Nine Inch Nails. History[edit] Formation (1988–1989)[edit] The Nine Inch Nails "NIИ" logo designed by Reznor and Gary Talpas Reznor coined the name "Nine Inch Nails" because it "abbreviated easily", rather than for "any literal meaning".[18] Other rumored explanations have circulated, alleging that Reznor chose to reference Jesus' crucifixion with nine-inch spikes,[19] or Freddy Krueger's nine-inch fingernails.[20] The English letters NIN are also noted for their resemblance to the modern Hebrew characters of the Tetragrammaton.[21] There is also an old English music hall song with the refrain, "I don't not know no one who don't want no nine inch nails.
Pretty Hate Machine (1989–1991)[edit] How to Destroy Angels (band)