NINE INCH NAILS - THE DOWNWARD SPIRALGRAPHIC DESIGN - SINGLE COVER ARTTRACK 12: REPTILEI like the wa

NINE INCH NAILS - THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL

GRAPHIC DESIGN - SINGLE COVER ART

TRACK 12: REPTILE

I like the way all of these translated into single covers, but I’m definitely drawn to the one up top with the slug following the worm. It feels like there is a narrative being played out, as if the slug drawn to the worm after being put under some sort of spell. The fact that only the tail end of the worm is exposed after I cropped the image, curling upwards as if it is luring the slug down a dark path is very apt for the song ‘Reptile’

The protagonist returns to his old ways indulging in the worst parts of himself but the only thing he knows to be true. What’s tragic is he will realise that seeking escape in these destructive patterns has made him weary and aware of just how alone he is. The woman to which he has turned is cold and compassionless. She cares as little for him as she did the one before him or will for the one after him. 

Devils speak of the way in which she’ll manifest
Angels bleed from the tainted touch of my caress
Need to contaminate to alleviate this loneliness
I now know the depths I reach are limitless

Oh my beautiful liar
Oh my precious whore
My disease my infection
I am so impure oh