nine inch nails_ halo 13: the day the world went away fans of nine inch nails have waited for new album material from the band since 1994. that new material is finally here in the form of halo 13, the day the world went away, the first single (to be disputed as it has no radio single or video) from the soon to be released album The Fragile. to the point: halo 13 (v.cd) includes 3 tracks, (1) TDTWWA (2) Starfuckers Inc. (3) TDTWWA (quiet). the day the world went away starts off slow, opening in a distancing trance like movement, quietly building up to the trademark nine inch nails guitar sound (loud and distorted).. growing thicker in a simple power chord pattern, before cutting out into distorted bass accompanied by trent`s vocals that sound almost angelic and innocent. already this marks the halfway point of the song. the vocals last only about 30 seconds, echoing out while an acoustic guitar takes over the song before being displaced by the thrust of the guitars and the swirling "na na na nah..." that closes the song abruptly. note that there is no percussion whatsoever in this song. 4.03 starfuckers inc. (an attack rumoured to be about either marilyn manson or courtney love.. take your pick.) is a damn powerhouse of a rock song. power chords abound, screams resonate an easily memorable chorus "starfuckers, starfuckers incorporated..," and a drumkit is beaten to death. all which sums up the song nicely. as another little touch of fame-attack, the song ends with a sampled "Goodnite! Woo.." over screaming fans, from Kiss` "Shout It Out Loud." 5.24 the day the world went away (quiet) is basically backwards. starting off with the "na na na nah..." and ending with the eerie transcending synth of the original. the guitars are missing, some piano is added, but that`s to be expected with the "quiet" version. 6.20 so is it any good? simply put, yes. was it worth the wait? not quite. but from what the single sounds like, the album will be. it fits nicely into the void that i was feeling because of lack of technologically-sound, future-looking rock. other recommended listening: the tea party: triptych. tool: aenima. nine inch nails: the perfect drug versions. soundgarden: ty cobb. paul richard cook.