How To Destroy Angels | The Paramount Theatre | April 21

Apr 22

Written By Castro

A near sell out crowd was buzzing with anticipation as How To Destroy Angels took the stage at The Paramount Theatre in downtown Denver on Sunday night. The Trent Reznor side project started in 2010 releasing a couple of EP's and full length earlier this year. Much has been said about the elaborate stage and visual element that accompanies each one of their sets. The synergy between the element of sound and the enhanced visual spectacle make for one of the most intriguing stage setups we have ever seen. Flanked by giant curtains of latex string, the band performed behind the curtain for much of the show. Two giant projectors would display an array of lights and other jaw dropping elements on the curtains while the band gave us a dose of their electronic rock. With Reznor's wife Mariqueen Maandig commanding the vocals, the rest of the band contributed their own piece of the puzzle that made for a night of enjoyable rock.

Mariqueen Maandig and Trent Reznor (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

"We touched down yesterday right in the middle of your marijuana fest....I forgot how weird your fucking city is" Reznor jokingly told the crowd. The nights setlist consisted of songs from Welcome oblivion (the bands only album). Opening with The Wake-Up, they came out hard and fast and only let up for the occasional ballad in which Maandig took sole ownership of the stage. The hour long set had its share of oohs and ahh's and by the end of the night you could sense a feeling of gratification for those who truly got to see a unique show from a unique band.

Trent Reznor (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Joining Maandig and Reznor are a who's who of musicians including Atticus Ross ( Grammy Award winner with Reznor for Best Original Score for The Social Network), Rob Sheridan (the groups art director) and Alessandro Cortini (NIN). The group is currently in the midst of a twelve city tour, and will culminate with an appearance at The Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans in early November. Check out more photos here.

Castro.