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[[Image:Broken (alternate cover).jpg|thumb|Alternate Cover]]
'''''Broken''''' (also known as '''''[[halo numbers|Halo 5]]''''') is an EP released on September 22, 1992. Although not technically so, ''Broken'' is usually considered [[Nine Inch Nails]]' second major release after ''[[Pretty Hate Machine]]'' since it consists entirely of new material. The EP was recorded in secret, in order to avoid interference from [[TVT Records]]. It was followed later that year by ''[[Fixed]],'' a companion EP of [[Remixes|remixes]] of the songs on ''Broken.''
==Track listing==
==Inspiration==
The release of ''Broken'' followed on from a major disagreement between [[Trent Reznor]] and his record label at the time, [[TVT Records]], and the influence of the conflict is evident in multiple aspects of the record. After the credits in the packaging, a line reads "no thanks: you know who you fucking are" followed by "the slave thinks he is released from bondage only to find a stronger set of chains." This is most likely directed towards TVT's Steve Gottlieb, who refused to allow Reznor out of his contract, resulting in a legal battle between the two parties. A direct reference to Gottlieb appears in the performance music video for "Gave Up", where the words "Fuck you steve" can be spotted on a computer screen. The words "Eat your heart out, Steve" can also be heard in the beginning of "Physical".
Reznor has also stated that during the [[Pretty Hate Machine Tour]], the songs grew more aggressive when played by a live band compared to their studio counterparts. Violence on-stage also became a common feature at their shows as a result of the band venting pent-up frustration and anger on their instruments. Consequently, ''Broken'' sounds much more abrasive and harsher with the increased prominence of distorted guitars, amongst other things.
==Recording==
The EP was recorded in secret, in order to avoid interference from TVT Records, as any material recorded while the legal dispute was active could have been confiscated. Studio time was booked under assumed names, one of which was Stunt Popes.[https://www.altpress.com/14-bands-who-performed-under-different-names/][http://www.nin-pages.de/1994_Alternative_Press_April_english.htm]
On this EP, there are louder mixes and more distortion on every instrument, including a classic Mellotron MK II (originally owned by John Lennon), which can be heard most noticeably on the track "Gave Up". Per [[Brian Liesegang]] on Gearspace, the EP also utilized [[samples]] taken from the ''A Poke in the Ear with a Sharp Stick, Vol. 1'' sample library by Rarefaction, as well as drums from a Bob Clearmountain drum sound library by East West. These samples were then heavily manipulated.[https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/605445-nine-inch-nails-synths-18.html][https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/1098473-nin-drum-sound-quot-happiness-slavery-quot.html][https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/605445-nine-inch-nails-synths-44.html]