"I think by just saying it and bringing it to light, maybe it helps. I've been so depressed about things, and then I'll hear a song, and I'll think, "Fuck, I can relate to that. Someone else feels that way." In its own way it becomes enlightening, and I feel release. ... Even though what I'm saying appears negative, the release of it becomes a positive kind of experience, I think, and provides some catharsis to other people." [1]
Official Website - Album Website
The Downward Spiral is probably the most cathartic album I've heard, and certainly the most discomforting. From samples of screaming voices and the use of noise to the myriad production techniques that alter, distort or irritate, the music reflects the protagonist's spiral into suicide. Leitmotifs, both lyrical ("Nothing can stop me now") and musical (the "Downward Spiral" melody) add a layer of cohesion. The dynamics, both within songs and the album as a whole, seem precisely crafted for maximum impact.
Mr Self Destruct, which opens the album, is a musical punch in the face, guest guitarist Adrian Belew's guitar as close to the sound of a chainsaw as imaginable. It evokes images of dystopian worlds overrun with stainless steel killing machines. Right as you'd expect Trent Reznor (who is basically Nine Inch Nails) to kick it up a notch, everything goes quiet save for a lone bass line and the repeated phrase "You let me do this to you." This only serves to make the return to sonic assault so much more vicious by contrast.
This is followed by Piggy, "a light, swinging jazz song"[1] that features the first appearance of the famed "Downward Spiral" melody and Reznor's first and only attempt at drumming. The amateurism makes it more thrilling than a professional drum solo, and an early highlight of the album.
The intensity builds, climaxing with March of the Pigs, which juxtaposes an energetic, heavy verse with a quiet piano-based chorus. Closer, perhaps the most well-known song from the album, gives the listener a break from the loud abrasiveness of the previous songs, taking a somewhat funky turn. The profanity of the chorus belies its catchiness.
One of the ways noise is used is to hide some of the vocals. There is an entire verse at the end of Closer that I didn't know existed until I saw the video. There are several other songs on the album that utilise this, as a subconscious message attached to the more audible lyric ("I am the bullet in the gun (and I control you), I am the truth from which you run (and I control you)" or to hide inflammatory phrases.
Big Man With a Gun is the most depraved song on the album, "taking phallic symbolism of guns to its brutal limit"[2]. It is the violent peak, the point of no return. A Warm Place follows, a beautiful instrumental perfectly placed. An obvious standout, proving Reznor's artistry isn't just confined to industrial, heavy music.
After the brief respite, Eraser enters, a booming drum riff somewhat reminiscent of Peter Gabriel's "Intruder" but twice as ominous. Reznor's voice recites two word sentences, at first quiet, then rising to a shout. As the song progresses the vocal is electronically disintegrated until it melts into the noisy foreground.
The title track is perhaps the most blatant demonstration of the dynamic contrast. The first half is a solitary acoustic guitar playing the Downward Spiral melody, the calm before the storm of the second half, the most disturbing music I've ever heard. Heavy metal sounds saintly by comparison. This is what I imagine hell would sound like.
The journey ends with Hurt. This is the song that confirms Trent Reznor's songwriting ability isn't just a fluke. Johnny Cash masterfully covered it a few years ago; both versions are essential. Hurt is the ultimate catharsis of the album, and a suitably depressing end.
This is Nine Inch Nails' greatest album, and one of the greatest albums of the decade.
Videos: March of the Pigs - Closer - Hurt (NIN Version) - Hurt (Johnny Cash Version)
I've only heard this album once and it was not a pleasant experience. Somehow, I think the distress of that listen means that Trent Reznor got the job done successfully. This album is definitely not for the faint of heart and I'll admit to not liking it at all (apart from notable exceptions), however repeated listens would be needed to truly appreciate it, how long was it until you saw it's greatness?
ReplyDeleteMuch of the album was loud and affronting to me, but it actually is a compliment to say that. The music is extremely intelligent and well thought out and creates an exact intended impression. In contrast to that, all sorts of other loud grating heavy music, particularly nowadays, seems quite cliche and heavy because it is all the people involved know how to play. Songs like that are an assault on my ears simply because they're so bad, but The Downward Spiral profoundly challenges me (and wins).
Even I was able to notice the creative dynamics. A Warm Place and Hurt are two of my all time favourites.