Review of Norma Jean's "The Anti Mother"
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When I was handed a copy of Norma Jean's The Anti-Mother, it was an evening of mixed emotion for me. I was anticipating this album as much as the next fan of Norma Jean but, dear god was I dreading this review. I mean, how can anyone do a review, for an album, made by a band that has been an inspiration amongst musicians of all ages and ranges in the metal genre? Enough about me and my lame ass emotions; on to the review. At first listen, I would be a liar if I said this album was anything less than a melodic math metal meltdown, an artistically drawn, elegantly packaged train wreck, if you will. This is why the review was delayed. I hoped that at some point the record would grow on me. It really hasn't. Allow me to be very forward. This album is in no way what Norma Jean was once able to produce. The melodies are a tad overwhelming at times, although such strong melodies tend to compliment the rather bland vocals that have been smeared all over this record, making the album appear to be the most radio friendly album Norma Jean has ever written. Lyrically the record is a great improvement over the third major release "Redeemer." It just seems front man Cory Brandan is still searching for his niche with in a band of this caliber. To be honest, there are a lot of things about this album that are progressive. Changes in vocal diversity: being the most progressive attribute to stick out through the course of the album. This gives the impression that, Norma Jean, as a band is heading for change, for a new direction. What I fail to see is where that direction will lead them and rather their fans will follow. |
Every ounce of guitar work on this record just seems to trudge on mindlessly with little to no effort or emotion that was once not only found in the lead work from this band but also expected. Rhythmically, it's almost as if this "math-metal" band simply forgot the formula that allows them to solve for "X" when "X" equals a well written breakdown.
I don't want to come off as if I'm bashing Norma Jean as a band, because I'm not! I'm just not at all impressed with this album. There are, in all fairness, some very positive points on this record. For example, producer Ross Robinson (At the drive-in, Glassjaw and The Cure.) was in the driver's seat yet again for a second time now, giving the record the aggressive undertones it needed in order to keep the "metal" label that was long ago slapped on Norma Jean.
Having Ross Robinson produce this album also gave Norma Jean the tools they needed in order to fully step away from the "botch" Esq phase the band seemingly went back through during the writing and production of "O'God the aftermath." The Anti-mother also brought forth an all-star cast in the form of guest vocal spots. With heavy hitters like Chino Moreno(Deftones), Cove Reber (Saosin), and even Josh Scogin (The Chariot) it gives the anti-mother an almost diverse presence in both vocal styling as well as lyrical content.
I also feel the need to mention that above all, “The Anti-mother” is so full of catchy verse and solid hooks that this album will never fail in bringing forth a flawless and unforgettable live show; it is, on stage that Norma Jean will surely shine when it comes to this album.
All in all, this album is far from the worst album ever written, I'll save that spot for any album ever produced by Creed. It is however, far from the best album Norma Jean's ever written.
With that being said, would I recommend this album to fans of “Bless the Martyr?” No, not unless I want to be punched in the face.
Would I recommend this album to forth coming fans of Norma Jean? Yes, Absolutely.
Like I said the album itself is catchy enough and with all the guest vocal spots on “The Anti-mother,” the record provides a very refreshing audible experience in an otherwise rather redundant genre.
In other words, if you've heard of Norma Jean but never "heard" them, or you're just one of the many that managed to catch them live during this years Warped Tour and liked what you saw. Go out and pick up the album, I'm sure you'll enjoy.
If you're like me and have followed these guys since they're days in "Luti-kriss"...don't bother…that is unless you're really like me and just looking to round off your Norma Jean CD collection.
For fans of:
The Red Chord
The Chariot
The Dillinger escape plan
Darkest Hour
To visit Norma Jean's MySpace page click here
By. Tim Fisher
