Trent Reznor and his band Nine Inch Nails were instrumental in bringing industrial rock into the mainstream in the ’90s. Hits like “Head Like a Hole,” “Closer,” and “Hurt” propelled them to the top of the charts with albums like The Downward Spiral and The Fragile. NIN, led solely by Reznor for years, welcomed Atticus Ross as the band’s second official member in 2016, leading to a prolific period with multiple film scores and new NIN projects such as Bad Witch LP and the Ghosts series.
Born in 1965 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Trent Reznor showed an early interest in music, playing various instruments in his youth and getting inspired by rock bands like Kiss. After a brief stint with different bands, Reznor eventually formed Nine Inch Nails, which gained recognition with their debut album, Pretty Hate Machine. Reznor’s provocative and dark lyrical themes became a trademark of NIN’s early work, establishing them as a groundbreaking force in the music industry.
Throughout the years, Reznor and NIN continued to push boundaries, releasing acclaimed albums like The Downward Spiral and The Fragile. Collaborations with Atticus Ross led to further success, including Oscar-winning film scores and new NIN projects. Despite challenges and hiatuses, Reznor’s dedication to his artistry and innovation has solidified Nine Inch Nails’ legacy as an influential and iconic figure in the realm of industrial rock music.