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 (e.g. "Möe=ra (t-talk)", "i nagual eye"). Barely a year later, after the departure of original bassist Graeme Watts, who was replaced by David Anderson, the band delivered their third album – voted 16th best album of 2000 by "Metal Hammer" – "arc'tan'gent". It was described by the band as the first record they were truly happy with, having for the first time not been rushed in the recording process.