Since their inception in the metal heartland and rock stronghold of Cleveland, Ohio, Trent Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails have been pioneers in their field. Broadly categorized in the early days as an industrial rock band they’ve stuck to first principles while shifting their focus with each successive album and achieved a level of success based on a fanatical following that makes a mockery of any idea they were ever cut out to be a cult act. NIN’s sales have exceeded 11 million in the U.S. alone and over 30 million worldwide.

The first new Nine Inch Nails music since 2013’s Hesitation Marks, 2016’s Not The Actual Events ushers in a new era of the band and is the inaugural installment in a three-part EP series which also includes 2017’s Add Violence. Recorded with now official band member Atticus Ross, the 5-track EP is heavy, textured and mercurial and includes guest appearances by Dave Grohl (drums) on “The Idea of You, ” Dave Navarro (guitar) on “Burning Bright (Field on Fire)” and wife Mariqueen Maandig (vocals) on “She’s Gone Away.” Pressed on one-sided 180-gram vinyl. Made to be played loud!