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 £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 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.
Nameless
earthtone9 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has taken a toll here
We are old
We are alone
And we are dead - dead - dead
Less is more
More or less i guess
And did you bring a friend
Less is more
More or less i guess
If you're blessed with a second guess
And did you bring a friend
To load down on
So load down on
In these lyrics from earthtone9's song "Nameless," the band paints a vivid picture of weariness and loneliness. The wear and tear referred to here evokes a sense of fatigue and exhaustion that has accumulated over time, weighing heavily on the singer. The repetition of "We are old, we are alone, and we are dead" emphasizes a sense of isolation and perhaps even hopelessness. This repetition also creates a haunting and starkly impactful image of the state of being worn down to the point of feeling lifeless.
The phrase "Less is more" introduces a new perspective, suggesting that simplicity or taking away distractions can sometimes lead to a more meaningful or fulfilling experience. It can be interpreted as a reflection on how stripping away excess and focusing on the essentials can bring clarity and contentment. The repeated questioning of "If you're blessed with a second guess / And did you bring a friend" hints at introspection and self-evaluation, prompting the listener to consider what truly matters and who they choose to surround themselves with.
The repetition of the lines "Less is more / More or less i guess" reinforces the theme of simplicity and minimalism, highlighting the idea that sometimes less can be more valuable or impactful. The ambiguity in the phrase "More or less i guess" adds a touch of uncertainty, suggesting a contemplation of the value of different perspectives or approaches. The mention of bringing a friend can symbolize relying on others for support or companionship in times of need, further exploring themes of connection and isolation in the lyrics.
The final lines "To load down on / So load down on" bring the song full circle, echoing the weariness and burdens expressed earlier in the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "load down on" emphasizes a sense of being weighed down by struggles or responsibilities. This repetition creates a sense of resignation or acceptance of the heaviness that life can bring, encapsulating the overall tone of weariness and struggle conveyed throughout the song. Ultimately, these lyrics capture a complex interplay of emotions, from weariness and loneliness to introspection and acceptance, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of struggle and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
The wear and tear
The accumulated damage and decay over time
Has taken a toll here
Has had a negative effect on this place
We are old
We have aged
We are alone
We are by ourselves
And we are dead - dead - dead
We are lifeless and without vitality
Less is more
Simplicity is better
More or less i guess
Approximately, I suppose
If you're blessed with a second guess
If you have the opportunity to reconsider
And did you bring a friend
Did you bring someone along with you
To load down on
To rely on or burden
So load down on
Therefore rely heavily on
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Simon Edward Hutchby, Simon Johnson, Karl Louis Edwin Middleton, Owen Charles Packard, Joe Roberts, Graeme Watts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind