What does Nine Inch Nails have to do with carbon black?

Rock band Nine Inch Nails caused a bit of a ruckus this week by sending fans envelopes with promotional materials covered with what the media describes as a “strange black powder” but sounds an awful lot like carbon black (most likely toner). Fans received the envelopes after purchasing the band’s new EP, which came with what the band’s website described as a “physical component.” The envelopes contain a warning sticker stating, “This will make a mess.” No word on which supplier’s carbon black is the culprit.

Twitter users were quick to post pictures of the results: Lydia Munster:

Michael Davis:

See, folks, this is why the industry invented pelletizing.