Year Zero

Producer: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Release Date: April 16, 2007
Label: Interscope
Genre: Industrial Rock

Year Zero was an album with a mission. Trent Reznor tackled God, the government and society all in one thrilling conceptual album set in the year zero. Trent Reznor described the album as being the soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist. The album tells a story of the world in a slow demise, particularly focusing on the U.S. government policies of 2007, and the destructive impact they play on the future of the fictional scenario described in Year Zero's concept.

Year Zero was a step in an entirely new direction for Nine Inch Nails. Compared to some of the other releases, the story and meaning behind this album is much more developed and innovative. Each song on the album sounds unique compared to the others on the album. At the same time, they all flow and connect with each other to keep the concept of the record centered.

The structure of the album follows the concept itself. The first song on the record (HYPERPOWER) is initiated with drums, and serves as an introduction, not much over one minute long. Following the introduction, the songs pick up speed and become faster and angrier. As the album progresses, the aggression turns into remorse, and the songs begin to twist in a new direction. The tempo slows and the songs become softer. The magnitude of emotions expressed within Year Zero is brilliant.

Trent Reznor has developed a reputation for having fierce lyrics, and Year Zero is no exception. Songs such as The Beginning of the End address the dangerous outcomes of humanity's greed and arrogance, while other songs such as Capital G boldly accuse a particular politician of abusing power. Not a single thing was held back on this album.

Year Zero is a must own for any Nine Inch Nails fan, obviously. However, even people who disliked previous Nine Inch Nails albums may find that they adore this album. It's different enough to appeal to new audiences, while at the same time no old fans will be disappointed.

Track Listing:

1. HYPERPOWER
2. The Beginning of the End
3. Survivalism
4. The Good Soldier
5. Vessel
6. Me, I'm Not
7. Capital G
8. My Violent Heart
9. The Warning
10. God Given
11. Meet Your Master
12. The Greater Good
13. The Great Destroyer
14. Another Version of the Truth
15. In this Twilight
16. Zero-Sum