Artist: Norma Jean
Album: Meridional
Date Released: July 13, 2010
Genre: Post-hardcore/Mathcore
Album review:
Norma Jean's lifespan speaks for itself. Having sold over 360,000 albums to date, Norma Jean definitely has made some waves in the metal arena. Since the release of Bless the Martyr, Norma Jean have continually made albums that cease to grow old. Meridional, their fifth album, could very well continue their winning streak. With the composure of a mad scientist, Norma Jean continues with their calculated-yet-chaotic melodies and end up creating a concise and sensible album.
Meridional is a term used to refer to the southern part of the globe, and is a reference to the band’s origins in Georgia. From the artwork to the lyrical themes, there is definitely something refreshingly foreign about the album. From the introductory feedback of “Leaderless and Self Enlisted” to the hidden outro at the end of “Innocent Bystanders United”, the album contains an unsettling element that keeps the listener from getting bored. Cory Brandon Putman delivers more diversity on this record, ranging from lingering vocal lines to his raspy cries. The album, in turn, takes the listener on a dark journey, involving explosive and energetic ballads like “Blood Burner” as well as haunting choral interludes like “Septentrional”. Indeed, this album is testimony to the maturity of the band members both new and old, and should not be classified as your run-of-the-mill hardcore outfit.
As an additional note, Norma Jean took a step in the right direction upon the switch to record with producer Jeremy Griffith. The album was to have a dark and ominous feel, which Griffith succeeded in pulling out of the mix. Each dissonant guitar riff, vocal harmonies, and drum beats that seem to resound into a black abyss adds to the album’s haunting theme. Griffith himself even contributed several additional instruments and sample vocal melodies.
Norma Jean, then, has definitely made quite a step in the right direction with Meridional. It is proof that terms like “mathcore” and “orderly” can be used to describe one thing. This album is enjoyable on repeated listens, and is worth the price tag.
Meridional is a term used to refer to the southern part of the globe, and is a reference to the band’s origins in Georgia. From the artwork to the lyrical themes, there is definitely something refreshingly foreign about the album. From the introductory feedback of “Leaderless and Self Enlisted” to the hidden outro at the end of “Innocent Bystanders United”, the album contains an unsettling element that keeps the listener from getting bored. Cory Brandon Putman delivers more diversity on this record, ranging from lingering vocal lines to his raspy cries. The album, in turn, takes the listener on a dark journey, involving explosive and energetic ballads like “Blood Burner” as well as haunting choral interludes like “Septentrional”. Indeed, this album is testimony to the maturity of the band members both new and old, and should not be classified as your run-of-the-mill hardcore outfit.
As an additional note, Norma Jean took a step in the right direction upon the switch to record with producer Jeremy Griffith. The album was to have a dark and ominous feel, which Griffith succeeded in pulling out of the mix. Each dissonant guitar riff, vocal harmonies, and drum beats that seem to resound into a black abyss adds to the album’s haunting theme. Griffith himself even contributed several additional instruments and sample vocal melodies.
Norma Jean, then, has definitely made quite a step in the right direction with Meridional. It is proof that terms like “mathcore” and “orderly” can be used to describe one thing. This album is enjoyable on repeated listens, and is worth the price tag.
Rating: 7 out of 10
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