Following in the footsteps of British bands Radiohead and Coldplay, the 10-track album is available to download from the band's website.

The album, available in its entirety, can be downloaded in several formats including MP3 as well as high quality "lossless" audio compression options.

All of the formats come free of digital rights management (DRM) - which would otherwise restrict distribution.

Fans of the band can access the new album via a link from the NIN website. A statement from frontman Trent Reznor on the site says: "Thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one's on me."

Nine Inch Nails will press ahead with a traditional launch of The Slip on CD and vinyl in July, imitating the marketing and sales ploy initiated by Radiohead.

The band's manager, Jim Guerinot, said the timing of the move was right as the band has just put a record out and are going on tour shortly.

Frontman Trent Reznor previously stated that he wants the band to "utilise new technologies", such as peer to peer (P2P), rather than fight them.

Since the band are no longer under contract to a label they have greater freedom to experiment with new ways of distributing their music.

To get the download of The Slip, site visitors need to provide an email address, to which a link is sent that includes access to all format options. All downloads also include a PDF with lyrics and artwork.

www.nin.com

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