Incredibly influential industrial band that constantly pushes the boundaries of innovation, run by frontman Trent Reznor. Possibly my favorite band, and it's been an exciting ride seeing Reznor progress from nihilism to social awareness to pioneering the way that music is delivered and enjoyed. The album "Year Zero" and the accompanying Alternate Reality Game revealed a mind deeply concerned with the state of the world and of reactionary US politics. Reznor's decision to release "Ghosts I-IV" and "The Slip" online under a Creative Commons ShareAlike licenses are revolutionizing the music industry, where his fans are treated as his supporting base, not as pirates. Plus, the music continues to kick ass nearly 20 years since the release of NIN's first single.