With artists around the world finding themselves with a lot more time on their hands during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s no surprise that many of them are busy writing new material. Nine Inch Nails made it clear that they are hard at work and have surprised fans with not one, but two new albums. Titled Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts respectively, are continuations of the group’s previously-released series of instrumental albums Ghosts I-IV.
The albums, like their predecessors, are free to download under a Creative Commons License, giving listeners the opportunity to sample the tracks in their own work. Most notably, one of Nine Inch Nails’ tracks, “34 Ghosts IV,” was heavily sampled in Lil Nas X‘s massive hit “Old Town Road.”
In a statement on the group’s website, members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross had this to say:
“Friends—
Weird times indeed…
As the news seems to turn even more grim by the hour, we’ve found ourselves vacillating wildly between feeling like there may be hope at times to udder despair – often changing minute to minute. Although each of us define ourselves as antisocial-types who prefer being on our own, this situation has really made us appreciate the power and need for connection.
Music — whether listening to it, thinking about it or creating it — has always been the thing that helped us get through anything – good or bad. With that in mind, we decided to burn the midnight oil and complete these new Ghosts records as a means of staying somewhat sane.
Ghosts V: Together is for when things seem like it might all be okay, and Ghosts VI: Locusts…well you’ll figure it out.
It made us feel better to make these and it feels good to share them. Music has always had a way of making us feel a little less alone in the world…and hopefully, it does for you, too. Remember, everyone is in this thing together and this too shall pass.
We look forward to seeing you again soon. Be smart and safe and take care of each other.
With love,
Trent & Atticus”
Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts are available for free download on Nine Inch Nails’ official website and on various streaming services.
Featured Image: The Null Corporation
