Jon Spencer's career in music ended before it had even begun.
Soon after making their powerful debut in 2000 with their EP, "Breaking the Dead Stare," the Richmond-based metalcore band Scarlet surprisingly announced its breakup.
"It was mainly five kids getting out of high school and going on to college. Music wasn't a priority," said Spencer, lead singer. "It started as a joke, nothing serious, but we realized we were creating something important."
Breaking up to earn a college education is usually the death knell for a young group, but Scarlet have reconvened and are back at the point they had left four years ago.
Spencer seems at ease with his return to the scene that he left. Abrupt exits from the normally inaccessible musician's community don't often end in a record deal with a fast-rising label.
But with the recent release of their first full-length album, "Cult Classic," and a trip to The Continental on March 26, Scarlet is prepared to again begin their ascension through the ranks.
Their progressive explosion of enraged riffs and brooding lyrics established them as a passionate metal band, but their unique style and determination to separate from the pack has given them credibility as artists.
As the name of their debut full-length album, "Cult Classic," suggests, Scarlet has never been interested in fame. Although elements of their songs may resemble bands from the nu-metal movement (Deftones, Slipknot), they are able to maintain a freshness and individuality in their songs that only a young, up-and-coming band can.
Their music, with its shockingly violent undertones and relentless tempo, is not commercially friendly, but is consistently heavy while containing controlled and structured melodies. In songs like "Suicide Soundtrack" and "My Black Hole Girl," Spencer croons over the distorted riffs and wild drums, as the music always seems to come together after bridges and breaks louder than ever.
Despite their over-the-top sound, Spencer credits his influences as the same bands many fans of rock listen to today.
"I was always a big fan of Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails ... groups a lot of kids listened to growing up," said Spencer.
Their lyrics are heavily saturated with criticisms of the present state of America, as indicated by song titles like "Lie, Fake, and Money Make" and "Dead America," in which Spencer's guttural screams focus on the pits of popular culture and American society. Spencer acknowledges their growth as a band since their inception.
"There has definitely been changes stylistically. Our lyrics have matured; our music is more dynamic. We use synthesizers and effects in a lot of our songs now."
Don't expect any stage rust from them at The Continental, either. They are touring with several more established acts: Every Time I Die, The Black Dahlia Murder and As I Lay Dying. The intimidation of playing with more popular names doesn't faze the newcomers. Most members of the band were involved in side projects during their time off from Scarlet, and Spencer did not understate his excitement of their return.
"To come back together as Scarlet was something that was highly anticipated for us, and we'll definitely be up there with loads of energy."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
