Earthtone9

Genre-bending legends earthtone9 celebrate 25th anniversary of ArcTanGent with special tour

Playing iconic ArcTanGent album in full across the UK and Ireland

Final run of In Resonance Nexus live dates happening this spring 

“I love the ArcTanGent album so much that I named a festival after it. It really is a seminal album in UK heavy music and I can’t wait to be down the front at the Bristol show.” James Scarlett, ArcTanGent Festival Organiser

“From the moment I heard earthtone9 all those years ago, I knew they were something very special and way ahead of their time. It’s so good to see them back but are they going to shave their heads as a show of utmost respect??” Andy Copping, Download Festival

“ArcTanGent could stand toe-to-toe with White Pony, Toxicity, Lateralus or any of the other landmark records of the time. It’s filled with beautiful harmonies, jarring progressive song structures, technical wizardry and a unique blend of humour and oddness that is all theirs.” Stephen Hill, Metal Hammer

“ArcTanGent is regarded as one of the great British metal records of its era.” Dom Lawson, Blabbermouth

Iconic British metal pioneers earthtone9 are set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking album ArcTanGent with a special tour across the UK and Ireland this autumn, where they will perform the album in full.

Comments vocalist Karl Middleton, “These 25th anniversary ArcTanGent shows are going to be truly special, and a real celebration. We’re going to play ArcTanGent in full on this tour. Every track. You’re gonna hear songs that have never been played live, and after this tour, will NEVER be played again. This is a 2025 only, never to be repeated thing. One chance to come party with us folks. Be there. X ” 

In the late ’90s, earthtone9 forged a bold new path in heavy music, blending raw aggression with atmospheric depth to create a sound that defied genre boundaries. They seamlessly fused metal, post-hardcore and progressive influences in a way that was both innovative and timeless, shaping the course of alternative music for years to come.

Released in 2000, ArcTanGent quickly became a landmark album, a deeply personal soundtrack for those seeking music that was as intense as it was introspective. With its powerful riffs, intricate structures and haunting melodies, it felt lightyears ahead of its time. The album didn’t just inspire bands; it ignited a movement. And in a tribute to its lasting impact, it even gave birth to a festival that continues to celebrate that legacy, uniting fans and bands alike who’ve been forever touched by the spirit of its sound.

Comments guitarist Owen Packard,“Looking back now it’s clear that the ArcTanGent album was the zenith of our original incarnation of earthtone9. Four years of relentless writing, touring and just living together as a band, all coalesced into ten songs and a defining musical statement about who we were as a collective. We were really proud of that record. It came out exactly as we had hoped. And it dropped at a time in history (the early 2000’s) that felt exciting, communal and bursting with possibility. It was a great time to be a band, and the celestial paths aligned to allow us to be a part of it.” 

25 years on, ArcTanGent remains as influential as ever. Revered by critics and cited repeatedly by bands across generations, it’s one of those albums that didn’t need commercial success to leave its mark. Instead, it struck a deep chord with anyone who values musical innovation and the courage to break new ground. Its impact is immeasurable, as it remains a key reference point for fans of progressive metal and post-hardcore, consistently held up as a defining record in the history of heavy music.

As earthtone9 mark this milestone, their legacy stands as a testament to the power of creative vision, artistic integrity and the unwavering belief that the best way to influence the future is to boldly forge a path all your own. Their influence on heavy music is undeniable and ArcTanGent remains a bold, defining moment in the evolution of the genre.

Adds guitarist/vocalist Joe Roberts, “Recording with producer Andy Sneap (Machine Head, Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, Dream Theater) was a whole new experience. With previous albums we were much less rehearsed, more free form and simply about the noise and soundscape. Andy recognised that this group of songs was different and needed a different approach. He wanted a more on point, precise performance with discipline. He worked us HARD, but the end result was soooo worth it. The sound he got for this record was incredible, and his input in defining that album was immeasurable.” 

Join earthtone9 this autumn to witness the magic of ArcTanGent live, celebrating 25 years of innovation, boundary-pushing sound and a lasting legacy that continues to shape the future of heavy music.

For tour dates and ticket information, visit www.earthtone9.co.uk/pages/tour. Tickets on sale Friday 7 Feb at 10am.