Lyrically, Trent Reznor’s not my thing. He seems more out to prove he’s hardcore or “edgy” than express anything meaningful, the majority of the time. His lyrics just feel very disingenuous to me. Musically, I just never could get into industrial, for the most part.
So, while I don’t disregard the fact that they have made good music and written good songs, they’re just really not my thing.
I’ve only listened to the downward spiral, which didn’t really impress me. I’d rather listen to Ministry or, say, Einstürzende Neubauten*.
*who are also great live, hammering things and banging wrenches.