Starless and Bible Black
"Red" sees King Crimson follow in the direction established by their previous two albums, "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" and "Starless and Bible Black", but in contrast to those albums, "Red" features more layered production with multiple overdubs, as well as the return of the earlier instrumentation of the guest players. "Red"'s heavier tone was largely due to the influence of the rhythm section, Wetton and Bruford, whom Fripp has referred to as "a flying brick wall". During the recording of the album, Fripp took a "backseat" when making large decisions. He had decided to take "a year's sabbatical ... at Bennett's Institute," and offered the idea of McDonald rejoining the band in his absence to EG. When this idea was met with lack of interest, Fripp abruptly disbanded King Crimson on 24 September 1974, and "Red" was released two weeks later.