While the disbanding of Earthtone9 earlier this year was a tragic loss to the U.K. metal scene it seems that the essence of the prolific outfit will not be dying off anytime soon. Enter The Blueprint, the new project of former Earthtone9 frontman Karl Middleton along with an assorted cast of characters which includes members of Pitchshifter and Consumed, and picks right up from where the often progressively abstract pioneers left off and subsequently then veers straight into rugged contemporary hardcore/metalcore inspired territory.

Sure, to pursue such a direction in this day and age is an often cliche turn of events but this is no mere bandwagon jump as the groups material feels adamantly authentic and rings true to its members past work. In fact, its every bit as progressive and intelligent as one would come to expect from such talented musicians and while Earthtone9 comparisons are undeniable, The Blueprint differ in that rather than implementing complex timing changes and obtrusive song structures they instead opt for methodical fury and colorful melodies divided by entrancing electronic interludes.

With greater strides made into accessibility and both heavier and softer material, The Blueprint are definitely undertaking the plans for an ambitious bit of construction and when judging by this 6 song EP, the improvements and stumbling blocks they've already moved out of the way will make for quite a glorious structure once the proper resources and exposure are put in place. In fact, while its hard to fully put into context the scope of the music this band create, the track "Star Damage (For Beginners)" from Earthtone9's last full-fledged studio album "Arc'Tan'Gent" is perhaps a good indicator, except this time out it might as well be called "Star Damage (For Advanced)" as the sound has been evolved and overhauled to such a degree that few fans of Earthtone9's impressive works will go home unhappy. One of the U.K.'s brightest new talents, without a doubt.