In the realm of industrial rock, few names resonate as profoundly as NINE INCH NAILS. Led by the visionary Trent Reznor, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of music, blending raw emotion with a distinct sonic aggression. NINE INCH NAILS emerged from the underground music scene in the late 1980s, quickly establishing themselves as industrial rock pioneers with their debut album, “Pretty Hate Machine” (1989). The raw energy and dark, introspective lyrics captivated audiences and critics alike, marking the beginning of Reznor‘s illustrious career.
Throughout their discography, NINE INCH NAILS have never been afraid to evolve and experiment. From the hauntingly melodic “The Downward Spiral” (1994) to the abrasive and confrontational “Year Zero” (2007), each album represents a unique chapter in the band’s journey. Their sound is a masterful blend of electronic beats, distorted guitars, and Reznor‘s signature vocals, creating a landscape that is at once chaotic and meticulously crafted. Although they made it big in the 1990s, with multiple awards under their sleeves, their musical output was infrequent, releasing only three studio albums between 1989 and 2005. During this time, Reznor became addicted to alcohol and drugs, ending up with depression. His vulnerable experience impacted NINE INCH NAILS’ musical direction in the 2000s, both musically and lyrically. Exactly 20 years ago, on May 3rd, 2025, the band released “With Teeth” (2005) via Interscope Records, an album that lifted their name into a bigger one while saving Reznor’s creative mind.
“With Teeth” is a testament to NINE INCH NAILS’s ability to reinvent themselves continually. The album showcases a leaner and more accessible sound while maintaining the intense emotional depth that fans have come to expect. Produced by Reznor and long-time band’s producer Alan Moulder, “With Teeth” included Dave Grohl himself (ex-NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) as a guest on percussion and drums. Each track contributes to the overall narrative of the album, which is Reznor’s rehab process from his drug addiction. He mentioned at that time that he wanted to create an album with a storyline about this experience. However, he was afraid that it could become a “boring rehabilitation soundtrack,” so he left certain similarities between each song, but still allowed independence from one another. Ultimately, “With Teeth” became an album of multiple sounds with a common lyrical topic: the struggle of self-existence.
Starting with a slow-paced cadence, “All the Love in the World” introduces the listener to a space of nostalgia, as if the album tried to comfort us from a heartbreak. This was, to some extent, not the beginning that a NINE INCH NAILS fan expects, given the band’s bombastic personality, but the stamina comes right after, while maintaining calmness. “You Know What You Are?” is exactly what NINE INCH NAILS is about: heavy guitars, strong growls coming together with Reznor’s sharp voice, and some electronic touches here and there. This second track is the perfect intro to the album’s energetic side. Further on, “The Hand That Feeds” is the standout track, showcasing NINE INCH NAILS‘s ability to craft a catchy yet powerful anthem that critiques the manipulation and control exerted by those in power. Its driving beat and relentless energy make it an instant classic within the NINE INCH NAILS repertoire. “Every Day Is Exactly the Same” delves into monotony and existential despair themes, with melancholic melodies that resonate deeply with listeners.
Other notable tracks include “Only,” which features a pulsating electronic beat and introspective lyrics that explore the concept of self-identity and isolation. “Getting Smaller” brings a raw, aggressive edge to the album, with its distorted guitars and confrontational lyrics. Similarly, “The Line Begins to Blur” embodies industrial rock to the fullest with grungy guitars that take the listener on a voyage to the darkest rave of the night. “With Teeth” finishes just as gently as it started, with “Right Where it Belongs,” an outro that transports us to a NINE INCH NAILS concert through a deep rhythm of profound guitars, a melodious piano, and Reznor’s voice saying goodbye. This album is an experience of melancholy and ferociousness from start to finish.
“With Teeth” is a masterful blend of electronic beats, distorted guitars, and Reznor‘s signature vocals. Through a refined production and emotional depth, the album remains a significant and influential work within the band’s discography. Although less aggressive than their previous releases, it still delivered a forceful atmosphere that captivates any industrial rock fan. “With Teeth” shows NINE INCH NAILS‘s evolution as a band and the energetic yet radio-friendly music trends emerging in the early 2000s. This album illustrates how industrial rock was trying to be more easy-going, with some touches of electronic beats.
I remember when I bought “With Teeth” physically at my local record store. As a young metalhead, the cover seemed too simple to me, it was just a plain gray background with black touches (complex album artworks were a thing back then, when artists still relied on physical releases). Little did I know that this cover was a minimalist yet evocative representation of the entire album. This understated design contrasts sharply with the intense and dynamic music contained within, creating a visual paradox that mirrors the album’s exploration of vulnerability and aggression.
The band’s legacy is evident in the countless artists who cite NINE INCH NAILS as a major influence. Their willingness to explore themes of despair, anger, and self-reflection has resonated with generations of listeners, making them a cornerstone of modern rock music. NINE INCH NAILS continues to be a force in the music industry, challenging conventions and inspiring both fans and fellow musicians.
Written by Hector Sanchez
TRACKLIST
- All the Love in the World
- You Know What You Are?
- The Collector
- The Hand That Feeds
- Love Is Not Enough
- Every Day Is Exactly the Same
- With Teeth
- Only
- Getting Smaller
- Sunspots
- The Line Begins to Blur
- Beside You in Time
- Right Where It Belongs
LINEUP
Trent Reznor | vocals, all instrumentals & instrumentation
Jerome Dillon| additional drum programming and live drums
Dave Grohl | percussion
LABEL
Interscope Records
LINKS
