Nine Inch Nails has surprise-released two new albums, Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts, and made them available for free.
Consisting of 23 new instrumental tracks, they are described on NIN's web site as “two different records for two different mindsets.” NIN duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross stated, “As the news seems to turn ever more grim by the hour, we've found ourselves vacillating wildly between feeling like there may be hope at times to utter despair — often changing minute to minute. Although each of us define ourselves as antisocial-types who prefer being on our own, this situation has really made us appreciate the power and need for connection.”
They continued, “Music — whether listening to it, thinking about it or creating it — has always been the thing that helped us get through anything — good or bad. With that in mind, we decided to burn the midnight oil and complete these new Ghosts records as a means of staying somewhat sane.”
The pair added, “Ghosts V: Together is for when things seem like it might all be okay, and Ghosts VI: Locusts . . . well, you'll figure it out. It made us feel better to make these and it feels good to share them. Music has always had a way of making us feel a little less alone in the world . . . and hopefully it does for you, too. Remember, everyone is in this thing together and this too shall pass.”
Nine Inch Nails is supposed to tour later this year, and will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.