"Heresy" and where it came from

It should be no surprise that Trent Reznor is a Depeche Mode fan. His music has always evoked the gothic brooding that DM is most known for, not only in mood but in execution, using hard industrial synths and mechanical beats. While most industrial acts from the 80's like Nietzer Ebb and KMFDM appealed to a select audience, Depeche Mode had several industrial qualities while never getting burdened with the tag, (listen to "People Are People" to get what I mean).

While the closest Nine Inch Nails have ever come to being in the same fish tank as Depeche Mode is their debut, Pretty Hate Machine (1989), the song that bears most resemblance to the group is on the caustic "Heresy", found on Reznor's niche market solidification, The Downward Spiral (1994). On the CD issue of Depeche Mode's Music For The Masses (1987), there's a remix included as a bonus track - an "aggro" mix of the single, "Never Let Me Down Again". On it is a programmed synth pattern that more or less can be cited as the basis for the NIN song. Whether Reznor's borrowing was an intentional homage, or his collective unconscious at work, it makes for an interesting listen when examining the evolution of music trends.