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Former Helmet Guitarist Provides Update

Originally published in MTV on November 1, 1998

Though there is still no official word about when fans might expect to see (and hear) the next Nine Inch Nails album, Helmet guitarist Page Hamilton says that the group's sound has definitely progressed during the recording for the upcoming double disc set.

Hamilton, who contributed two days of work on the project on programming drums and loops, says that the music he's heard so far ranges from big guitars and ambient synth to tribal drum and bass and more melodic songs.

The guitarist mentioned that some of the new material reminds him of the '60s British group the Yardbirds, all while remaining uniquely Nine Inch Nails-ish via some "brilliant sound manipulations." Hamilton also said that group mastermind Trent Reznor has written lyrics for 20 to 22 songs, though there will be instrumental tracks on the album as well.

Hamilton believes that it's taken so long for NIN to finish the album because Reznor is trying to get away from their trademark "Head Like A Hole" sound, and has scrapped a lot of material he originally recorded.

Nine Inch Nails have been working on the project for about two years and it is speculated that the work is finally close to completion. The album is expected to be out sometime next year with a tour to follow.

Also still in the works after almost four years is the Nine Inch Nails side-project Tapeworm. Hamilton also contributed, as both a singer and a guitarist, about four songs to this project and says that Phil Anselmo from Pantera is singing on a track as well.

As of the moment, Nine Inch Nails members Charlie Clouser and Danny Lohner are said to be the driving forces behind Tapeworm, which may or may not ever see the light of day, as there is still no word yet on if, when, or how this project will ever be released.

Transcribed by Keith Duemling

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