[1]NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–When HomeLife, a Southern Baptist family magazine, printed a critical review of the musical group Nine Inch Nails, fans of the band were quick to respond with e-mail messages affirming the group and its leader, Trent Reznor.
The band has a global following of loyal fans in their teens and early 20s. Bob DeMoss, an international speaker on youth culture, said even Christian teenagers listen to the angst-driven lyrics of Nine Inch Nails.
“Parent’s should find out whether or not their kids listen to Nine Inch Nails,” DeMoss said. “They should check out the lyrics to these songs.”
Reznor, 34, is widely regarded by fellow musicians as one of the most influential voices in alternative music and his music is near the top of the charts.
Reznor’s own music is filled with profanity and derogatory references to God. In Nine Inch Nails’ latest recording, “Fragile,” DeMoss said Reznor’s view of God provides a clue as to the source of his inner turmoil.
Reznor writes, “The clouds will part and the sky cracks open/and God himself will reach his…arm through/just to push you down/just to hold you down.”
[2]It appears as though Reznor’s music is popular with industry insiders. Nine Inch Nails has been nominated for a Grammy, the highest musical award given by the National Academy of the Recording Arts.
Reznor put together the sound tracks for Oliver Stone’s controversial 1994 “Natural Born Killers” and David Lynch’s 1997 “Lost Highway.”
Recording artist Marilyn Manson’s “AntiChrist Super Star” became the first major album released by Reznor’s studio, Nothing Records, which he founded in 1992.
Nothing Records’ parent company, Interscope Records, is home to both secular and Christian artists, including Kirk Franklin and Amy Grant.
Reznor and Manson had a well-publicized falling out that was detailed in the October 1999 issue of Rolling Stone. Their bitter split occurred when Reznor reportedly heard that Manson wanted David Bowie to produce the follow-up album to “AntiChrist.”