earthtone9 – In Resonance Nexus
Release Date: 21st June 2024
Label: Candlelight Records
Order/Stream
Genre: Metal, Post-Metal.
FFO: Helmet, Tool, Raging Speedhorn.
Review By: Paul Cairney
With a stellar debut, Lo-def(ignition) Discord released in 1998, the band seemed to be tapping in to the post-metal leanings of Helmet coupled with ever-so subtle hints of progressive metal legends Tool, the world was, as they say, their oyster. Alas, global domination was never achieved and, despite a lukewarm crowd-funded album in 2011, earthtone9 never achieved the glory they richly deserved.
Now, in 2024, 13 years after their 4th release, earthtone9 have, to my incredible joy, returned. In Resonance Nexus is the bands 5th album, released by the mighty Candlelight records. The boys have been given a chance, and they have grabbed it by the crotch, gripping with a tension that is particularly unfair.
In Resonance Nexus is an utterly outstanding release. It is almost as if Karl Middleton, Owen Packard and Joe Roberts, the remaining original members of the band, have realised that this is now their time, a mere 26 years since their debut. Full of aggression, big fuck-off riffs and a mesmeric display on drums by Jason Bowld (on loan from Bullet for my Valentine), the album is particularly heavy.
This heaviness is tempered by the bands core progressive tendencies. There are still hints of Tool loitering in the background of some tracks, but the unrestrained aggression of the band, mostly in Middleton’s seriously impressive vocals, takes Earthtone9 to a completely different level.
High points? Too many to mention. Be it the immediacy of album opener, ‘Polyphony of Animals’, the gentle opening of ‘Under the Snake’ prior to the pummelling assault that follows, or perhaps it will be the magnificent ‘Black Swan Roulette’ that takes your fancy. The good news is that, at this point, you are only halfway through In Resonance Nexus!
‘Lash of the Tongues’ will, erm, give you a tongue lashing. ‘Observe Your Course’ has the biggest sing-a-long chorus on the album.
The stone-cold fact is that In Resonance Nexus should have been the successor to Arc Tan Gent. Another stone-cold fact is that Uber producer Lewis Johns wasn’t about 24 years ago, and it is his production that has made this the heaviest, yet most accessible earthtone9 album yet.
Earthtone9 were, perhaps, a band ahead of their time. 24 years ago, they released their strongest album. In 2024, they have released an album that should bring the band to a modern audience that will hopefully give them the appreciation the band deserve.
In Resonance Nexus is absolutely and unequivocally a distinct work of genius by a band that deserve the world and more. 
(5 / 5)
Very under-appreciated back in the day. Can’t wait to hear the whole thing 🤘🏼
Hope ya dig it as much as we did, Jammy!