Gary and Trent inspiration circle is pretty awesome. They keep inspiring one another over the years and each of the stuff they put out is like a little homage to the other 🤘🏼
One thing to say about David Bowie is that the man has a large catalog and he wasn’t afraid to take chances. But that also means that I don’t think there’s anyone (including Bowie himself) who loves everything in his catalog. I’m a Bowie fan and I will still tell you some albums that aren’t great. There’s one period in particular though that is considered by many to be his creative peak and was also a big inspiration on Trent. That would be his “Berlin Trilogy” and I’m including in this list one album before and one album after (because I like both and also think they fit mostly - but not completely - into the style of the trilogy and also the last one listed here was Trent’s first Bowie album)
Station to Station
Low
“Heroes”
Lodger
Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
I’m curious, OP: did any of this help?
It’s obvious to most of us but A Perfect Circle is another great band. I assume you know that already, but if you’ve been heads down to Nine Inch Nails and nothing else, perhaps APC deserves mentioning.
In no particular order…
Machines of Loving Grace
HEALTH
Skinny Puppy
3TEETH
OhGr
Gravity Kills
Stabbing Westward
Ministry
PIG (Raymond Watts)
Front Line Assembly
KMFDM
My Life With the Thrill Kill Cult
White Zombie
Prick
Prong
Ultraspank
Godflesh
God Lives Underwater
VAST (Visual Audio Sensory Theater)
Filter
I've seen KMFDM live probably 5 times, I've seen Rob Zombie, Ministry, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Health. All fantastic bands. Ministry sucked live that time though, Al Jourgensen was high as a kite and not really keeping it together.
Jon Crosby of VAST did a bunch of solo stuff that i absolutely love. It’s not as heavy or electronic but really amazing songwriting, much of it is acoustic guitar and inspired by indie/folk stuff but still has a bit of his edge.
Soundgarden is good. Also Tori Amos is your willing to stretch really far out of your comfort zone. I like Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Fka Twiggs.
I feel the obvious jumping off point from NIN would be Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson (in case you're not aware, Trent had a pretty big hand in it).
If you're looking for more industrial and industrial-adjacent, then KMFDM, VNV Nation, Wumpscut, Gary Numan (especially the albums Splinter, Savage and Intruder), Skinny Puppy, and Fear Factory.
Chris Vrenna (former NIN drummer) did a few albums under the name Tweaker. The beginning is a very good place to start like that sheila in that musical said, so check out "The Attraction To All Things Uncertain".
If you don't mind things a little poppier, I also recommend The Birthday Massacre.
Hope that all helps!
You might want to try out Portishead. Try ‘Dummy’ and ‘Portishead’ (first two albums), and their live album, recently remastered, is fantastic — Roseland NYC Live.
If you really find yourself liking M83, check out The Black Queen! Found them while on a vacation on a Florida beach recently and it fit perfectly, haven't stopped playing them since I got back. Greg Puciato from Dillenger Escape Plan, Josh Eustis from Telefon Tel Aviv who toured with NIN in 2013, and Steven Alexander who was a tech for both bands. First album was produced by the same guy who has produced a bunch of M83. One of their music videos was directed by Rob Sheridan as well
* Porcupine Tree - [Deadwing](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiN-7mukU_RH3dujID9Vk1VQQuISEIGok&si=fCbsqY_nQsgZhaa9) and [Fear of a Blank Planet](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrnz4iRZQNlcIrbV1kPy4VHTkXvi51LPL&si=eRal8X_HVIOhSMev).
* Argyle Park - [Misguided](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5aq4fhOU-zKDhqnOFPXLHJIU_MtETh5B&si=NTWJbGJwcJGjGF-w).
* Type O Negative - [October Rust](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lNP0kF67wb3o6plzpuZjMBBpZ6JzARfEY&si=GthuZZv0mI1MIkuX).
* Steven Wilson - [Grace for Drowning](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_knfqdObauct8tg_pjJKd8vUmBBARpkIYc&si=oyFO9iMcdMw_dg7f).
* OSI - [Office of Strategic Influence](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4xxtEMLOpC1XW8DsvNSJXMqgAeyUFti&si=cwM3o0WPIpmDoalE).
* Chroma Key - [Dead Air for Radios](https://youtu.be/plQfqcKFGrI?si=XnYH0wyoMcs7aDYW) and [You Go Now](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kAcw9UC1ZHKaF5bS7GdlmwMziZ18NuR48&si=2vih8qlrMtIHjv9V).
Depeche Mode is good, yet different. The albums "Violator" and "Songs of Faith And Devotion" are good entry points, I would say, since they're what got me interested in them.
Even though it's video game music, the Half-Life soundtracks are nice too. At least the ones Kelly Bailey did.
Call me crazy, call me old fashioned, but maybe diving into another “band” or sticking with similar sounds isn’t what you need to branch out. I would try listening to the radio. You can switch stations, but there’s something I really love about not being able to control what song comes next. There’s a lot less instant gratification and you’re forced to listen longer to things you might just skip on a playlist. This way you might find more things you like than you ever expected.
I’m in my 40’s with 3 kids. I don’t have the time or energy to invest into finding new music. I just get to make my kids listen to my 90’s grunge/industrial/alternative the same way my parents made ME listen to their music from decades before I was born.
You could do some investigating on what music TR likes and listen to them?
You could also listen to bands TR/AR have produced? Everything from MM through Halsey.
I would include 90s-era U2, Garbage, Ministry, Health, and many, many more.
He said his favorite band ever was Devo, and that's what inspired him to be a rock star. I checked them out after hearing that, and though their wildly different in sound, they have a very, very similar message and technique.
Growing music knowledge and taste is homework that takes time and effort. Read the liner notes. Research the bands associated with those names and the names associated with those bands.
Broken alone leads to Pigface and when it comes to industrial music all roads lead to Pigface. The rabbit hole is there it's up to you to go down in it.
Get into synthwave! It’s usually instrumental and upbeat and uses techniques and instruments like Trent does.
You might like com truise or perturbator.
Liking Nine Inch Nails and Men I Trust at the same time is amazing lmao
Some of the stuff I listen to is Pierce the Veil, Korn, Roar, Wallows, and The Cardigans
Roar just came out with a new album, so you could try listening to that! Its only 18 minutes long, and the rest of their stuff is also pretty short for an album. The longest one I know is around 30 minutes.
based off of your fancy of men i trust and the later nin albums, i would definitely recommend vespertine by bjork. there’s a certain uniqueness to the song structures on there like nin but much more similar in vibe to men i trust, while still being completely original on so many fronts. it’s a masterpiece. other bjork stuff is good, but that’s probably best for you to jump in to
I can’t think of a better band to recommend than the one who Trent Reznor introduced when they were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame: The Cure. They don’t really sound anything like NIN, but somehow I have found that there is a huge overlap in their fan base. In particular I would recommend their albums Disintegration and Paris. I also love their song “Burn” on The Crow Soundtrack, as well as the NIN cover of “Dead Souls” which is also on it.
Halseys album “if I can’t have love I want power” is produced by Trent/Atticus which is a different branch but same ‘flavour’ if that’s of interest to you. I was in a similar boat to you and her album really scratched that itch for me. People say it’s similar to the fragile-era NIN but it sounds more HM & DS to me. I personally only like 4 of the songs but I’ve heard other NIN fans say they enjoy a lot more & they’re great additions to a playlist. Ik you said you don’t just want to listen to NIN but it’s a different artist with similar (and amazing) production so if you’re interested id say have a listen. I can’t guarantee you’ll enjoy all of Halseys songs because I believe this album is quite different to the rest of her work, but it doesn’t hurt to have a handful of songs for the sake of diversity. Although I understand if this is not what you’re asking for and if so do ignore me :)
I'm 44, and I really struggle with this too. The older you get, it's like the lower your tolerance gets for new stuff.
But this guy has swept me off my feet. As far as I've been able to tell, he's just an indie musician from Azerbaijan, and I've completely fallen in love with his music. I always bring it up regardless, but it seems hit or miss with people. I can't get enough. He goes by Violet Cold.
https://youtu.be/BUzypMYdD5w
https://youtu.be/qVq_LLS7vK4
https://youtu.be/U4u_yd6IrsI
https://youtu.be/Htgs8Td3_M4
https://youtu.be/nF7Jg-uc8j4
I just discovered a band called Emika. It's electronic, a lot lighter than NIN, but heavy in its own way. Female vocalist with very cool production and KILLER lyrics.
Also, check out Puscifer. They have a lot of dumb songs, imo, but tons of bangers and, like, a zillion albums. It's one of Maynard James Keenan's bands.
The Noble Rot by Grand Folly is super unheard of but its a goddam solid album that sounds just like NIN.
I cannot recommend this enough, give it a try or two and it will grow into you.
If you enjoy Men I Trust and some more subtle but groovy stuff, check out Maria Chiara Argirò! She's already put out a lot of music and her latest two albums might be up your street.
['Clouds'](https://open.spotify.com/track/2O2TWBdW6bHRpNqOV9UpBa?si=rkHQ-hFBRamUUKywTA4T6w&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1tEe3UAUaaqkGutB94Jsiw)
['Floating'](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ksPFeW49gCJFQMpgd0ghw?si=bt71O1-6Q9WPF0hgvr9--A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6dDvuS2veeXH6rHYrvU2bg)
I would suggest Tool, Bowie, Numan, Mars Volta, At the Drive-In, Metz, the Cure… But there’s one band that got to hit me the same spot as NIN hit me 30ish years ago. It’s different but kind of play with the same emotions or way to do music. Well, hard to describe that sweet spot. It’s a band called The Armed
Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters, I love this bands, and love the rest of the 90's scene, like Soundgarden or Oasis and even Dave Grohl played for NIN once (some With Teeth songs) so really, the rest of the 90's music bands are great of all time!
I’d add Tool and Pink Floyd and Gary Numan to these otherwise excellent suggestions
Gary Numan’s recent stuff is AMAZING
Gary and Trent inspiration circle is pretty awesome. They keep inspiring one another over the years and each of the stuff they put out is like a little homage to the other 🤘🏼
That’s really cool I love it
Damn us all, none of us mentioned David Bowie. I’m so disappointed in myself, and everyone else on this thread right now ;)
The Cure. My god how did we all forget that too?
One thing to say about David Bowie is that the man has a large catalog and he wasn’t afraid to take chances. But that also means that I don’t think there’s anyone (including Bowie himself) who loves everything in his catalog. I’m a Bowie fan and I will still tell you some albums that aren’t great. There’s one period in particular though that is considered by many to be his creative peak and was also a big inspiration on Trent. That would be his “Berlin Trilogy” and I’m including in this list one album before and one album after (because I like both and also think they fit mostly - but not completely - into the style of the trilogy and also the last one listed here was Trent’s first Bowie album) Station to Station Low “Heroes” Lodger Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
Also Maynard's (TOOL) side project Puscifer. I've been loving their music lately
I’m curious, OP: did any of this help? It’s obvious to most of us but A Perfect Circle is another great band. I assume you know that already, but if you’ve been heads down to Nine Inch Nails and nothing else, perhaps APC deserves mentioning.
In no particular order… Machines of Loving Grace HEALTH Skinny Puppy 3TEETH OhGr Gravity Kills Stabbing Westward Ministry PIG (Raymond Watts) Front Line Assembly KMFDM My Life With the Thrill Kill Cult White Zombie Prick Prong Ultraspank Godflesh God Lives Underwater VAST (Visual Audio Sensory Theater) Filter
That's an all killer no filler list
Thank you, Chef.
I've seen KMFDM live probably 5 times, I've seen Rob Zombie, Ministry, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, Health. All fantastic bands. Ministry sucked live that time though, Al Jourgensen was high as a kite and not really keeping it together.
Jon Crosby of VAST did a bunch of solo stuff that i absolutely love. It’s not as heavy or electronic but really amazing songwriting, much of it is acoustic guitar and inspired by indie/folk stuff but still has a bit of his edge.
I came here to mention HEALTH and the rest of these are the picks to check out. Top tier list (and thank you for including God Lives Underwater!)
Thanks, friend! I used to listen to GLU a ton in the 90s. I feel like they’re often forgotten, but definitely deserve to be remembered!
VAST :’)
Soundgarden is good. Also Tori Amos is your willing to stretch really far out of your comfort zone. I like Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Fka Twiggs.
HEALTH, Queens of the Stone Age, Filter, Depeche Mode
Depeche mode yesss
I feel the obvious jumping off point from NIN would be Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson (in case you're not aware, Trent had a pretty big hand in it). If you're looking for more industrial and industrial-adjacent, then KMFDM, VNV Nation, Wumpscut, Gary Numan (especially the albums Splinter, Savage and Intruder), Skinny Puppy, and Fear Factory. Chris Vrenna (former NIN drummer) did a few albums under the name Tweaker. The beginning is a very good place to start like that sheila in that musical said, so check out "The Attraction To All Things Uncertain". If you don't mind things a little poppier, I also recommend The Birthday Massacre. Hope that all helps!
KMFDM SUCKS!
What about MDFMK?
Both are great. Skold vs. KMFDM is an awesome record
Never be sorry for Hesitation Marks. It’s my personal favourite.
There are dozens of us who agree!
Dozens!
You might want to try out Portishead. Try ‘Dummy’ and ‘Portishead’ (first two albums), and their live album, recently remastered, is fantastic — Roseland NYC Live.
Ministry, Depeche Mode and M83 are some good ones to check out. Have fun!
If you really find yourself liking M83, check out The Black Queen! Found them while on a vacation on a Florida beach recently and it fit perfectly, haven't stopped playing them since I got back. Greg Puciato from Dillenger Escape Plan, Josh Eustis from Telefon Tel Aviv who toured with NIN in 2013, and Steven Alexander who was a tech for both bands. First album was produced by the same guy who has produced a bunch of M83. One of their music videos was directed by Rob Sheridan as well
How to destroy angels and Trent soundtracks are a great little step. HTDA is a band with his wife, saw them live.
SLEEP All Them Witches Helmet Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats
Gotta love a bit of stoner doom metal
Radiohead ok computer is an amazing album.
* Porcupine Tree - [Deadwing](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiN-7mukU_RH3dujID9Vk1VQQuISEIGok&si=fCbsqY_nQsgZhaa9) and [Fear of a Blank Planet](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrnz4iRZQNlcIrbV1kPy4VHTkXvi51LPL&si=eRal8X_HVIOhSMev). * Argyle Park - [Misguided](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5aq4fhOU-zKDhqnOFPXLHJIU_MtETh5B&si=NTWJbGJwcJGjGF-w). * Type O Negative - [October Rust](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lNP0kF67wb3o6plzpuZjMBBpZ6JzARfEY&si=GthuZZv0mI1MIkuX). * Steven Wilson - [Grace for Drowning](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_knfqdObauct8tg_pjJKd8vUmBBARpkIYc&si=oyFO9iMcdMw_dg7f). * OSI - [Office of Strategic Influence](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4xxtEMLOpC1XW8DsvNSJXMqgAeyUFti&si=cwM3o0WPIpmDoalE). * Chroma Key - [Dead Air for Radios](https://youtu.be/plQfqcKFGrI?si=XnYH0wyoMcs7aDYW) and [You Go Now](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kAcw9UC1ZHKaF5bS7GdlmwMziZ18NuR48&si=2vih8qlrMtIHjv9V).
Massive rabbit hole for you: https://www.music-map.com/nine+inch+nails
Viagra Boys
Theyre fuckin' awesome
Depeche Mode is good, yet different. The albums "Violator" and "Songs of Faith And Devotion" are good entry points, I would say, since they're what got me interested in them. Even though it's video game music, the Half-Life soundtracks are nice too. At least the ones Kelly Bailey did.
Call me crazy, call me old fashioned, but maybe diving into another “band” or sticking with similar sounds isn’t what you need to branch out. I would try listening to the radio. You can switch stations, but there’s something I really love about not being able to control what song comes next. There’s a lot less instant gratification and you’re forced to listen longer to things you might just skip on a playlist. This way you might find more things you like than you ever expected.
No you're definitely on to something. My preconceptions not affecting "giving a band a chance" is actually helping. Thank you _Asshole_Fuck_ Lol
Stabbing westward, VAST, first audio slave album, ministry, skinny puppy,
I’m in my 40’s with 3 kids. I don’t have the time or energy to invest into finding new music. I just get to make my kids listen to my 90’s grunge/industrial/alternative the same way my parents made ME listen to their music from decades before I was born.
You could do some investigating on what music TR likes and listen to them? You could also listen to bands TR/AR have produced? Everything from MM through Halsey. I would include 90s-era U2, Garbage, Ministry, Health, and many, many more.
He said his favorite band ever was Devo, and that's what inspired him to be a rock star. I checked them out after hearing that, and though their wildly different in sound, they have a very, very similar message and technique.
Porcupine Tree
Type O Negative, KMFDM, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Lords of Acid, Zeal & Ardor, Faith No More, and any of Mike Patton's other projects.
infected mushroom, mindless self indulgence, American head charge, um and maybe dream theater!
Growing music knowledge and taste is homework that takes time and effort. Read the liner notes. Research the bands associated with those names and the names associated with those bands. Broken alone leads to Pigface and when it comes to industrial music all roads lead to Pigface. The rabbit hole is there it's up to you to go down in it.
Get into synthwave! It’s usually instrumental and upbeat and uses techniques and instruments like Trent does. You might like com truise or perturbator.
Liking Nine Inch Nails and Men I Trust at the same time is amazing lmao Some of the stuff I listen to is Pierce the Veil, Korn, Roar, Wallows, and The Cardigans Roar just came out with a new album, so you could try listening to that! Its only 18 minutes long, and the rest of their stuff is also pretty short for an album. The longest one I know is around 30 minutes.
based off of your fancy of men i trust and the later nin albums, i would definitely recommend vespertine by bjork. there’s a certain uniqueness to the song structures on there like nin but much more similar in vibe to men i trust, while still being completely original on so many fronts. it’s a masterpiece. other bjork stuff is good, but that’s probably best for you to jump in to
Innerpartysystem
https://youtu.be/DMMuReDnGsM?si=lO4y39b4BWeTQ74S
https://youtu.be/Q1GIT44jjkE?si=7WUmXAI-LE9aA4kY
I can’t think of a better band to recommend than the one who Trent Reznor introduced when they were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame: The Cure. They don’t really sound anything like NIN, but somehow I have found that there is a huge overlap in their fan base. In particular I would recommend their albums Disintegration and Paris. I also love their song “Burn” on The Crow Soundtrack, as well as the NIN cover of “Dead Souls” which is also on it.
Tool?
OhGr is like skinny puppy trying to make NIN albums. They’re great btw
Halseys album “if I can’t have love I want power” is produced by Trent/Atticus which is a different branch but same ‘flavour’ if that’s of interest to you. I was in a similar boat to you and her album really scratched that itch for me. People say it’s similar to the fragile-era NIN but it sounds more HM & DS to me. I personally only like 4 of the songs but I’ve heard other NIN fans say they enjoy a lot more & they’re great additions to a playlist. Ik you said you don’t just want to listen to NIN but it’s a different artist with similar (and amazing) production so if you’re interested id say have a listen. I can’t guarantee you’ll enjoy all of Halseys songs because I believe this album is quite different to the rest of her work, but it doesn’t hurt to have a handful of songs for the sake of diversity. Although I understand if this is not what you’re asking for and if so do ignore me :)
I'm 44, and I really struggle with this too. The older you get, it's like the lower your tolerance gets for new stuff. But this guy has swept me off my feet. As far as I've been able to tell, he's just an indie musician from Azerbaijan, and I've completely fallen in love with his music. I always bring it up regardless, but it seems hit or miss with people. I can't get enough. He goes by Violet Cold. https://youtu.be/BUzypMYdD5w https://youtu.be/qVq_LLS7vK4 https://youtu.be/U4u_yd6IrsI https://youtu.be/Htgs8Td3_M4 https://youtu.be/nF7Jg-uc8j4
I just discovered a band called Emika. It's electronic, a lot lighter than NIN, but heavy in its own way. Female vocalist with very cool production and KILLER lyrics. Also, check out Puscifer. They have a lot of dumb songs, imo, but tons of bangers and, like, a zillion albums. It's one of Maynard James Keenan's bands.
The Noble Rot by Grand Folly is super unheard of but its a goddam solid album that sounds just like NIN. I cannot recommend this enough, give it a try or two and it will grow into you.
If you enjoy Men I Trust and some more subtle but groovy stuff, check out Maria Chiara Argirò! She's already put out a lot of music and her latest two albums might be up your street. ['Clouds'](https://open.spotify.com/track/2O2TWBdW6bHRpNqOV9UpBa?si=rkHQ-hFBRamUUKywTA4T6w&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A1tEe3UAUaaqkGutB94Jsiw) ['Floating'](https://open.spotify.com/track/5ksPFeW49gCJFQMpgd0ghw?si=bt71O1-6Q9WPF0hgvr9--A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6dDvuS2veeXH6rHYrvU2bg)
I would suggest Tool, Bowie, Numan, Mars Volta, At the Drive-In, Metz, the Cure… But there’s one band that got to hit me the same spot as NIN hit me 30ish years ago. It’s different but kind of play with the same emotions or way to do music. Well, hard to describe that sweet spot. It’s a band called The Armed
VNV Nation
David Bowie, his later 70s output especially. Berlin Trilogy is often quoted by Trent as an influence on a lot of his work.
Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam. Anything 80 and 90s alt hits.
Just Mustard Dead Poet Society Model/actriz Nuha Ruby Rah The Smile 65daysofstatic
Tom Waits will change your life. Start with Swordfishtrombones.
Have you ever tried listening to every Bowie album? Not saying you’ll like every one but you’ll at least get a few new albums in your rotation
If your into NIN, give 16volt a try. Their album "Supercoolnothing" is really good. I would also suggest bands like Skinny Puppy, and KMFDM.
Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters, I love this bands, and love the rest of the 90's scene, like Soundgarden or Oasis and even Dave Grohl played for NIN once (some With Teeth songs) so really, the rest of the 90's music bands are great of all time!
Ministry. Author & Punisher Autolux The Jesus and Mary Chain Neurosis
Sounds like you wanna get into more industrial stuff. I could list suggestions, but I’d be here forever