Released: 2016

Genres: Industrial Rock, Electro-Industrial

The Musiquarium’s Not the Actual Events Review Score: 8 out of 10

In 1992, Nine Inch Nails released the Broken EP, a project which saw a major evolution in the band’s sound, and one of the most influential EPs ever released. Not the Actual Events sees a return to this format and is the first in a series of three proposed EPs.

Branches/Bones is the most invigorated Trent Reznor has sounded in sometime. Dear World, has spoken-word vocals. She’s Gone Away is dark and lethargic. The Idea of You gives some of those hardcore Broken vibes. Burning Bright (Field on Fire) is a distorted and atmospheric ending to the EP.

While it’s not quite Broken, Not the Actual Events is still a fantastic EP and return to a darker sound after the more accessible, Hesitation Marks.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Nine Inch Nails on Discogs.

Back to the 2016 Album Reviews Guide or the Nine Inch Nails Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard