In a new instalment of Hot Press Classics, Paul Nolan goes over the brilliance of Nine Inch Nails' 1994 classic The Downward Spiral.

Formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988 by Trent Reznor, NIN released heir first studio album Pretty Hate Machine, which was met with widespread acclaim. However, it resulted in Reznor feuding with his then-label TVT Record over promotion of the album. He eventually signed with Interscope Records. Pretty Hate Machine was later certified triple-platinum by RIAA, becoming one of the first independently released albums to do so.

NIN's third album, The Downward Spiral, came out in 1994 to immediate success, which established the group as a reputable force in 1990s. Over the years, it has been listed on several publications' best album lists, including Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

In the podcast, Paul Nolan explores the legacy of NIN's hit single 'Closer' as well as the brilliance of its music videos, the group's long standing relationship with David Bowie and the melodic flair of their industrial sound.

In other parts of the episode, Nolan discusses NIN's legendary reputation as a live act, Reznor's rejection of mainstream sensibilities, and the genius of his work in score.

To round up the podcast, Nolan brings back interviews with Gavin Friday and Gary Numan where they discuss their relationship with The Downward Spiral and Nine Inch Nails.

You can check out the series' newest episode below or on Apple Podcasts: