The Greater Good - Year Zero // NIN track by track breakdown

Earlier this year we listened to Year Zero on my Patreon and with their blessing I'm releasing an edited recording of the livestream, song by song! There's some analysis of the melodies/chords/rhythms and soloing of the individual multitracks to hear how all the components fit together to make the final track!
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[ONZATUITOXIC]

It's always nice... and rare... to find someone who truly appreciates nine inch nails. They (Trent) is infinitely more than what's heard and portrayed mainstream. For a little while I used to think it would be nice if the herding masses could see. But then I go straight to... "selfish, mine, mine, mine. Nine inch nails is mine. Don't cast your pearls before swine"
That's my truth. Trent Reznor didn't create his genius, beautiful, masterful, soul scraping, heart grinding, stomach blending, true to self, scary-honest paragons of nearly tangible content and quality and depth for just whoever. And especially not for sheep and pigs.
Nine Inch Nails has had my intense appreciation since the early early 90s. Thank you thank you thank you

[shanepye]

LOVE this track. The scratch sound in this track sounds like wet windshield wipers.
And indeed, these authoritarian measures are effective.
In the lore, you have to keep in mind Parapin and Opal. Parapin was added to the water supply (In Year Zero) to medicate the population.

[Johnny_T]

Sort of a dark asmr tune, strangely soothing

[RawrFatcat]

Hi Ixi! I actually got to see NIN live for the first time yesterday, it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to (plus I think it was their first show in 4 years). Thank you for your videos! I can appreciate everything going on in their music a lot better after listening to you break it down

[ryanjosef]

(8:02) "sounds soo good on headphones omg". That statement is solid, I run a/t ath-m50x for my earballs for everything including music, when you can hear every freq and little crisp pop or grinding peak or bass bomb of what you are listening to it really is something enjoyable .. Its even better for a person like me getting close to 40 that hasn't ruined his hearing with "more volume = better uhg *grunt* " .... lol.. Good work and vibes on this series of videos! :)

[atraveleronthesea]

One of my favorites tracks. This album brings up so many great visuals and ideas for me. This song in particular. I see a scene of a dusty room or warehouse with sunlight streaming through the windows. The dust swirls and right as the base drops the dust starts to Coalesce into a human form walking out of the shadows.

[MidnightMechanic]

"Why was Tyler Durden building an army? To what purpose? For what greater good? In Tyler we trusted."

This song fits right into Fight Club, which makes sense considering the subject matter of both this album and the movie.

[kavokei]

See, THIS is why I subscribed! Your passion whilst picking apart and analysing each track is infectious and an absolute joy to watch. Thank you!

[sarahr]

YES!! Love this song!! Definitely one of my favorite NIN songs 🥹

[giantjulez]

This track always makes me think of Resident Evil 4. One of my favorites on the album. Primal and futuristic simultaneously.

[cinnamonanarchy]

I am embarrassed to admit, I never took a minute to really listen to this one before you brought it to our attention! Thank you so much IXI you always have the best interpretations! Legit I never heard the words in the song until today you rock IXI

[dorego]

This and Great destroyer are my favorites of the album.

[laz]

Looking forward to Great Destroyer —- “Red Horse Vector” - such a mindf**** surprise…

[russelrw]

I LOVE your breakdowns. Thank you so much.

[jtvj]

This track slightly reminds me of the sound-scaping sort of stuff Trent did for the Quake soundtrack which is some of the coolest and creepiest ambience ever and there's some grooves with synths and drums and such that subtley drive the songs. Not as musical as this track per se but still some may find similarities. There's not a lot of Trent in this style so I highly highly recommend a listen to the Quake soundtrack, especially in the dark with headphones on. Edit: I suppose Ghosts sorta does too but still check out Quake if you want more.

[yosh]

Such an amazing song. And amazing analysis. Very haunting. I often don’t give this song its due because the next track is off the charts. Omg, ong, omg, Ixi I can’t wait for your Great Destroyer break down. I have a listening room. When I have anyone over to hear what a dedicated room can offer, Great Destroyer is always the capstone song. From 2 speakers it can somehow make the entire room come alive. An amazing work. I am so looking forward to your analysis of what is happening!

[TheParadox]

You should check out frequency shifters! Frequency shifting is an atonal way to make a sound be higher or lower, while not changing the pitch. Pitch shifters are tonal, while frequency shifters are not. It’s a really cool way to make something sound “wrong.” He uses it a lot in this track I think. 15:50 is dead ringer for a frequency shifted piano.

[DJKuroh]

That squelchy synth glitch noise is so good. How do you even do that!?

[familiarsting]

Could you move the window with tracks to a higher corner so we can see what more of what your playing? Please and thank you ixi. Love 🖤

[H.F.Jimenez]

"I know what my answer was for a long time. I didn’t care a bit about being constipated, or twitchy, or losing most of my sex drive, or even risking the occasional 'serious' side effect... so long as I felt safe."