Back in 2008, Nine Inch Nails released their four-part album Ghosts I-IV that brought the industrial rock band into the unfamiliar territory of dark ambient. The original records were described by Trent Reznor as being “a soundtrack for daydreams” based on their darker melodies and ethereal texturing. Just a couple weeks ago Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross announced that Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts were going to be made free for listeners. This decision was made from a stance of solidarity in response to the 2020 pandemic currently plaguing the world. Many of us are at home constantly now not knowing what is truly happening. Others continue to work on the frontlines risking their health for the public. Times are looking grim, but it is always important to not give up hope in times like this and ride it out as safely as possible. Ghosts V-VI reflect the emotions we are currently facing, but act as a solace during these dark times at the same time.

Both records feature over an hour of dark ambient and Nine Inch Nails were able to seperate them from each other with different characteristics. Ghosts V in particular is different from the majority of the Ghosts series of albums through its keen focus directed towards atmosphere. Rather than a collection of ideas placed over textured spaciness, Ghosts V utilizes droning synths and bass among other instruments with very minimalistic piano arrangements. This works out exceptionally on the opener “Letting Go While Holding On” which creates a feeling of gloom and loneliness while holding a subtle sense of tranquility. The slow moving pianos at the beginning have a misty texturing to them that gives off dreamlike qualities over the low, brooding drones. Xylophones then come in as the drones grow more prominent adding a beautiful mystery to the piece. Halfway through the track all other instruments are removed and becomes a collage of echoing drones and goulish vocals that continually adds layers for the final swell. “Together” reaches a similar atmosphere, but the pianos give off more of a comforting and serene field among the drones that begin to crackle a mutate at the end. The incorporation of field recordings add a naturistic vibe as well in which I love.

The buzzing ambience on Ghosts V are great for emitting emotions without the help of vocals. They make “Out In the Open” feel grand and more complex than it truly is. The exchange of bells over the brighter synths retain the feeling of looming dread within the tranquility. I just wish there were a couple more elements to really bring the piece to life. Such issue comes up again on “With Faith” and “Apart” which are fine in their own right. “With Faith” does have a great ending where soaring guitar notes work with the drones to create an anthemic feel, but the light xylophones and pianos have an awkward texture to them making them stiff especially in the middle of the track where the drones become oversaturated to the point that they conflict with each other. “Apart” on the other hand has these ominous synths that don’t have much complimenting them aside from the occasional piano chords and shifts in dynamics. Following these tracks are “Your Touch” which much like “Together” balances tranquility with despondency through the juxtaposition between the lingering airiness and reflective pianos. What sets it apart are the extraterrestrial synths that ride the overarching flow further pushing the mystery of behind the Ghosts series.

Continuing the atmospheric motif of the record are the final two tracks “Hope We Can Again” and “Still Right Here”. “Hope We Can Again” is the most dismal song on Ghosts V for its low piano notes hiding below a crackling breeze. In the middle of the track sharp, high-pitched notes begin piercing the mold which I would’ve liked more if they didn’t eventually become ear-piercing. I’m fine with noisier qualities in music, but the inclusion on “Hope We Can Again” hurts the mood and makes the similar front and back of the track disconnected from each other. Finishing off the record is “Still Right Here” which is the most reminiscent of Ghosts I-IV for its addition of rhythms in the middle. It’s a nice change of pace adding a post-industrial beat with guitars holding it together and gives a nod to the prior four collections and Ghosts VI whom is must closer to the style of the rest.

Overall I think Ghosts V: Together is the strongest part of the Ghosts albums even for its shortcomings. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s minimalistic approach emphasizes the abstract ideas intended to be portrayed and provides a clearer concept relatable to our current situation. The record has a meditative aesthetic that doesn’t hide the dark times currently caused by COVID-19 and balances it with a sense of hope that we will survive and grow stronger. There are good times ahead and we cannot give up. Stay safe everyone and consider those who you’re around daily along with those who you may not know when making decisions.

Favorite Tracks: “Letting Go While Holding On”; “Together”; “Your Touch”

Rating: 7/10

Released: 03/26/2020

Label: The Null Corporation

Genres: Dark Ambient, Drone, Ambient, Post-Industrial

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