How to Destroy Angels, 'Welcome Oblivion' -- 47-Second Album Review

It's not until "On the Wing," the sixth song on How to Destroy Angels' debut album Welcome Oblivion, that it becomes clear what's so darn uncomfortable about the whole thing. As Mariqueen Maandig and husband/Nine Inch Nails overlord Trent Reznor coo over a deliberate thumping beat, the melody line that shines through is Johnny Nash's feel good reggae-pop hit "I Can See Clearly Now."

That's when it hits: This isn't Trent Reznor fucking us like animals, or marching with the pigs or giving up or whatever. This is Reznor experiencing a bright sunshiny day. Or at least whatever equals a bright sunshiny day in his world.

Though "The Wakeup," "And the Sky Began to Scream" and the title track all feature signature Reznor-style clomp, it's clear Mariqueen's presence salves much of the hate contained in his machines.

If anything, it's the Dengue Fever-hinting plucks of "Ice Age" that hold the most promise for How to Destroy Angels' future. Far removed from the rest of the album's NIN-lite, it's an intriguing and entirely different direction for the Reznor family and one that could separate the band from the Nails' overwhelming shadow.

The Bottom Line: If you've bro'd down expecting Welcome Oblivion to be "Closer" redone with a chick singer you've come to the wrong place. This is more like Delerium with less dancing and more atmosphere.