The band's first release was a self-titled EP, released on June 1, 2010. The band released a track from the album, "A Drowning", as a digital single, and a second song, "The Space in Between", debuted as a video on Pitchfork on May 14, 2010. A third track, "The Believers", was made available through Wired magazine's iPad application, along with a dissection and analysis of the song, and through a free digital download from the official website. "The Believers" is also featured on the soundtrack of the 2011 film Limitless.
The band recorded a cover of the Bryan Ferry song "Is Your Love Strong Enough?," which was released December 9, 2011 on the soundtrack for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
On 21 September 2012, Trent Reznor posted an update on the band's Facebook page confirming new activity. He revealed that the band has "partnered" with Columbia Records for the next series of releases - 'An Omen' EP, which was released on 13th November 2012, and their full-length debut album titled "Welcome Oblivion" which was later released March 4, 2013. He also revealed that videos would made and that the band would be performing live, but did not have any further details. On 25th September 2012, Mariqueen Reznor posted a picture of the cover of the vinyl version of the An Omen EP via her twitter account.
Since then, How To Destroy Angels has toured on a limited scale including performances at Coachella 2013 and appearances with Trent Reznor's main project Nine Inch Nails, as well as releasing music videos for Ice Age and How Long, directed by John Hillcoat and Shynola, respectively.
How Long?
How to Destroy Angels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It almost seems like yesterday
How to picture
It's the little things that slip away
Build away the blisters
But they'll find a way to take a little bit
They won't find us
If you believe in it
How long?
How long?
Can we keep holding on?
How long
How long
Can we keep holding on?
A house on fire
Burning all the passed away
And what defines us when
It's the little things that slip away
And if you're honest
What do you think would happen if
We stood for something?
If you believe in it
Keep believing it
How long
(Burn this all away)
How long
(Burn this all)
Can we keep holding on?
How long
(We keep holding on and on)
How long
(Can we keep, can we keep)
Can we keep holding on?
How long?
The lyrics of How to Destroy Angel's "How Long?" talk about the passage of time and how the little things that fall apart and slip away can take a toll on people. The first verse speaks of familiarity with something that is now gone. It could be a person, a relationship, a home or a state of mind. The writer touches upon nostalgia in the following lines, observing that while memories can blur over time, the little things are the ones that never fade. He urges the listener to "build away the blisters," but warns that they will still find a way to strip away something precious. However, there is hope encapsulated in the line "They won’t find us if you believe in it." This powerful ending could mean that they won’t break us completely if we believe that we are invincible and choose to live in the moment rather than worry about the future.
The chorus continually asks the question of how long can we hold on to something. It is not clear what exactly we are holding on to - it could be a dream, a memory or a relationship. The imagery of a house on fire is an interesting addition to the song. It is a metaphorical way of referencing how we need to burn away the things that are holding us back, but it can also refer to the fact that fire destroys and leaves nothing in its wake. The writer implies that while we burn away things that aren't serving us, we are scared to let go of even the most toxic parts of our life, which may be the reason we keep holding on.
Line by Line Meaning
Always been here
We've been in the same place for a long time.
It almost seems like yesterday
It feels like it hasn't been that long ago.
How to picture
Trying to imagine or think about something.
It's the little things that slip away
Small details are often forgotten or missed.
Build away the blisters
Trying to ignore or cover up the painful parts.
But they'll find a way to take a little bit
The painful parts will always be present and noticeable.
They won't find us
If we believe in something strongly enough, others won't be able to find us.
How long?
Asking how much longer we can continue in our current situation.
Can we keep holding on?
Asking if we have the strength to continue despite hardships.
A house on fire
Something is burning or falling apart.
Burning all the passed away
Trying to let go of the past by destroying it.
And what defines us when
What makes us who we are.
It's the little things that slip away
Small details are often forgotten or missed.
And if you're honest
Being truthful.
What do you think would happen if
Asking a hypothetical question.
We stood for something?
If we had strong beliefs and stood up for them.
Keep believing it
Continuing to have faith in something.
(Burn this all away)
Destroying everything.
(Burn this all)
Destroying everything.
(We keep holding on and on)
Continuing to survive despite hardships.
(Can we keep, can we keep)
Asking if we have the strength to continue.
Can we keep holding on?
Asking if we have the strength to continue despite hardships.
How long?
Asking how much longer we can continue in our current situation.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KENYON PHILLIPS, STEPHEN ROBERT PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
randy bray
Always been here
It almost seems like yesterday
How to picture
It's the little things that slip away
Build away the blisters
But they'll find a way to take a little bit
They won't find us
If you believe in it
How long?
How long?
Can we keep holding on?
How long
How long
Can we keep holding on?
A house on fire
Burning all the past away
And what defines us when
It's the little things that slip away
And if you're honest
What do you think would happen if
We stood for something?
If you believe in it
Keep believing it
How long
(Burn this all away)
How long
(Burn this all)
Can we keep holding on?
How long
(We keep holding on and on)
How long
(Can we keep, can we keep)
Can we keep holding on? . How long.
Martin Alejandro
HTDA is an amazing project. Would love if they release something new.
mike hotiz
Is the 2021. A new album from HTDA will be a guarantee hit.
Snarkonymous
Something I have been craving for awhile now.
ALPHA
Already know😌
Satoshi2622
I'm right there wit yuh friend.. glad to see internet does always connect people wit similar interests
Nichola Moreland
These guys are so underrated! I can't stop listening to them. Everything Trent Reznor touches turns to gold....amazing.
oneduality
110% agree.. the HTDA project is one of the most amazing things ever... it's not just Trent, it's the full crew putting everything into this.. it's beautiful.. but I agree that I love everything Trent has done.. well.. aside from some of the more modern stuff.. it seems more rushed and chaotic .. I do like this more produced and thought out works.. this is like pure artwork..
I apologize for replying 5 years late.. but that is also to point out.. 5 years is too long =) we need more
Vitalixy 357
@oneduality Totally agree, Trent is my favorite musician and HDTA is incredible as well. I'm actually thinking of getting a NIN and HDTA tattoo eventually.
Tiny Dot
Sic Echo apocalyptic times
SUPER VIXEN
Trent could touch me 🤣 no sorrry yer I quite like it. I ike her voice