earthtone9 – In Resonance Nexus

Written by on 13-07-2024 at 07:11.

Scrolling through our promo list, I noticed the name earthtone9. Apparently, they still exist. Somewhat surprised, but also curious, I requested this promo. Partly out of curiosity, but also partly out of youth sentiment. In the heyday of nu-metal, the band was conveniently included in this category, even though they were far more interesting than ninety percent of the bands in that genre. Even then, the English made a mix of post-metal, hardcore and Tool-like trips. It resulted in a couple of great albums, of which Arc’tan’gent was the pinnacle. Then, after an EP, the band was quiet for a while. Band members joined other bands, with vocalist Karl making a couple of beautiful records with Twinzero and The Blueprint. In 2013, the band released the album IV, but that passed me by completely I must add. Now, eleven years later, there is a new album.

What it sounds like? Mostly like time hasn’t stood still entirely. On songs such as Navison Record and the slashing Lash Of The Tongues, we get nasty hardcore grooves. The songs have a dynamic build-up and (like on previous records) there is some flirting going on with Eastern influences. Part of the band’s recognizability also does lie in Karl Middleton’s vocals. He sounds exactly like he did in 1998 and delivers exquisitely. Not rarely does he bring the songs together with his emotional vocal lines. He still has a pleasant, understandable growl. But, even if you are a good vocalist, the vocal lines need to be memorable, which they are at times. This is the case in, for example, Under The Snake and for me (for now) Third Mutuality as highlight, where he pulls out all the stops.

Musically, the band did become a bit heavier. The occasional black metal influences creep into earthtone9 ’s sound, for instance towards the end of the already not-so-soft Strength Is My Weakness. The band also has a bit more sludge-like riffs, and sometimes they cut hard, like in the Will Haven-like Oceanic Drift, which by the way has a Loathe-like chorus. Although the band often sounds aggressive, there is also a certain melancholy in the guitar parts. You can hear that they paid attention to the parts and sounds that run along in the background to set a certain mood. In that sense, Observe Your Course is an example. This song actually represents the entire record: lots of screams, a melodic chorus, vicious riffs and synthesizers in the background which enhance the chorus.

John Lewis’ production deserves praise. His strength lies in optimizing the sound of a band, as he already showed on the last Svalbard. This time also for earthtone9. The band has been given the production that suits them, but all a bit bolder. I especially like the drum sound; it is somewhat dry, but that suits the rhythmically driven music. earthtone9 has another strong asset with In Resonance Nexus. A record that, while not paving new roads, does strengthen the band’s sound. And with the best production so far, listening to this record is no punishment. At least I will be doing so regularly this year. Now, don’t wait another decade for another record, guys. There is still so much creativity in this band that I am curious to see what else will come out of it.

Score:

85/100

Label:

Candlelight Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. The Polyphony of Animals
  2. Navison Record
  3. Under The Snake
  4. Ocean Drift
  5. Black Swan Roulette
  6. Lash Of The Tongues
  7. Etiquette Of Distortion
  8. Observe Your Course
  9. Third Mutuality
  10. Strength Is My Weakness

Line-up:

  • Karl Middleton – Vocals
  • Owen Packard – Guitar
  • Joe Roberts – Guitar, vocals
  • Neil Kingsbury – Bass guitar
  • Jay Walsh – Drums

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