Nine Inch Nails
“Ghosts VI : Locusts”
Halo
Released : March 26, 2020
The second of two surprise Nine Inch Nails releases, “Ghosts VI : Locusts” is much like the first. Well, that’s not fair. It is remarkably similar, though.
It begins with a creepy and haunting piano riff which continues for the entire track. Like a chemical slowly burning at your soul. Resonating throughout the skull and tickling the ear drums. Tediously eating away brain matter, and creating unease. Anxiety. Leading into a second track, that also is composed largely of eerie piano. And easily listening Jazz saxophone. This might well have been the sound track to a second Lost Highway film already. Not that such a thing exists.
If “Ghosts V : Together” had been about relaxation and slumber. Albeit dark and triste. Well then “Ghosts VI : Locusts” is more akin to loosing ones mind. This is the sound of isolation. Day after day of tedious repetition. Much like the state of the world today, with everyone the world over under lock-down. The threat of disease and death right outside the front door. All of us now agoraphobics. Waiting for the official statement declaring us under a police state.
Yes, this is more the soundtrack to the later days of the pandemic. The days we have yet to reach. Isolation. Insomnia. Insanity. This is one hell of an eerie piece of work. Bizarrely enough, despite it being a difficult listen. Full of harsh landscapes and sonic oblivion – there is an underlining element of hope. As if sun rays were starting to appear through a sky that had been blotted out by heavy clouds for months. Perhaps a sign of the times to come. A message. Things will get worse. Bleak. Before they get better. But they will get better.
See also : Nine Inch Nails “Ghosts V : Together” Review
Somehow, my gut trusts Trent Reznor’s vision. And I always trust my gut. As if Nine Inch Nails traveled into the future, and have returned with all the secrets. Only in audio form, for us to decipher ourselves. Uncharted and unprecedented times calls for unprecedented music.
I mentioned, in the “Ghosts V : Together” review, how I felt a connection to the catalog of the Cold Meat Industry label. That remains true on this release. Albeit for the more experimental material the label released. There are defiantly moments on “Ghosts VI : Locusts” that feel like the Nine Inch Nails we are accustomed to. More on the Industrial plain. I mentioned before, that there are passages that are reminiscent to the Lost Highway soundtrack. That grows more and more persistently as the album lulls on. This is a well thought out, supremely executed piece of work.
It might be a weird thing to say, considering this is the sixth Ghosts installment. But I hope Trent Reznor and Atticus continue to explore this style. I really want to see where they take it next. Where this all goes. What it leads to eventually. Call it morbid curiosity if you will. The journey has began though, and at this point, there’s no going back now.
I earnestly suggestion you procure your copy by following this link. This recording is available, for free, courtesy of Nine Inch Nails. And warrants your undivided attention.
For Fans Of : Coph Nia
Track listing :
01. The Cursed Clock
02. Around Every Corner
03. The Worriment Waltz
04. Run Like Hell
05. When It Happens (Don’t Mind Me)
06. Another Crashed Car
07. Temp Fix
08. Trust Fades
09. A Really Bad Night
10. Your New Normal
11. Just Breathe
12. Right Behind You
13. Turn This Off Please
14. So Tired
15. Almost Dawn
