"Not the Actual Events" is an EP by Nine Inch Nails, released on December 23, 2016. It marks a return for the band after a period of relative quiet following their 2013 album, "Hesitation Marks." The EP was released independently through The Null Corporation, the band's own label.
The project was created primarily by Trent Reznor and his longtime collaborator Atticus Ross, who was anointed as an official member of Nine Inch Nails with this release. Known for their work together on film scores, the collaboration brought a fresh yet familiar sound to the EP.
Musically, "Not the Actual Events" delves into a darker, more aggressive style that harkens back to the raw industrial rock for which Nine Inch Nails became famous in the '90s. The EP consists of five tracks characterized by dense layers of sound, heavy guitar riffs, and experimental elements. The lyrics address themes of existential angst, introspection, and emotional disconnect.
The release was part of a larger trilogy of works, followed by the EPs "Add Violence" in 2017 and "Bad Witch" in 2018. Reznor described "Not the Actual Events" as an unfriendly and fairly impenetrable statement, indicating its intentional departure from the more polished sounds of previous releases.
The EP was available in digital formats as well as a unique physical component, which included a black powder-coated sleeve and a collection of printed materials, adding an interactive element for fans.
Critically, "Not the Actual Events" was well-received, praised for its return to the band’s roots with a modern edge. It was viewed as a successful re-engagement with Nine Inch Nails’ more gritty and abrasive side, showcasing Reznor's continued innovation as an artist.
