Earthtone9

Infobox musical artist
Name = earthtone9

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Img_capt = The band earthtone9
Img_size = 150px
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Nottingham, United Kingdom
Genre = Alternative metal
Years_active = 1998 - 2002
Label = Copro Records (1998 - 2002)
Associated_acts = One Minute Silence, The Blueprint, Twin Zero
URL = [http://freespace.virgin.net/in.tone/ Official Site]
Current_members =
Temporary_members =
Past_members = Karl Middleton, Owen Packard, Joe Roberts, Dave Anderson, Alex Baker, Richie Mills, Simon Hutchby, Jamie Floate, Graeme Watts, Simon Johnson, Justin Greaves
Notable_instruments =

earthtone9 was an alternative metal band hailing from Nottingham, UK. Their line up on most of their major releases was Karl Middleton on vocals, Owen "Oz" Packard, Joe Roberts on guitar, Graeme Watts on bass and Simon Hutchby on drums (the latter replaced for their final EP "Omega" by Alex Baker).

Signing to Copro Records in 1998, the band's first major release was the album "lo-def(inition) discord", which comprised songs from their three demos with a few new tracks. Although it sounds as punchy as anything else on the British metal underground of the day, the whole record was produced on a budget of £500. Their harshest and noisiest recording, it quickly grabbed the attention of the British rock press, with favourable reviews in "Terrorizer" and "Metal Hammer" and a five-star rating in mainstream modern rock magazine "Kerrang!".

After extensive touring, "...Discord" was followed in 1999 by "Off Kilter Enhancement". Again it was a critical success, but commercial recognition was limited. The band had more time and money to play with this time, and it is here that the classic et9 sound crystallised - harsh metal inspired by Helmet and Neurosis, mixed with softer textured moments, with Tool-esque dynamics and arrangements, not to mention enigmatic song titles and lyrics (eg. "Möe=ra (t-talk)", "i nagual eye"). Barely a year later, after the departure of original bassist Graeme Watts the band delivered their final album - considered by many to be one of the high points of recent British metal, "arc'tan'gent" was described by et9 as the first record they were truly happy with, having for the first time not been rushed in the recording process.

Hopes were high for an American record deal, and it seemed obvious to most that the climate of US radio at the time - very focused on the dominant nu metal sound - could accommodate the cleaner side of earthtone9's output. But, ultimately, apart from some minor distribution of their existing material, all attempts fell through. They lost Hutchby, and after struggling through for a couple of years, the band announced their dissolution in early 2002. After their farewell tour their umpteenth rejected demo saw release as the "Omega" EP, hinting at a more melodic direction.

In 2004, "hi-point (rem)", which was a remastered version of 2000's first EP "hi-point", was released.

All members continued to play in bands - notably, Karl Middleton joined hardcore supergroup The Blueprint.

Furthermore Karl Middleton and Simon Hutchby are now in Twin Zero. Karl Middleton also provided guest vocals on 'Alpha Signal Three', a track on second album 'Very Fast Very Dangerous' by British rock band Reuben. Owen Packard has played guitar and guested on the "This Is Menace" album on track "No End In Sight".

Discography

*"lo-def(inition) discord" (August 24 1998)
*"off kilter enhancement" (July 19 1999)
*"hi-point" (April 10 2000)
*"arc'tan'gent" (September 25, 2000)
*"Omega" (April 8 2002)

Personnel

*Karl Middleton – vocals
*Owen Packard – guitar
*Joe Roberts – guitar
*Dave Anderson – bass
*Alex Baker – drums

Former members

*Richie Mills – drums
*Simon Hutchby – drums
*Jamie Floate – bass
*Graeme Watts – bass
*Simon Johnson – guitar
*Justin Greaves – drums

External links

* [http://freespace.virgin.net/in.tone/ Official Site]
* [http://www.et9evo.iofm.net/site/home.htm earthtone9|evolution] , fan site - huge press archive.