How To Destroy Angels
by How to Destroy Angels
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. AllMusic
    60
    HTDA's debut EP doesn't consist of dressed-up leftovers from The Slip: some of Reznor's obsessions remain recognizable, but having collaborators opens up the music and Maandig softens it, giving this EP a different feel despite some familiar sounds.
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Reznor's torture-device beats only magnify the push-pull between them [him and his wife, Mariqueen Maandig].
  3. Spin
    60
    Trent Reznor's dark symphonies of clank succeed when their bleakness is broken by moments of humanity or hilarity, both of which come from the Nine Inch Nails mastermind's serrated scream. But when Reznor's haunted-spaceship beats combine with the seductive coo of former West Indian Girl vocalist Mariqueen Mandig (his wife) on the trio's debut EP, the results too often suggest a plodding, Matrix-style soundtrack.
  5. The A.V. Club
    42
    As it is, How To Destroy Angels resembles a subdued Nine Inch Nails with female vocals.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. thedarkorb
    Sep 23, 2010
    7
    The debut EP from HTDA is generally an enjoyable, though brief, listen for the duration of it's six tracks; from the almost sinister soundingThe debut EP from HTDA is generally an enjoyable, though brief, listen for the duration of it's six tracks; from the almost sinister sounding opening track (The Space In Between) to the mournful piano at the conclusion of A Drowning. Available as a free download or vinyl from the official website or in CD form it marks an interesting if not entirely new direction for Trent Reznor, of Nine Inch Nails fame, as he collaborates with his wife Mariqueen Maandig and Atticus Ross. Musically it comes across sounding very similar to recent NIN releases like Year Zero and The Slip. If your not familiar with NIN then you'll find HTDA is laced with layers of heavily distorted exotic synth, guitar, and rhythmic percussion. Interestingly though the vocals and lyrics are all written and performed by Mariqueen which blankets the NIN sound with a smokey air. Basically if you've enjoyed recent NIN releases then you will likely enjoy this as it's more of the same but with female vocals.… Full Review »
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