Review by Jake Masters
The recent heavyweights of hardcore, Norma Jean, have returned with a new album titled O’ God, the Aftermath. Their first album, Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child, received rave reviews and became an instant underground classic for its mix of metal, hardcore, and indie with lots of experimentation, including a 15 minute long song, which is a rarity in hardcore. The band has been through many changes since the release of the last album, including the departure of their original singer, Josh Scogin (who went on to form The Chariot), only a short while after the album came out and while the band was on tour. Many would find this to be a deathblow to an up and coming band, but Norma Jean stuck it out and found a new singer, Cory Brandan, and have taken their sound in a heavier, more energetic direction.
O’ God, the Aftermath has many of the same dynamics of Bless the Martyr with a dual guitar, crazy rhythmic, burst of squeals and screams, but has about 200 percent more energy. As soon as you put on the disc, NJ grabs you by the throat and does not relent. The first track, “Murderotica,” is pure energy that does not stop. “Vertebraille” and “Bayonetwork,” the first two singles, are very fast-paced and in your face. The in-your-face energy doesn’t let up until “Disconnecktie,” which is mostly instrumental and spacious. There are so many places of melody and parts where you can sing along, which sounds like Norma Jean are becoming better songwriters. The lyrical content is a testament to their growth as a band.
The CD booklet itself is an art onto itself, chock full of weird pictures of men and women combined with plants, objects, and devices. If you are a fan of metal, hardcore, or anything angry or energetic, O’ God, the Aftermath is definitely for you.
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