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Bad Witch
by
Bad Witch Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

  • Summary: The six-track project is the third and final part of a planned trilogy of EPs for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 26, 2018
    100
    It’s the sound of a band bolstering their already formidable palette. Free from the shackles of Reznor’s self-imposed trilogy of releases, the masters of melancholy sound rejuvenated, and ready for another 30-plus years as kings of the musical underworld.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 25, 2018
    82
    The transitions are what make the thing, equally as important as the actual songs here. Bad Witch finds Trent at a rare peak in terms of song flow and focus, and as a piece is absolutely deserving of the LP distinction, brutally short runtime be damned.
  3. Q Magazine
    Jun 20, 2018
    80
    Thirty years in NIN sound reinvigorated. [Summer 2018, p.116]
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  4. The Skinny
    Jun 26, 2018
    80
    Bad Witch has a more palpable vein of nihilism coursing through it than perhaps any Nine Inch Nails release since the seminal The Downward Spiral.
  5. AllMusic
    Jun 22, 2018
    70
    As the band looks back upon three decades of pain and rage, Reznor and Ross leave the sonic bread crumbs and callback allusions to the first two installments, advancing with fresh and surprising new possibilities for the coming era of Nine Inch Nails.
  6. Clash Music
    Jun 28, 2018
    70
    While never quite holding together as a set, NIN continues to admirably cover new ground while doing what they do best, namely reflecting humanity’s worst impulses.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 20, 2018
    60
    If you’re looking for connectivity between the tracks, it’s difficult to find it through the array of hyperactive noise. However Reznor and writing partner Atticus Ross managed to create their own version of The Matrix.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. DavidCall360
    Jun 22, 2018
    10
    After the past two NIN releases, this release is totally out of left field. And it is pretty great. Lots more aggression than there has beenAfter the past two NIN releases, this release is totally out of left field. And it is pretty great. Lots more aggression than there has been in years. Tons of experimentation. Its great.… Expand
  2. ilikeurfacegive
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    The LP contains some of the most interesting and creative moments since The Slip, yet it goes on top even that album. Overall, NIN is in their prime.
  4. Vukmirion
    Jun 24, 2018
    9
    The freshest and most consistent part of recent NIN trilogy. Especially "Over and Out" builds enormously melancholic vibe and could easilyThe freshest and most consistent part of recent NIN trilogy. Especially "Over and Out" builds enormously melancholic vibe and could easily replace "Hurt" as an encore at live shows.
    I respect and like the fact that Reznor doesn't care about his fanbase expectations and freely experiments with different styles. It gives a risk of potential mistakes but after all creates a strong, rich and various discography.    … Expand
  5. Hipstersnob
    Jun 24, 2018
    8
    Good, short, to the point album from reznor and ross. The instrumental tracks are a little off putting but apart from that, an excellent album
  6. huri
    Jun 24, 2018
    8
    Solid album with new sounds to offer in the NIN catalogue. Of the latest releases from NIN, this one is the most thought provoking and theSolid album with new sounds to offer in the NIN catalogue. Of the latest releases from NIN, this one is the most thought provoking and the most personnel. I escaped for 30 minutes and 14 seconds.… Expand
  7. Doof
    Jul 12, 2018
    7
    The 'return to form' narrative is in full effect, as are the 'this is much more experimental' claims. In reality, neither is true. This is aThe 'return to form' narrative is in full effect, as are the 'this is much more experimental' claims. In reality, neither is true. This is a solid release, about the same quality of all Reznor's output over the last six or seven years. The jazz influence is welcome, the crooner-esque vocals slightly less so. Not bad.… Expand
  8. jewz
    Jun 23, 2018
    5
    Bad Witch would be a serviceable EP..... but since Trent Reznor insists on calling it an album, it must be reviewed as such. So: a half-hourBad Witch would be a serviceable EP..... but since Trent Reznor insists on calling it an album, it must be reviewed as such. So: a half-hour mixtape of experimental noise, late Bowie worship, and a scant few moments of buried potential, mostly found within danceable intro Sh*t Mirror and the laid-back trip-hop of closer Over and Out. Mr. Reznor's forays into the hard industrial of early NIN influencers like Coil and Whitehouse work best when tempered by his natural inclinations toward radio-friendly pop and arena rock, and unfortunately little of that is on display here. Strictly for hardcore fans.… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2018

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