Broken

Three years after his debut, Trent Reznor releases "Broken", an EP which would change Nine Inch Nails' direction hereafter. Fully abandoning the synth / dance-pop of "Pretty Hate Machine", "Broken" is heavy both in sound and lyrics and would serve as the precursor for everything that came after. Following a particularly nasty battle between himself and his label TVT, Reznor managed to struggle to his freedom, moving over to Interscope as well as starting his own label, Nothing. "Broken" was born as a result of that battle, supercharged by his rage and hatred towards TVT and let it develop further and further, until it reached the sheer apex of pleasurable pain: sex. This EP is the forefather of every other NIN record as it was the first to blend so seamlessly the vile nature of anger with uncontrollable, unbridled lust and sexuality. I mean, have you seen the videoclips and the lyrics for these songs?

But enough of that. 'Pinion' is a minute-long intro that feels like silence, but sets the stage for everything else, leading to 'Wish', one of my absolute favorites. The intensity in the verses bond so well with the more stable choruses, resulting in an experience a cut above most of Nine Inch's discography, which is already pretty great. 'Last' has some very tasty riffs throughout, with great vocals to back it all up nicely. 'Help Me I Am In Hell' serves as a solid interlude separating both parts of the record, with the guitar strumming and the crescendo of industrial noise in the background feeling like the calm before the storm.

'Happiness In Slavery' is even chunkier in its elements than 'Last', with all the elements resonating with each other at the highest level. 'Gave Up' bites much harder with its constant aggression, almost formless in structure, similar to 'Wish's verses. But to close the album two hidden tracks, both covers, make themselves known. A sludgier and slightly slower version of Adam And The Ants' 'Physical'. It's fairly alright, constant in its sonority with no surprises; meanwhile Pigface's 'Suck' evokes "Pretty Hate Machine" synth usage more closely than 'Happiness In Slavery' did. But the intensity is still unmistakably "Broken's".

It might not be as polished as "The Downward Spiral", which was the direct sequel, but it's an incredible EP whose volume rivals a regular LP anytime. It's a piece of history and a core record for Nine Inch Nails' fans.