Signing to Copro records in 1998, the band's first major release was the album lo def(inition) discord, which comprised re-recorded songs from their two 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 ÂŁ500. 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 bible 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. Moe-ra (t-talk), i nagual eye). Barely a year later, after the loss of 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.
All members continued to play in bands - notably, Karl Middleton joined hardcore supergroup The Blueprint, and sings for Twinzero alongside Si on drums. Owen moved into the industry side of music, while Joe released a few solo mp3's online before dissaperaing altogether.
In 2004, hi-point (rem) hit the stores which was a remastered version of 2000's first EP hi-point. In May 2010 the band announced they were reforming "to play a handful of gigs to remind everyone just how good they were". A great hits compilation, 'Inside, Embers Glow…', was released for free download in July 2010.
Free album can be downloaded at their offical website, www.earthtone9.co.uk.
Amnesia
earthtone9 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to remember to forget
to remember to forget
what do i have to offer you
the offer is not empty
the glass is so full
i wish that i could show you proof
i know that you are a gift to me
i will lay where i fall
little matters anymore
no need to fight the tide
all that i need is inside
i would wait
to remember to forget
to remember to forget
i feel the suns warmth on my face
like the most beautiful flower
you are lifes gift to me
i know that you are a gift to me
i know that you are a gift to me
i will lay where i fall
little matters anymore
no need to fight the tide
all that i need is inside
The song "Amnesia" by earthtone9 seems to be discussing the feeling of being lost and unsure of oneself, specifically in a relationship. The singer of the song states that they would "walk to remember to forget" - that is, they want to actively forget something, but also acknowledge that they need to remember it in order to move on. The offer they have for their partner is "not empty", and they feel like they have a lot to give. However, they wish they could prove it to their partner somehow. The singer also acknowledges that their partner is a gift to them, and seems to be grateful for their presence.
Later in the song, the singer sings about feeling like they don't need to fight the tide anymore - they're content to just "lay where [they] fall" and focus on what's inside. They feel the warmth of the sun on their face and compare their partner to "the most beautiful flower" - it seems like they're trying to appreciate the simpler things in life and not get too caught up in their own worries.
Overall, "Amnesia" seems to be a contemplative song about appreciating what we have and letting go of our fears and insecurities in order to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
i would walk
I want to take a journey on foot
to remember to forget
To recollect the memory and then erase it
to remember to forget
To recollect the memory and then erase it
what do i have to offer you
I have nothing to give you
the offer is not empty
What I have to offer still has value
the glass is so full
There is plenty of something to be offered
i wish that i could show you proof
I wish I could prove my point to you
i know that you are a gift to me
I realize that you are a precious gift to me
i know that you are a gift to me
I realize that you are a precious gift to me
i will lay where i fall
I will not resist destiny, and accept my fate
little matters anymore
Things that worried me previously lost their significance
no need to fight the tide
I am no longer going to resist the natural order of things
all that i need is inside
Everything that is essential to me is already within me
i would wait
I am willing to be patient
to remember to forget
To recollect the memory and then erase it
to remember to forget
To recollect the memory and then erase it
i feel the suns warmth on my face
I am experiencing the pleasant warmth of the sun on my skin
like the most beautiful flower
I feel beautiful and content
you are lifes gift to me
You are the best thing that has happened to me
i know that you are a gift to me
I realize that you are a precious gift to me
i know that you are a gift to me
I realize that you are a precious gift to me
i will lay where i fall
I will not resist destiny, and accept my fate
little matters anymore
Things that worried me previously lost their significance
no need to fight the tide
I am no longer going to resist the natural order of things
all that i need is inside
Everything that is essential to me is already within me
Contributed by Nolan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Eduardo Pinto
This type of song is the one that is always embedded in the brain, and always manages to relax you too much. This was a great period of music, each one had its own sound. it's sad, we're getting old, it's amazing, we can always hear them
dont talktome
favourite song as a teenager <3
James Seber
This song and whole EP blew my mind back in the day. Loved all earthtone9 up to this point, but this really felt like they had reached their pinnacle.
Released around the same time as Tool's Lateralus, an amazing time for metal.
Steven Hodgson
I've tried to get into the ep and album after this omega ep but to me they are missing something.
qwasd0r
one of the most underrated bands ever
louiscifer666
No matter how many years I've been listening Earthtone9 I will still love and enjoy their music! Pure art!
Kirra Tilley
i saw these guys live when i was like 15 when this single was released. amaaazin'. wish they were still around so i could appreciate it more.
this is karla
long live earthtone9's music... love it.
David Brown
I will always love this band. I remember eating cornflakes backstage with Karl (the vocalist) and my mate Barry, just straight out the box and getting really pissed. Sound guys. As was Karl when we put The Blueprint on in Cov. These will always remain in the top 5 of my favourite bands ever.
Andy1008
yeah, how did they never make it big!?!?! Sometimes its best that bands don't go mainstream.... Awesome band...