Pretty Hate Machine

Pretty Hate Machine is the debut studio album by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, released by TVT Records on 20 October 1989. The album was produced by Trent Reznor, along with English producers John Fryer and Flood, among others.

The album is noted for its heavy use of synthesizers, blending electronic, industrial, and rock elements. Its lyrics explore themes of angst, betrayal, and lovesickness, a characteristic that would continue in the band’s subsequent work. Promotion for the album included the singles “Down in It,” “Head Like a Hole,” and “Sin,” as well as a supporting tour. A remastered edition was released in 2010.

Pretty Hate Machine achieved commercial success, reaching number 75 on the US charts and receiving critical acclaim. Despite its success, Reznor, the band’s sole official member until 2016, had conflicts with TVT Records over the album’s promotion, which contributed to his decision to later sign with Interscope Records. The album was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA, marking it as one of the first independently released albums to achieve this status. It has been included in numerous best-of-the-1980s lists and was ranked at number 453 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” in 2020.