How To Destroy Angels Make A Wellmont Spot

Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor, takes his latest project, How to Destroy Angels, across the country making a stop at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair on April 28.

How To Destroy Angels brings post-industrial music.

While waiting for Nine Inch Nails to regroup, frontman and only official member, Trent Reznor, has been diligently working on a side project called How To Destroy Angels alongside his wife Mariqueen Maandig. The band is promoting their first studio album, Welcome to Oblivion.

Group of People Enjoying Live Music
© Rawpixelimages | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Formed in 2010, How To Destroy Angels (HTDA) was named after a 1984 song of the same name by the band Coil, one of the most influential and well-known industrial music groups. The band features Nine Inch Nails Trent Reznor, his wife and vocalist Mariqueen Maandig from the rock group West Indian Girl, longtime collaborator Atticus Ross and Rob Sheridan, the group’s art director.

Still searching for their identity, How To Destroy Angels delivers an even-tempered post-industrial sound, which fuses low intensity and relaxed electronic tones. The use of sound manipulation is one the backbones of this genre. Maandig’s enigmatic vocals form part of the elusive sonic ensemble. The arrangement of sounds set an imaginative, appealing mood that can drive the audience into a trancelike state.

Reznor and Maandig’s vocal harmonization makes an interesting duo. Throughout most songs, Reznor takes a backseat on the vocals and lets Maandig shine under the limelight. Fans attending the concert will be treated to a night of transformative electronic music.

Reznor and band mate Ross have collaborated in film soundtracks for acclaimed movies such as The Social Network and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Reznor’s stylistic transition from alternative metal to the more restrained and experimental How To Destroy Angels post-industrial sound draws a different type of audience than NIN. How To Destroy Angels will play both weekends at the Coachella music and arts festival, which takes place in the California desert.

Released on March 5, Welcome Oblivion is How To Destroy Angel’s first full-length studio album. The album contains songs like “Keep It Together” and “How Long,” which exhibit careful attention to details, guiding the audience through auditory journey. “Ice Age,” an acoustic upbeat tempo, features a banjo escorted by Maandig’s soothing vocals. The entire album can be downloaded from the band’s website.

Check out some of the great restaurants in the Montclair area for a complementary night of dinner and a concert. Aozora Japanese and European Restaurant is located right across the Wellmont, which offers a fusion of European and Japanese food. For a taste of Thailand visit Spice II, also on Bloomfield across from the theater. Just five minutes from the theater, Leone’s on Park Street is known for their authentic brick oven pizza.

Tickets for the Wellmont Theater performance can be purchased directly through their website for $49.50. Visit the box office between 12-6 p.m. on Fridays to purchase tickets free of service charge, if paying by cash.

If concert goers arrive early, parking for the event can be found throughout the surrounding area. A parking deck is located between S. Fullerton Ave. and S. Park St. just a short walk from the theater. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m.

Before coming Montclair, How To Destroy Angels will be performing at the House of Blues in Boston, Maine on April 27. Then, the band will headline at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York on April 29.

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