Numerous layers of metaphors are present throughout The Downward Spiral, leaving it open to wide interpretation. The album relays nihilism and is defined by a prominent theme of self-abuse and self-control. It is a semi-autobiographical concept album, in which the overarching plot follows the protagonist's descent into madness in his own inner solipsistic world through a metaphorical "downward spiral", dealing with religion, dehumanization, violence, disease, society, drugs, sex, and finally, suicide. [23] [24] [25] Reznor described the concept as consisting of "someone who sheds everything around them to a potential nothingness, but through career, religion, relationship, belief and so on." [11] Media journalists like The New York Times writer Jon Pareles noted the album's theme of angst had already been used by grunge bands like Nirvana, and that Nine Inch Nails' depiction was more generalized. [26] Management [Business Management, William Harper And Michael Walsh For] – Gelfand, Rennet & Feldman* a b c d e Greg Rule (April 1994). "Trent Reznor". Keyboard. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020 . Retrieved February 26, 2020.

a b c d e Alan Di Perna (April 1994). "Machine Head". Guitar World. Archived from the original on July 1, 2019 . Retrieved August 24, 2017. a b Pareles, Jon (May 8, 1994). "A Noise Sculptor Reveals An Ear for the Commercial". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2011 . Retrieved November 26, 2007. Barker, Emily (January 29, 2014). "25 Seminal Albums From 1994 – And What NME Said At The Time". NME. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015 . Retrieved July 8, 2015. Pareles, Jon (May 8, 1994). "Recordings View – A Noise Sculptor Reveals An Ear for the Commercial". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 15, 2017 . Retrieved December 22, 2017. Nine Inch Nails has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, winning twice for “ Wish” and “ Happiness In Slavery.” Leading member Trent Reznor was also featured in Time magazine’s list of the year’s most influential people, and Spin magazine has described him as “the most vital artist in music.”Finally, we may also share your Personal Information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other lawful request for information we receive, or to otherwise protect our rights. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Further Down the Spiral – Nine Inch Nails". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018 . Retrieved April 26, 2018. Christgau, Robert (2000). "CG Book '90s: N". Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-24560-2. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020 . Retrieved March 30, 2019– via robertchristgau.com.

The band has released nine studio albums since their debut in 1989, alongside four original EP’s and were one of the first artists to have an independently released record go platinum. They’ve had two U.S. #1 albums with The Fragile and With Teeth and four other top 5 charting releases.Music Direct reserves the right to change the terms of this promotion or discontinue this offer at any time. Hughes, Josiah (December 6, 2013). "Rare Nine Inch Nails Remixes Unearthed on Coil EP". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021 . Retrieved January 17, 2014.

Reznor conceived of The Downward Spiral after Nine Inch Nails' run in the lineup of the Lollapalooza festival tour, feeling increasingly alienated and disinterested. The band's concerts were known for their radical onstage dynamic in which members acted aggressively, injured themselves, destroyed instruments and polluted stages. Reznor had begun to feud with TVT Records, resulting in him co-founding Nothing Records with his then-manager John Malm, Jr. as a subsidiary of Interscope. Simultaneously, he began fleshing out the concept for The Downward Spiral, focusing on the life and death of a misanthropic man who rebels against humanity, and kills God before attempting suicide. [1] [2] [3] [4] Reznor frequently struggled with drug addiction and depression, and the themes of the album gradually allegorized his living situation. His peers at some point recommended him the antidepressant Prozac, but he declined to be medicated. [5] [6] Reynolds, Tom (June 13, 2005). I Hate Myself and I Want to Die. Sanctuary Publishing. p.227. ISBN 978-1-86074-628-4. a b c d O'Connor, Christopher (June 4, 1999). "Senators Criticize Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails At Hearing". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016 . Retrieved May 3, 2011. Trent Reznor: Timeline". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007 . Retrieved December 18, 2006.This draw is conducted in a secure enivironment selecting an identifier which can not be used to access your account and the data is deleted as soon as the draw has been conducted.

Australiancharts.com – Nine Inch Nails – The Downward Spiral". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 20, 2017. The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. September 22, 2020 . Retrieved March 30, 2021. Gilmore, Mikal (March 6, 1997). "The Lost Boys". Rolling Stone. No.755. p.36. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017 . Retrieved August 24, 2017. Trent Reznor's part of the interview article posted at "Trent Reznor Lost Highway Interview". lynchnet.com. Archived from the original on January 2, 2008 . Retrieved December 25, 2007. Kot, Greg (March 6, 1994). "Three Discs Worth Waiting For". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017 . Retrieved February 24, 2016.The albums that changed the world". Metal Hammer. August 24, 2019. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019 . Retrieved February 2, 2020. Nine Inch Nails' 'The Downward Spiral – Deluxe Edition' To Include B-Sides, Rarities, Demos". Blabbermouth.net. November 18, 2004. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018 . Retrieved January 11, 2018. a b c "Rusty Nails". Guitar Player. April 1994. Archived from the original on February 21, 2020 . Retrieved August 24, 2017. a b c Huey, Steve. "The Downward Spiral – Nine Inch Nails". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012 . Retrieved April 27, 2004. Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1sted.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.