Not the Actual Events [EP]
by Nine Inch Nails
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Exclaim
    Jan 3, 2017
    60
    Rather than offering a bold new step in Reznor's long, winding career, Not the Actual Events feels more like tentative first steps towards something bigger.
  2. NOW Magazine
    Jan 3, 2017
    60
    The burst of primal aggression is welcome (especially in today's political climate), but this EP is too meandering and amorphous to hit as hard as the band’s best stuff.
  3. Consequence
    Jan 3, 2017
    50
    Between the abundant déja vu and the periodical redundancy (doldrums which would be easy enough to overlook on a full-length, but prove problematic on a brisk 21-minute listen like this), Not the Actual Events’ purported “impenetrability” manifests as a riotous retread instead.

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. KryoYmir
    Mar 1, 2018
    7
    After a three-year break, Nine Inch Nails returns. Taking a sharp turn away from the more upbeat electronics, Not The Actual Events is a punchAfter a three-year break, Nine Inch Nails returns. Taking a sharp turn away from the more upbeat electronics, Not The Actual Events is a punch to the face...and not much more. Taking the grunge and metal elements of earlier albums and combining them with the high production value of more recent albums, NTAE is an odd mix of elements from across NIN's career.… Full Review »
  2. davidpirtle
    Oct 18, 2017
    8
    It may not be light years ahead of Hesitation Marks in terms of quality, but it's head and shoulders more interesting. Let's hope this firstIt may not be light years ahead of Hesitation Marks in terms of quality, but it's head and shoulders more interesting. Let's hope this first EP of a planned trilogy marks a new renaissance for the middle-aged industrial icon.… Full Review »
  3. Bnhafwents
    Jan 5, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. There's something with "Not the Actual Events" and it's something hard and strong on the lyrics, with a interesting work between Reznor and Ross. "Branches/Bones" makes something that remembers to Year Zero's Hyperpower with The Slip's 1,000,000. "The Idea of You" is an angry track with powerful energy between NIN and Dave Grohl. "Burning Bright" is the best track of the EP because is an excelent G#-tuning-industrial-metal interpretation of the new Reznor after his rehab and his new beautiful things in his life; he says here: "I came back and I'm destruction like before". "Dead World," and "She's Gone Away" are the weakest tracks of NTAE, but they have something that doesn't make them bad songs. The first one is a remind of Reznor and Ross film score work, and the second one manages to be a The Fragile's new song thanks to its depressive lyrics, and dark digital and natural sounds. It isn't one of the best NIN album, but it's a good return to rage that's part of the band's aesthetic.… Full Review »
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