Trent Reznor, an icon, a genius, or just one big egomaniac? I mean, NIN was always his band, with a plethora of artists coming and going, each one of them leaving a small mark, record after record. I never been fond of NIN, don’t know why exactly, they were just not my cup of tea, period. But How to Destroy Angels, a project of his is an entirely different story. There’s something about the music keeping me interested, wanting to play the album just one more time. Minimal landscapes, simplified structures, low tempo electronica, and a charming voice of Mariqueen Maandig (although many will diminish her vocal abilities) always lead me back to Welcome Oblivion, their first and only (for now, I hope) record.
The album has weak points, where the sound becomes stale, where theory of relativity shows its ugly face and time stands still; but for the most part, Welcome Oblivion is a beguiling journey through the subconsciousness, perfect for times of introspection, where different parts of the mind come together trying to answer the sole question, “what’s wrong with you?”
Mariqueen’s vocals are kept in the background for the better part of the record, there are hints of Reznor’s voice, but they are also submerged in the noise, a scenic electronic noise with a post-industrial vibe, dark but nod melancholic, minimal but not simplified.
There are some surprises. Ice Age is a lovely acoustic tune, with banjo playing in the background, or at least I think that’s banjo; anyway, the song is simple, has a good vibe and is completely unlike the rest of the record. Welcome Oblivion is a massive tune, filled with shouting vocals, shattering samples, and overall dark trip-hop feel; perfect for a stormy night.
How Long is the most accessible track on the album, a solid, emotionally filled composition, teeming with melancholy, with hints of electro-pop all over it? Too Late, All Gone has a vicious texture at the beginning, with a remarkable chorus, industrial bridge and overall woozy feel to it.
Welcome Oblivion is a solid post-industrial piece, possessing many qualities, but at the same time having more than a couple underwhelming songs. But overall, it’s an enjoyable listen, and though it probably won’t become a part of your collection, it deserves an hour of your time. In the end, most of our free time fades into oblivion, so why not spend a bit of it on this album?
