The Bad Witch is the ninth studio album released by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. It was released on June 22, 2018, and serves as a follow-up to their previous EPs "Not the Actual Events" and "Add Violence". The album is considered a part of a trilogy, collectively known as the "Trilogy of EPs". With the Bad Witch, Nine Inch Nails continues to explore the dark and industrial sound they are known for. The album features a mix of aggressive and atmospheric tracks, showcasing the band's versatility in creating intense and haunting music. Trent Reznor, the frontman and primary member of Nine Inch Nails, incorporates elements of industrial rock, electronic music, and experimental sounds to create a unique and captivating listening experience.
Trent Reznor, the frontman and primary member of Nine Inch Nails, incorporates elements of industrial rock, electronic music, and experimental sounds to create a unique and captivating listening experience. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of despair, anger, and disillusionment. Reznor's lyrics often reflect personal struggles and societal issues, drawing from his own experiences and observations.
Magic Knight
Most mages are of the Squishy Wizard variety, able to work eldritch wonders but not take a punch. And most warriors are Magically Inept Fighters, able to deal and take devastating damage, but their range is limited to the length of their weapon and they'll have trouble with problems they can't bludgeon to death. But who said you can't have the best of both worlds? Whether they're wizards who picked up a melee weapon and some spiffy armor, or warriors who learned to cast a few spells, Magic Knights are every bit as deadly with both spell and sword.
For the purposes of game balance, the Magic Knight will either be weaker at sword and spell than a pure fighter or mage, generally slower, somehow otherwise limited to being defensive or offensive, or they'll be The Hero, who is expected to be the most powerful character anyway. Usually, the Magic Knights will specialize in a particular class of magic (attack or healing, for instance), effectively making them a hybrid of only two "classes", rather than being an out-and-out "Jack" of all trades. However, being a total Jack of All Stats is also possible, depending on the game.
Another form of balance may be found in their spell loadout. Instead of the wide variety of spells a normal spellcaster can use, they tend to focus on Status Buffs and direct attack spells. Other typical abilities for this class may include infusing their bodies or weapons with elemental powers. Doing the same with Status Effects is not unknown either.
Older Than Print, as the Norse god Odin (who also made the Robe and Wizard Hat convention), was both a powerful wizard and an accomplished warrior.
The Paladin is a Magic Knight who's centered around Holy powers and fighting the forces of darkness. The Black Knight or Tin Tyrant may be one of these, usually with a focus of Necromancy and spells of darkness. Wizards that use their fists and feet instead of swords and shields go under Kung-Fu Wizard, Knights who use a bow instead of magic apply for Bow and Sword in Accord, and those who favor firearms or a bow and arrow fall under Mage Marksman. Contrast Armor and Magic Don't Mix. A Magic Knight whose magic focuses on healing is a form of Combat Medic.
See also the Magical Girl Warrior sister trope/genre for magical girls who use magic, sparkly weapons, frilly armor, and The Power of Friendship and/or Love to kick evil's ass.
The album's tracks often have cryptic and introspective lyrics, inviting listeners to interpret and engage with the messages being conveyed. In terms of critical reception, the Bad Witch has received positive reviews from music critics. The album was praised for its experimental approach and the band's ability to create a dense and atmospheric sonic landscape. It was also noted for pushing the boundaries of industrial rock and embracing a more avant-garde sound. Overall, the Bad Witch is a testament to Nine Inch Nails' ability to continuously evolve their sound while maintaining their signature style. It further solidifies the band's status as pioneers of industrial rock and experimental music. The album's dark and introspective themes, combined with its unique musical approach, make it a compelling addition to Nine Inch Nails' discography..
Reviews for "The Importance of "Bad Witch" in Context of Nine Inch Nails' Concept Albums"
1. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Bad Witch" as a fan of Nine Inch Nails' earlier work, but I was left disappointed. The album feels lacking in substance and direction. The songs blend together in a monotonous and repetitive way, making it difficult to differentiate between them. The experimental nature of the album also doesn't resonate with me, as it feels like the band is trying too hard to be edgy and different. Overall, "Bad Witch" just didn't connect with me, and I found it to be a forgettable addition to Nine Inch Nails' discography.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I can't quite pinpoint why, but "Bad Witch" just didn't resonate with me at all. The songs feel disjointed and chaotic, lacking any real cohesion. The album tries to be experimental and avant-garde, but it comes across as messy and confusing. It feels like Nine Inch Nails was trying too hard to be edgy and different, losing sight of what made them great in the first place. I couldn't find any enjoyment in listening to this album and ended up feeling frustrated and disappointed. Definitely not their best work.
3. Mike - 2 stars
As a long-time Nine Inch Nails fan, I was eagerly anticipating "Bad Witch," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The album lacks the trademark aggression and intensity that made the band stand out. The songs feel watered-down and forgettable, with none of them leaving a lasting impact. Additionally, the experimental sound that Trent Reznor and co. were going for just didn't work for me. It feels like they were trying too hard to break new ground and ended up losing their way. Overall, "Bad Witch" is a lackluster addition to the Nine Inch Nails catalogue.