“Down in It” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1989, is an industrial rock track that introduces the raw, aggressive style Trent Reznor became known for. The song opens with a repetitive, machine-like drum pattern, setting a cold, mechanized atmosphere. Layered over this beat, an eerie synth line contributes to the track’s tense, unsettling mood. Reznor’s vocals are urgent and confrontational, delivering lyrics that explore themes of despair and existential angst.

The song’s structure is relatively straightforward, with verses punctuated by a catchy chorus that shifts slightly in intensity. A notable feature is the use of both synthetic and organic sounds, blending distorted guitar riffs with electronic elements. These contrasts create a dynamic tension that propels the track forward. The production is intentionally gritty, enhancing the song’s sense of unease and driving its industrial aesthetic. Reznor’s use of sampling and looping techniques adds to the sense of repetition and cyclical entrapment in the lyrics. Overall, “Down in It” lays the groundwork for Nine Inch Nails’ melding of electronic music with rock’s raw energy.