What makes An Omen by How to Destroy Angels notable?

'An Omen' received positive reviews for its experimental approach to industrial music, highlighting its innovative use of texture and mood. The EP solidified the band's presence in the alternative music scene, earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork and contributing to Reznor's reputation as a versatile artist beyond his work with Nine Inch Nails. By the time 'An Omen' was released in 2013, How to Destroy Angels had established themselves as a notable side project of Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor. This EP followed their self-titled debut and showcased an evolution in sound, blending elements of industrial music with more atmospheric and ambient influences, marking a significant step in their artistic direction.

How many songs are on An Omen?

An Omen has 6 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

An Omen

How to Destroy Angels · 2013

32 min · 6 tracks · industrial music

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and dark, mechanical soundscapes that envelops the listener in a dystopian atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Keep It Together — This track opens the EP with a compelling mix of electronic beats and haunting vocals, setting the tone for the entire project.
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Ice Age — The extended duration allows for a gradual build-up of tension, showcasing the band's ability to create immersive sonic landscapes.
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Speaking in Tongues — This track stands out for its intricate layers and emotional depth, exemplifying the blend of vulnerability and darkness that defines the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP blends atmospheric textures with industrial elements, creating a unique but somewhat disjointed listening experience.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a layered synth drone that gradually introduces ethereal vocals, setting a haunting tone.
Tracks often feature abrupt transitions, with some ending in silence before the next begins, creating a disjointed flow.
Several tracks incorporate industrial percussion elements that punctuate the atmospheric soundscapes, adding to the mechanical feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Keep It Together 4:30
2 Ice Age 7:00
3 On the Wing 4:54
4 The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters 4:25
5 The Loop Closes 4:48
6 Speaking in Tongues 6:59

What to play next

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2013

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industrial music

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