| live = [[Lights In The Sky Tour]]
}}'''"Vessel"''' is the fifth track on the 2007 release ''[[Year Zero]].''
Musically, the song consists of heavily distorted drums, a wall of synthesized sound that hits in a percussive way locking up with the drums, [[Trent Reznor]]'s vocals not as obscured as on other songs, and ending improvization using a set batch of sounds reminescent of a traditional guitar solo. However, this section is not performed on guitar, but was the result of estensive computer editing of programmed parts that allude to a traditional guitar solo.
===Theories===
==Versions==
===Vessel===
This is the original album version.It consists of heavily distorted drum loops, a wall of percussive synthesized sound, [[Trent Reznor]]'s vocals clearer than on other songs, and ending improvization using a set batch of sounds synthesized loops that distort and glitch. Its danceable rhythms and highly synthesized nature is somewhat reminiscent of "[[Closer]]."
===Vessel: Bill Laswell===
This official remix appears on ''Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D.'' The intro mixes the glockenspiel melody and "alarm" sound with percussion elements found within the song. A guitar can be heard playing along to the percussion beat. An , along with an echo effect can be heard in on the vocals, making it sound as though a voice is whispering underneath the vocal melody. A percussion breakdown comes in after the first chorus and other sound elements come in over the beat. Many of these elements drop out before the second verse, leaving only a rhythmic percussion beatloop. As the second verse progresses, sound elements from the original version are added. The outro is similar to the original version as well, with the exception of a couple of new noise elements added.
====Song Credits====
*Mix translation and additional production: Bill Laswell
===Vessel (Mix 1): Bill Laswell===
This remix appears on the vinyl edition of ''Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D.'' It begins with an extended instrumental introduction, incorporating many sound elements from the original ''Year Zero'' version. Lyrics are very sparse in the first half of this mix, making it seem more like a dub mix. At almost 4 minutes in, the regular lyrics truly enter into the mix as many of the sound elements drop out, before gradually coming back in. The vocals contain some distortion which makes them sound far less organic than those in the original version.
===Vessel (Mix 2): Bill Laswell===
This remix is on the vinyl edition of ''Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D.'' It's essentially "Vessel: Bill Laswell" is exactly the same as the CD remix, but with an extended ending—an ending or "appendage—with appendage" with a running time of about seven minutes, bringing the total length of this version to over 13 + minutes.
==Live==
"Vessel" made it's its live debut at the Edmonton, AB show on 07/28/08. A picture while it was being played of its performance was posted on nin.com's blog.
==Miscellaneous==