Earthtone9
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Nottingham , England |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, live albums, compilations |
Earthtone9 (stylized as earthtone9) is an alternative metal group originating from Nottingham, England.
History
After signing with Copro Records in 1998, Earthtone9's initial significant release was Lo-Def(inition) Discord, which merged selections from three prior demos alongside fresh compositions. Created on a modest budget of £500, this album represented their most aggressive sound to date and received favorable critiques in publications such as Terrorizer, Metal Hammer, and earned a perfect five-star review from Kerrang!.
Extensive touring preceded the 1999 album Off Kilter Enhancement, which further honed their style—combining intense metal elements inspired by Helmet and Neurosis with more melodic and dynamic influences akin to Tool. Although the album was critically praised, commercial breakthroughs remained elusive. After the departure of founding bassist Graeme Watts, David Anderson joined for their third studio effort, Arc'tan'gent. This release, regarded as their first fully realized album with a more deliberate production process, was ranked 16th best album of 2000 by Metal Hammer.
During a hiatus following Arc'tan'gent, vocalist Karl Middleton lent his voice to Landmine Spring’s track "unhinged" on their 2001 release Elephantine. This collaboration led to Landmine Spring supporting Earthtone9 on their autumn tour.
Despite efforts to secure a deal in the United States, the band disbanded in early 2002. Their unreleased demo recordings were later issued as the Omega EP following their farewell performances.
In 2004, a remastered edition of their 2000 EP Hi-Point was issued under the title Hi-Point (Rem).
Post-break-up
After disbandment, members engaged in various musical ventures: Karl Middleton became part of the hardcore supergroup the Blueprint and, together with Simon Hutchby, established Twin Zero. Middleton also performs with Brighton-based Blackstorm and provided guest vocals on Reuben’s album Very Fast Very Dangerous. Owen Packard contributed to This Is Menace’s song "No End in Sight".
Reunion
Earthtone9 reunited in May 2010 for select live performances and released a complimentary best-of compilation titled Inside, Embers Glow.... Their comeback included shows at the 2010 Damnation Festival and Sonisphere Festival. In January 2011, they announced a six-date UK tour alongside The Ocean Collective, Maybeshewill, and Humanfly.
They initiated a Pledge Music campaign for their EP For Cause and Consequence, which was released on 16 May 2011 featuring four new tracks: "Tide of Ambition", "Ghosts", "The Trail That We Carved Out", and "Reborn". Supporters received digital downloads including accompanying music videos.
Their fourth full-length album, IV, was released in April 2013 to widespread critical acclaim. Earthtone9 supported Pitchshifter during their UK tour in 2018 and performed at the ArcTanGent Festival in 2020.
On 26 July 2022, the band announced they would enter an indefinite hiatus due to members focusing on new musical endeavors and difficulties sustaining intermittent live shows.
Fifth album
On 21 March 2024, Earthtone9 revealed plans for their fifth studio album titled In Resonance Nexus, scheduled for release on 21 June 2024. The announcement was accompanied by the premiere of the lead single "Oceanic Drift".
Musical style and reception
Earthtone9's sound is an eclectic fusion drawing from rock, metal, noise, and hardcore punk genres. Their compositions are distinguished by dynamic shifts in atmosphere throughout individual tracks and entire albums, effectively merging intense heaviness with melodic and harmonic elements. Reviewers frequently commend the band for their inventive approach and originality, often recognizing them as a cult phenomenon. Guitarist Joe Roberts acknowledges a range of inspirations such as Alice in Chains, Carcass, Faith No More, Helmet, Metallica, Monster Magnet, and The Police.
Band members
Current
- Karl Middleton – vocals (1998–2002, 2010–present)
- Owen Packard – guitars (1998–2002, 2010–present)
- Joe Roberts – guitars (1998–1999, 1999–2002, 2010–2012, 2023–present)
- Jay Walsh – drums (2024–present)
Former
- Dave Anderson – bass (2000–2002, 2010–2012)
- Alex Baker – drums (2001–2002)
- Richie Mills – drums (2001)
- Jamie Floate – bass (2000)
- Graeme Watts – bass (1998–2000)
- Simon Johnson – guitars (1999)
- Justin Greaves – drums (1998)
- Russ Stedman – bass (2012–2016)
- Gez Walton – guitars (2012–2023)
- Simon Hutchby – drums (1998–2001, 2010–2023)
- Neil Kingsbury – bass (2016–2024)
Session musicians
- Jason Bowld – drums (2024)
Timeline
Albums
- Lo-Def(inition) Discord (24 August 1998)
- Off Kilter Enhancement (19 July 1999)
- Arc'tan'gent (25 September 2000)
- IV (8 April 2013)
- In Resonance Nexus (21 June 2024)
EPs
- Hi-Point (10 April 2000)
- Omega (8 April 2002)
- Hi-Point (rem) (23 August 2004)
- For Cause & Consequence (16 May 2011)
Live albums
- Live from London Garage (31 July 2012)
Compilation albums
- Inside, Embers Glow... a Collection of Earthtone9's Aural Communiqués 1998-2002 (1 June 2010)
Music videos
- "Tat Twam Asi" (2000)
- "Amnesia" (2002)
- "Evil Crawling I" (2010)
- "Tide of Ambition" (2011)
- "Preacher" (2013)
- "Oceanic Drift" (2024)
- "Navison Record" (2024)