It would appear that Scarlet enjoy their downtime and the uncertainty that often surrounds it as much as they do touring behind an album. For once again, the band have returned after a long period of absence, this time with a new frontman in the form of Brandon Roundtree within their ranks.

Signaling their return is "This Was Always Meant To Fall Apart", an effort that seemingly pokes fun at the strife they've continually faced. One thing is for sure though, the content that comprises it plays for keeps. Technically-driven noise collides with traces of grind, punk, metal and more and unleashes a crushing, yet abstruse barrage of assorted metal ordinance.

The songs constantly shift likes tectonic plates aided by the explosions of multiple nuclear bombs. The riffing is barbed and violent, the drumming is hard-hitting with ample breathing room and the vocals are wrenchingly delivered. Some would say these qualities would be enough for the band to make a riveting listen, but Scarlet don't stop there.

With a keenly focused implementation of electronic elements and some rather detached emotional vocal melodies, the groups menace is backed up by a dynamic heart and soul. This allows the band to take the listener out of the chaos and surround them in an ethereal harmony, only to unexpectedly toss them right back into the fray.

These moments of creativity and space are what make this album a surprisingly enjoyable listen. For if not for them, it would be hard to differentiate the band from the countless others who follow in the footsteps of Converge and the Dillinger Escape Plan. Sure, "This Was Always Meant To Fall Apart" can be self-absorbed and restricted at times. But more often than not it all serves as build up to the band existentially stepping outside themselves and that's not that bad of a trade off at all.