Nine Inch Nails - The Fragile: Deviations 1

Released in 2016, The Fragile: Deviations 1 is a fascinating companion piece to Nine Inch Nails' critically acclaimed double album The Fragile (1999). Serving as an alternate exploration of the original work, this album offers a deeper, more experimental dive into the material that helped define a pivotal moment in Trent Reznor's musical journey. Deviations 1 is not simply a collection of outtakes or remixes—it’s an immersive reimagining of The Fragile, restructured with intricate, atmospheric instrumentals and the raw emotionality that is characteristic of Nine Inch Nails' catalog.

The album spans 19 tracks, many of which are reworks or instrumental versions of familiar The Fragile cuts, alongside previously unreleased material. Where The Fragile was sprawling and ambitious, Deviations 1 is even more unrestrained, showcasing a wealth of alternate versions, atmospheric builds, and introspective, almost haunting pieces. The sense of tension and isolation that runs through The Fragile is amplified here, with a focus on textures and sonic detail that pulls the listener into a much darker, more cerebral space.

Tracks like "The Wretched (Version)" and "The Mark Has Been Made (Alternate Version)" reveal new layers of depth and experimentation, breathing fresh life into songs fans thought they knew inside and out. The album leans heavily on the power of ambience and mood, making it an essential listen for those who appreciate Reznor’s unparalleled skill in sculpting sound and emotion. It's an album that invites reflection and rewards repeated listens, with each track offering something new to uncover.

The Fragile: Deviations 1 is an essential addition to the Nine Inch Nails discography for fans of the band, Reznor’s production work, and those who appreciate music that pushes boundaries. This release highlights his ability to stretch a song into its most expressive form, often deconstructing elements from The Fragile into their rawest forms—perfect for those who crave the subtle complexities of his sound. Whether you're a long-time fan of the album or just diving into the experimental side of Nine Inch Nails, this record offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process and serves as a profound meditation on the themes of fragility and transformation.

A must-have for collectors, audiophiles, and lovers of boundary-pushing music, The Fragile: Deviations 1 is a testament to Trent Reznor's enduring legacy and his unyielding exploration of sound.

Tracklist:

A1 Somewhat Damaged (Instrumental)
A2 The Day The World Went Away (Instrumental)
A3 The Frail (Alternate Version)
A4 The Wretched (Instrumental)
B1 Missing Places
B2 We're In This Together (Instrumental)
B3 The Fragile (Instrumental)
B4 Just Like You Imagined (Alternate Version)
B5 The March (Instrumental)
C1 Even Deeper (Instrumental)
C2 Pilgrimage (Alternate Version)
C3 One Way To Get There
C4 No, You Don't (Instrumental)
C5 Taken
D1 La Mer (Alternate Version)
D2 The Great Below (Instrumental)
D3 Not What It Seems Like (Instrumental)
D4 White Mask
D5 The New Flesh (Instrumental)
E1 The Way Out Is Through (Alternate Version)
E2 Into The Void (Instrumental)
E3 Where Is Everybody? (Instrumental)
E4 The Mark Has Been Made (Alternate Version)
F1 Was It Worth It? (Instrumental)
F2 Please (Instrumental)
F3 +Appendage (Instrumental)
F4 Can I Stay Here? (Instrumental)
F5 10 Miles High (Instrumental)
G1 Feeders
G2 Starfuckers, Inc. (Instrumental)
G3 Complication (Alternate Version)
G4 Claustrophobia Machine (Raw)
G5 Last Heard From
H1 I'm Looking Forward To Joining You, Finally (Instrumental)
H2 The Big Come Down (Instrumental)
H3 Underneath It All (Instrumental)
H4 Ripe With Decay (Instrumental)