Scarlet

Emerging from Richmond, Virginia in 2000, Scarlet initially delivered straightforward metalcore through the Breaking the Dead Stare EP. Persistent member turnover, compounded by a breakup that same year and a 2002 reunion, gradually steered the group toward a broader palette that fused electronic textures with aggressive post-hardcore, emo, metal, and math rock influences. That expanded approach attracted the attention of Ferret Records, resulting in the 2003 Something to Lust About EP, the 2004 album Cult Classic, and 2006’s This Was Always Meant to Fall Apart, whose title alluded to the band’s recent setbacks involving a bass player’s stroke and two separate equipment thefts. At that time the lineup consisted of Brandon Roundtree on vocals, Randy Vanderbilt handling guitar and vocals, Bryan Tolbert on guitar and bass, and Andreas Magnusson covering drums and electronics. Continued instability proved decisive in early 2007 when Roundtree exited, prompting Scarlet to disband permanently.