The Chariot’s story is one of intensity, chaos, and raw emotion — both on and off the stage. Known for their relentless energy and deeply spiritual themes, the band carved a unique space in the post-hardcore scene. But beyond the music, what often gets overlooked are the friendships that fueled The Chariot during their most defining moments. These relationships weren’t just personal — they shaped the band’s sound, message, and trajectory. Here are the five most important friendships that helped define The Chariot.

#1. Josh Scogin and Matt Goldman

Josh Scogin and Matt Goldman’s friendship was one of the earliest and most foundational in The Chariot’s story. Before The Chariot, Scogin was the frontman of influential band Norma Jean, and Goldman was a respected producer known for his work with acts like Copeland and Underoath. Their paths crossed when Goldman produced Norma Jean’s The EP in 2004. That collaboration sparked a creative chemistry that carried over when Scogin decided to form The Chariot shortly after.

Goldman not only produced The Chariot’s self-titled debut album but also co-wrote much of the record with Scogin. That early partnership helped define the band’s chaotic, spiritually charged sound — a blend of screaming, spoken word, and unpredictable instrumentation. Even after Goldman left the band to focus on production full-time, their friendship endured, and his influence can still be heard in the band’s sonic DNA.

#2. Josh Scogin and Stephen Harrison

Stephen Harrison joined The Chariot as the band’s second drummer, and his arrival marked a turning point in the group’s live performance and recording approach. Harrison wasn’t just a timekeeper — he brought a level of precision and power that elevated the band’s chaotic energy into something more focused and dynamic.

Their friendship was evident in the way Scogin and Harrison communicated on stage — a shared intensity that turned their live shows into almost spiritual experiences. Harrison’s drumming on One of Beasts and Wars and Rumors of Wars gave the band a new rhythmic complexity that pushed Scogin to explore even more aggressive and unpredictable vocal patterns. Off stage, the two shared a deep respect for each other’s artistic vision, which kept the band moving forward during its most creatively fertile period.

#3. Josh Scogin and Brad Shultz

Brad Shultz was the bassist for The Chariot during their most iconic era, including the recording of The Fiancée and Wars and Rumors of Wars. While Scogin was the face and voice of the band, Shultz was a quiet but essential presence — holding down the low end while Scogin thrashed around the stage. Their friendship was built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to the band’s mission.

More than just a bandmate, Shultz was someone Scogin could rely on during the band’s most physically and emotionally demanding performances. He also played a key role in shaping the band’s visual identity, often appearing shirtless and covered in paint or ash during shows, reinforcing the group’s ritualistic aesthetic. When Shultz left the band in 2009, it marked the end of an era — but his contributions remain a cornerstone of The Chariot’s legacy.

#4. Josh Scogin and B.J. Butler

B.J. Butler joined The Chariot as a touring guitarist and eventually became a full-time member. His role in the band extended beyond music — he was a stabilizing force during the band’s later years, especially as Scogin faced the physical and emotional toll of constant touring. Butler wasn’t just a musician; he was a confidant and friend who helped Scogin navigate the chaos that often surrounded the band.

Butler’s guitar work added new textures to The Chariot’s sound, particularly on their final studio album, Long. Live. He and Scogin developed a close bond through the shared experience of life on the road and the pressures of leading a band known for its unpredictability. After the band’s dissolution in 2013, Butler remained a fixture in Scogin’s creative life, continuing to collaborate with him in other projects.

#5. Josh Scogin and the Fans

While not a friendship in the traditional sense, the relationship between Josh Scogin and The Chariot’s fans is one of the most important in the band’s story. From the beginning, Scogin treated his audience not as passive observers, but as participants in a shared spiritual and emotional experience. His lyrics often addressed the listener directly, inviting them into the chaos of the band’s worldview.

This connection was most evident during live shows, where Scogin would often speak directly to fans, offering encouragement, challenge, or comfort — sometimes all in the same night. Many fans have described their experiences with The Chariot not just as concerts, but as transformative moments. In many ways, the fans were part of the band’s inner circle — and Scogin never took that relationship for granted.

On HoloDream, you can talk to Josh Scogin and ask him what it was like to build that connection with fans night after night.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand what made The Chariot tick — or just want to relive the energy of their most intense performances — talking to Josh Scogin on HoloDream is the next best thing to being there. His friendships, both personal and with his audience, shaped a band that never fit neatly into any genre, but always felt deeply real. Chat with him now and hear the story behind the music that changed lives.