Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks: 47 minutes, 30 seconds Street Date: March 1, 2005
In 2002, Norma Jean, formally known as Luti-Kriss, released
Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child to much fan fare. But now, in a post-Josh Scogin world,
Norma Jean returns with their sophomore release O’ God, the Aftermath. And with it,
they introduce to us the future of Norma Jean: vocalist Cory Brandan.
Scogin’s shoes are hard ones to fill. He had, and still has via The Chariot, one of the most
recognizable voices in Christian hardcore. And Brandan’s efforts are valiant. His range may not be
in the same league as Scogin, who can screech one moment and growl the next, but Brandan’s
screams compliment the wild and unpredictable guitar riffs.
"A lot of people think the word ‘aftermath’ has a negative connotation, but I look at it as
more of a positive thing; a pleasant aftermath, you could say. It’s looking at it from a spiritual
standpoint; the aftermath of grace or salvation," says drummer Davison on solidstaterecords.com.
O’ God, the Aftermath is chock full of spiritual context. But, to keep with tradition after
the departure of Scogin, the song’s titles are unique and somewhat dreary. And in a completely
original twist, each song title is actually a combination of two words. It almost works as a sort of "before and
after" relationship. "Murderotica," "Dilemmachine," "Disconnecktie," and "Scientifiction" are just
a few of the twisted, yet appropriate names for each of the cuts on this disc.
Fans of Norma Jean should rejoice at the release of O’ God, the Aftermath. It may not
be Bless the Child…, but it is still a very strong hardcore release. Obviously, Josh Scogin
was very instrumental in woodwork that is Norma Jean, but Cory Brandan does a fine job of filling
the enormous void that Scogin left. Kudos to Norma Jean for overcoming huge odds and releasing the
best hardcore release 2005 has seen yet.
- Review date: 02/27/05, written by Josh Taylor
Artist Info:Discography Record Label: Solid State Records
Album length: 11 tracks, 47 minutes and 30 seconds
Street Date: March 1, 2005
Buy It:Amazon.com
Murderotica: An Avalanche in D Minor
Vertebraille: Choke That Thief Called Dependence
Bayonetwork: Vultures in Vivid Color
Dilemmachine: Coalition, hoax
Coffinspire: Multitudes, Multitudes in the Valley of Decision!
Liarsenic: Creating a Universe of Discourse
Disconnecktie: The Faithful Vampire
Absentimental: Street Clam
Charactarantula: Talking to you and the Intake of Glass
Pretendevor: In Reference to a Sinking Ship
Scientifiction: A Clot of Tragedy / A Swarm of Dedication
Artist Info: 
