Another highlight, and an unexpected one at that occurs when Chris Vrenna, looking into the camera, nearly gets emotional talking about Johnny Cash’s stunning cover of the drugs-and-pain-themed NIN hit “Hurt,” recorded in 2002. Cash knew he didn’t have long to live at the time, and Vrenna knew that as well. But that Grammy-winning cover not only “one-upped” Trent’s original version according to him but actually brought the musician to tears knowing Cash’s condition. At this point you wish Reznor himself would make an appearance and comment about this cover, but such is not the case since the DVD is technically not “authorized” by him.
In all, the Metal Machine Music DVD is essential for Nine Inch Nails fans, not just for all the rare live and backstage footage of a young and current Trent Reznor, but for the insight into his music by authoritative sources. Moreover, it was made for those NIN fans who may have missed out on or under appreciated the industrial pioneers who came before and inspired Reznor. The DVD may be over 2 hours long, but viewing it in its entirety is time well spent and serves as both an introductory education class in industrial music and credible biography of Nine Inch Nails, the most successful industrial act of all time.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice review Charlie. On a side note, your picture kinda reminds me of what El Bicho might look like if I was on psychedelic drugs....
-Glen
2 - Them Or Me
Good in-depth review. Nice work Charlie!
I am one of those who missed out on the earlier influences so I imagine this will be an entertaining and informative.
Trent Reznor knows better than anyone how to connect with fans. He is in my opinion the entertainer of the year, perhaps the decade.
Look forward to your review of NIN live!