A staple in the development of what we know as industrial music, Nine Inch Nails is one of the most well-known artists of the genre. The thrumming basslines, deafening machinery-like noises, pained vocals, and dark subject matter often toe the line between metal and club music. Trent Reznor, the creator of the band, had a background in jazz music and never felt like he fit in – which shows in the music he makes. Even when creating songs far removed from the noisy, sweat slicked basements you would expect to find industrial music in, he manages to extrapolate and twist the genre into much quieter, considered places whilst still remaining faithful to the underlying darkness inherent in the genre. This fusion of catchy hooks, danceability, contrasting with heartfelt, depression ballads, and the sonic palette of strange sounds interspersed has ingrained itself into my brain both as a musician, and the kind of music I enjoy.