Is Fixed a good place to start with Nine Inch Nails?

Yes, Fixed is recommended as a starting point for new Nine Inch Nails listeners. An exploration of industrial soundscapes, blending abrasive textures with haunting melodies that redefine the boundaries of remix culture. Fixed was released in December 1992 as Nine Inch Nails' first remix EP, following their groundbreaking debut album, Pretty Hate Machine. This release came at a time when Trent Reznor was solidifying his reputation in the industrial music scene, showcasing his willingness to experiment with sounds and collaborate with other artists, setting the tone for future works.

Fixed works well if you're into unsettling soundscapes for deep focus, immersive listening for late nights and cathartic release of pent-up tension.

How many songs are on Fixed?

Fixed has 6 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Fixed

Nine Inch Nails · 1992

40 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

An exploration of industrial soundscapes, blending abrasive textures with haunting melodies that redefine the boundaries of remix culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gave Up (remixed by Coil with Danny Hyde) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Gave Up — The Coil remix introduces a surreal atmosphere that transforms the original's aggression into a haunting experience, showcasing how remixes can reinterpret emotional intensity.
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Wish — This remix amplifies the original's raw energy while layering it with complex arrangements, illustrating how different production techniques can alter perception of a song.
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Happiness in Slavery — The remixed version intensifies the themes of bondage and control through an unsettling soundscape, emphasizing Reznor's skill in crafting immersive audio experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases innovative remixing techniques while maintaining a cohesive industrial sound throughout.

What we noticed

Each track features heavy manipulation of the original material, with varying degrees of distortion and layering that create a dense soundscape.
The EP opens with a high-energy remix before transitioning into more experimental and ambient textures in the latter half.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats for more abstract arrangements.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

unsettling soundscapes for deep focus
immersive listening for late nights
cathartic release of pent-up tension
challenging auditory experience for exploration

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat, cheerful tones
prefer straightforward, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Introduced a remix approach, diverging from established sound and influencing electronic genres.
Themes: industrial decay· provocative soundscapes· dark electronic experimentation
Career context: Fixed was released in December 1992 as Nine Inch Nails' first remix EP, following their groundbreaking debut album, Pretty Hate Machine. This release came at a time when Trent Reznor was solidifying his reputation in the industrial music scene, showcasing his willingness to experiment with sounds and collaborate with other artists, setting the tone for future works.
Stylistic neighbors: Marilyn Manson· Ministry· Skinny Puppy

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Tracklist

1 Gave Up (remixed by Coil with Danny Hyde) Start here 5:25
2 Wish (remixed by J.G. Thirlwell) 9:10
3 Happiness in Slavery (remixed by Trent Reznor and Chris Vrenna with P.K.) 6:08
4 Throw This Away (assembled by Trent Reznor and Chris Vrenna with Butch Vig) 4:14
5 Fist Fuck (remixed by J.G. Thirlwell) 7:20
6 Screaming Slave 8:02