Trent Reznor & A Descent Into Hell: The Album That Gave Industrial A Name. The Downward Spiral is not just a story, it is a comprehensive of insanity. The second studio album released by Nine Inch Nails, a one man band lead, sung, and performed by Trent Reznor, The Downward Spiral follows an unnamed protagonist descending into madness and succumbing to his declining mental health, beginning to harm others before he ultimately takes his life at the end of the album, metaphorically or literally depending on the listener’s interpretation. As a Psychology student, aiming to become a therapist, this album is not just about a man falling, it’s about the consequences that come with. The protagonist is disgusted by himself, he hates himself, but can’t stop indulging in the mistakes and negative coping mechanisms that give him brief peace of mind that end up hurting him and everyone around him. The protagonists depression and deep seated self hatred is not just felt, it is forced upon you with Trent Reznor’s lyricism and persistent, assaulting sound. There is not a single reprieve in The Downward Spiral, for even the instrumental has you anticipating that something bad will happen — and it does. The protagonists abuse of alcoholism, drug, and sex is something that is not shielded by his mythomania — which I view to be the worst part. He keeps letting himself go, keeps hurting everyone, all while fully acknowledging all in which he does. The ambiguity of The Downward Spiral also serves as a huge part of it’s charm. The protagonist has presumably suffered his own abhorrent abuses, particularly in Ruiner, where he speaks of a mysterious figure staining all that is pure in his world with their disease. If you are looking for an album where you witness someone fall into the depths of despair, where you feel not just sympathy, but also disgust, and guilt for both yourself and the protagonist of the story, The Downward Spiral is just right for you. Standout Tracks: Mr. Self Destruct, Piggy, Heresy, Closer, Ruiner, Reptile, and Hurt.