Norma Jean

Norma Jean went through a googolplex of vocalists between their last album and O' God, the Aftermath. After choosing one, the band took to the studio with Matt Bayles. Apparently they picked him because they love Botch. Funny, I remember this band being nu-metal with a DJ. The album opens with typical moshy metalcore, nothing surprising. On the second track, 'Vertebraille,' I hear moments that sound identical to those found on Botch's We Are the Romans. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but I disagree. Imitation is a sign of a lack of creativity. I know Black Sabbath invented every metal riff back in the 70's, but there is no excuse for this blatant disregard of originality. 'Bayonetwork,' the band's single, is a mix of the chaotic-metal-plus-coarse-screams formula that this band usually uses. They also throw in some 'smooth' vocals - they sound hideous. They try this method again on later songs; it just doesn't seem to mesh with the music. This isn't a completely horrible release but it certainly isn't anything I'd listen to on a regular basis. Those kids that recently bought into Unearth and Atreyu will eat this shit up.

3.5 / 10 — Michael