! Location: Southern England	I really like the new album. For the record, I rate NIN in the past as follows (best to worst): Pretty Hate Machine And All That Could Have Been (CD 2) Fragile Downward Spiral Broken With Teeth Fixed __________________ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗ Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air, And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of Coral Caves, The Echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand; And everthing is Green and Submarine ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝

04-16-2007, 04:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jetée The Reforms Location: Rarely, if ever, here or there, but always in transition	For those that are excited as I am, or even moreso, here is the important reminder that the wait will be over come tomorrow, for the new album will hit shelves tonight at midnight. Yeah, Year Zero is less than a day's away, and I am psyched. I would like to dedicate this to SecretMethod70, and his devotion to the project. __________________ As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world (that is the myth of the Atomic Age) as in being able to remake ourselves. —Mohandas K. Gandhi

04-21-2007, 05:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
Moskie Pure Chewing Satisfaction Location: can i use bbcode [i]here[/i]?	Year Zero is worse than With Teeth? Damn. That's hard to swallow. Can I ask "why?" Critically, what's wrong with it? I mean, I guess people can get turned off by the (pseudo?) political 1984 bent to it... but I have to ask: can you point me to an album that successfully does what Year Zero is trying? I understand what he's saying isn't original in a universal sense, but it's at least an original way of presenting it (with a music album). I know some people don't go to music for those sorts of things, and that's fine... but I get a kick out of it. Have I succumb to fanboism? shrug... didn't like With Teeth, and I didn't really know anything about the "alternate reality game" until after i downloaded the album, and thought it was great, so i figured i should poke around those web sites. i knew the marketing campaign existed only because I saw the stories posted on Digg. I was by no means following it or into it. Well, to each their own. I suggest NIN fans (and others) check the album out and decide for themselves. __________________ Greetings and salutations.

04-27-2007, 03:22 AM	#15 (permalink)
Jadedfox Egocentric Location: World of Warcraft	I like Year Zero much better than With Teeth. I'm still disappointed as hell though, I was expecting much much more. --jaded __________________ There is no fucking you, there is only me.

05-05-2007, 08:39 PM	#16 (permalink)
Mastadon77 Upright	The more I listen to it, the better it gets. I started with NIN before TDS came out and this feels like a step back to the Pretty Hate Machine days. Very beat oriented, with the guitars taking a backseat to beeps and vocals. Not what I expected, but turned out to be a good thing. I would have got bored quick if it was like the last few albums. ATM.....God Given is my fav track. The Warning a close second.

05-07-2007, 07:09 PM	#19 (permalink)
Mastadon77 Upright	I am a self admitted NIN fanboy, and yes, I will give trent more of a chance than other artists. However, my copy of With Teeth hasn't got much use. I've tried and tried to love that album, but I just couldn't lose myself in it like his other stuff. To elaborate on the "not what I expected"....Alot of people (myself included) expected something more aggressive than it is. The militant and somewhat disturbing websites and videos promoting the album specifically. The way I see the album, it's not an album about the terrible things in the world (the real one or the one is the promo sites) it's about people using art and expression to change the world. I know I sound silly, but I think that is the message he's trying to convey. Plus....if you don't care about that kinda stuff....there is lots of good booty shakin moments.