Cardinal Points

Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: Fuse

Picture a time in the not-too-distant future where the world is corrupt and overrun by the wealthy and powerful and there is nothing left representing any type of structure.

This is the theme of "Year Zero" by Nine Inch Nails. This concept album is a slightly innovative project by the veteran rockers as they present their views on the end of the world and take a step away from the heavy music, focusing more on the heavy message.

Everything about this album feels like the message it is portraying. Each track puts you into that movie-like doomsday scene, full of wildfire, havoc and misfortune.

Trent Reznor's vocal capabilities really shine in this album like never before. He is able to present the same intensity throughout every song, be it the traditional heavy rock song that NIN is known for or one of the many more mellow tracks on "Year Zero".

Reznor isn't the only one who has made noticeable changes on the album. The entire band has infused their hard rock background with a few funk rhythms.For those long time fans of NIN, don't worry, they haven't given up their roots.

The foundation of "Year Zero" still resides in that industrial style that defines the group.

Fans new and old will not be disappointed with this Armageddon-themed album.

While listening to the hypothetical end of the world, as it becomes more and more real with each track, listeners are bound to find themselves drawn in to Reznor's words preaching a future that he feels is all too close.

Four stars out of five.

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