1 - Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)
First of all, let me make it clear that Nine Inch Nails isn't even my favorite band (Though way up there) but I feel like Trent is easily the most well
rounded, accomplished alternative musician of our generation. He's a true artist and how many people can claim to be a one-man band? He developped a sound
that is unique and cannot be copied, mixing electronics with rock instruments. Most bands usually have one or two classic albums, then their fans keep
following them by principle, but eventually realize they'll never be as good as the old days and eventually turn their backs on that said band. But NIN is
probably the only band I can think of on top of my head that ages like fine wine. It's never epic or anything, but it's constantly good and you're
glad they're always around. Some of their fans have criticized them for becoming a little too mainstream recently and having a sound that is a little too
pop, but I honestly think it was a smart move to go that direction. Much like Madonna, you have to evolve and try other stuff from time to time, while still
keeping with your roots. In 1999, both Trent and Billy Corgan got frustrated with the overwhelming pop movement that was taking over and started acting like
bitter, sanctimoneous douchebags because their respective bands were quickly losing popularity. The huge difference though, is that Trent, unlike Corgan, kept
his sanity and instead of crying that his band was starting to fade, he upped his game and managed to remain popular and still a very much respected artist.
And that is why Trent Reznor is my ultimate God of modern rock.
