ALBUM REVIEW: In Resonance Nexus – earthtone9
The biggest problem EARTHTONE9 had in their turn of the millennium heyday was just that: the period they were active. Despite bringing out three stellar records in as many years – Lo-Def(inition) Discord, Off Kilter Enhancement and the perennially brilliant Arc’tan’gent, giving the UK festival its name in the process – the UK metal scene might as well have been on life support at that time, leading EARTHTONE9 to disband barely two years after. A successful 2011 reunion tour gave rise to 2013’s crowd-funded IV record, but once again any sort of prolonged activity was not forthcoming, and another lengthy hiatus ensued. However, the Nottingham quintet are now back and with their first album in over a decade, In Resonance Nexus, out on Friday 21st June via their new home of Candlelight Records.
For all their limited critical success, those of a certain age will have fond memories of EARTHTONE9 – indeed, the more the century progresses, the more one realises just how ahead of their time they were, with their experimental approach to alternative metal resonating and proving influential to, unsurprisingly, a number of the bands who play at ArcTanGent on an annual basis. In comparison to their earlier records, In Resonance Nexus seems almost mainstream: there’s certainly less of the polyrhythms from guitarists Owen Packard and Joe Roberts, while vocalist Karl Middleton‘s voice has taken on a deeper, gruffer tone than the scratchy, punk-like scream he once had. However, their talents still abound, something evident from the thunderous opening of The Polyphony Of Animals that greets the listener on entry; huge, chugging riffs and a melodic chorus that soars effortlessly, it’s a strong start to a record that’s buoyed by both the presence of BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE drummer Jason Bowld behind the kit and a sumptuous production job from Lewis Johns.
Even with the passing of time and tweaks to their sound, however, EARTHTONE9 are still very much within their own identity. Navison Record and the sonorous Black Swan Roulette are instantly recognisable as products of the band, while closing track Strength Is My Weakness shows off the deep well of creativity still to be drawn from, as its prog-metal stomp beautifully segues back into the opening track, creating a cyclical record that will have those who love their song structure and Easter eggs grinning from ear to ear. Third Mutuality sees the band flex their post-metal muscles, with a far more expansive and ambient tone that could be a potential for future releases (the band whittled the ten tracks present down from a pool of 40, so there’s no shortage of ideas floating around) and Malli Malpass, formerly of Bristol mob ONE DICE and now known for being Metalhead from BBC’s The Ranganation, lends his vocals to Observe Your Course in a truly excellent back and forth with Middleton on a track containing plenty of groove and menace.
EARTHTONE9 may never reach above cult-like status, but they’ve shown that, even after all this time, they’re still capable of producing some seriously excellent material. In Resonance Nexus is a wonderful comeback record from a band who clearly haven’t missed a single beat in the years they’ve been away. Their return is most welcome.
Rating: 8/10
In Resonance Nexus is set for release on June 21st via Candlelight Records.
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