Norma Jean Album: “Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child”

Norma Jean is one of those bands that only comes along every so often. In a time where music has become way too overly glossy, with people adding ridiculous effects and altering almost every aspect of their sound, what you get on a record is hardly what a band produces when they are just in a room together making music. Norma Jean is the anti-thesis to all of that. This is either an album you're going to love, because you see the genuine creativity used to record this album, or one that you're going to hate for your own personal reasons, whether it be because of the the band's beliefs or because you are more into other styles of music. "Bless The Martyr, Kiss The Child" is one of the strongest hardcore releases in the last 5 years, and warrants a listen from anyone who has interest in the genre. There so many aspects of this album that make it overshadow some of the best produced albums in not only the hardcore genre, but any other genre alike, that there is no reason not to listen to this cd.

When this album was released three years ago, frantic and chaotic hardcore was not as widely spread as it is now. People really have to understand the creativity behind this album. Not only is Norma Jean one of the heaviest bands around, they also have a way of making their sound come together and be pleasing to the ears. People who simply say "oh yea the singer needs to stop screaming like a two year old", or "they play too much heavy stuff, there's no melody" or any other comment they can think of making, aren't really listening to the album for the purpose it was created for. This album is to show how music is meant to be played. There's no computers, no effects, no vocal enhancements, and no added instruments. You basically have five guys in a room, making some of the most destructive music you've ever listened to. They took no more than two takes to record each song, which indeed gives it the genuine live feel. This is reminiscent of the hardcore days of old when bands simple didn't have enough money to rent a studio for multiple takes. They basically had to get it in one take, and if they didn't, it was getting pressed anyway. However some of the most amazing music ever produced was recorded this way. Mistakes have been left in as well so you get the feel that this is the way that the band would play it were they sitting right in front of you. Josh Scogin's commanding voice will overpower you from the first seconds of "The Entire World Is Counting On Me and They Don't Even Know...." and only gets better as the album progresses. You can even hear him clear his throat at the beginning of "Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste". The guitars play off each other to create one of the most interesting atmospheres that has ever been captured on a hardcore album. Songs like "I Used To Hate Cell Phones, But Now I Hate Car Crashes" and "Sometimes It's Our Mistake That Can Make The Greatest Ideas" both can go from opposite ends of the spectrum; sounding almost light at times, to then a full on assault on the ears. The band also mastered the art of crafting songs, as shown by their 15 minute epic "Pretty Soon, I Don't Know What, But Something Is Going To Happen" which will keep you interested ever second it lasts, and their short, powerful passages like "The Shotgun Message". Make no mistake there is nothing light or melodic about Norma Jean's sound. You won't find Josh slipping into any clean emo singing, or the guitars playing solos or anything of that nature. Norma Jean brings the mayhem every second of every song they play. This makes songs like "Face:Face" and "Creating Something Out Of Nothing, Only To Destroy It", even more powerful, because they simple don't let up. Constantly through the album you will find yourself going "wow" at how amazing some parts have been crafted. The drumming is a particularly amazing aspect of the sound. Most bands in hardcore of metal rely on their drummer as some kind of "Machine" who can just play double bass as fast as humanly possible. However Danny never shows off, he simply backs the band the way it should be done. I understand how this album could not appeal to everyone, especially fans of metal because there are many things about it that are far distant from the genre. This is an album that is best listened to with an open mind, and a clear conscience.

A quick note about their beliefs. Yes Norma Jean is a Christian band. However what they believe in should have no effect on whether or not you listen to them. A lot of people tend to think that since they believe in the Christian religion that this album is automatically going to be preachy, or their attempt to convert you to their style of thinking, which couldn't be further from the truth. I can only think of one song on this album that even has anything to do with the subject of religion, and that is "The Shotgun Message." I've never seen so many people go crazy over a band being "Christian", and not even preaching their religion. If you won't listen to them because of their beliefs, you're not only being ignorant, but you're also missing some of the most original music that has been put together in the last decade.

Make no mistake, this album is not for everyone. Fans of metal inparticularly, might be turned off by this album, because it's not "metal" as you would think of it. If you are looking for an album that will pummel you from start to finish, and keep you intersted every second, then this cd is for you. Containing some of the best vocals, most creative music, and heaviest breakdowns I've ever heard, "Bless The Martyr, Kiss The Child" delivers on all levels of music, atmosphere and sound. Genuine rock records like this are not abundant in our music world today, and when one of this nature comes along we need to take it for what it's really worth. If you waste time worrying about their beliefs, or comparing this to other pieces of music, you're missing out on everything that makes this album special. If you want to be shocked, amazing and assaulted by your music, pick this album up today and be amazed at how you have never heard this record before, anywhere.

Now this is not your typical music, not at all. Hardcore/Scremo is an aquiered taste as far as music goes. This is an album by a band that to me is truly original. Norma Jean is a christian band and they dont sing about God, no they scream about him. Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child is one of the most powerful and heavy albums I have ever heard.

Seperate the members of Norma Jean dont really shine but when placed together in this band they create some of the most passionate music I've ever heard. Now I'll admit this isnt the best band I've ever heard, no their far from it, but what they do is something that is uniqe and if you ask me really cool. As I Lay Dying, The Number 12 Looks Like You, and UnderOath are all popular bands of this genra, and Norma Jean is easily the best.

Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child is full of killer songs like the opener 'The Entire World Is Counting On Me, And They Don't Even Know' from the moment the album starts with this songs all the way till the last note of 'Organized Beyond Recognition' this album will kick you in the face if your not ready and even then it still might. To me the best song on the album is the amazingly killer track 'The Human Face, Devine' this song alone in my openion is worth the money of the album.

Hardcore is something I used to hate and I used to laugh at all of those who listened to it but over time the style grew on me especially Norma Jean. Not only is this style of music very original but its also really good as well just give it a chance. So if your looking for a really powerful band or album Norma Jeans Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child is right up your alley!

Norma Jean is a great metalcore band that stands out from others.

Don't just say that all metalcore bands sound the same. Many metalcore bands try to make their sound unique as a matter of fact. An example of this is Atreyu, who has their own original sound and knows how to blend melodic metal with hardcore in perfect melody and not carbon copy everyone else at the same time (listen to the first disc for proof). Another great example is Unearth, who can pull off some of the best breakdowns ever while playing some great Swedish-influenced metal. Please people, calling these two bands "posers" is the same as calling the grass blue.

Norma Jean differs in their own way as well, as they don't exactly need much melody in their music. Listening to this masterpiece still gives me chills to my spine. Whenever I listen to "Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste", I am listening to one of the best examples of Christian metalcore to have ever been placed onto a compact disc. The vocals shred and the breakdowns beat me down. It has some melody to it, but not much. "Face: Face" is a very unique track in its own way as well. All of these tracks give me chills down my spine. Such wicked music with Christian influence. Can any other band beside Norma Jean do it better?

Norma Jean, formerly Luti-Kriss, have instigated quite a ruckus with their new album, "Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child". Light years ahead of their previous two accomplishments, Norma Jean has implemented one of the best hardcore albums of the year. "The Entire World Is Counting On Me And They Don't Even Know It" begins the album with bone-crushing riffs and ultra-heavy bass licks. Almost instantaneously, the amazing difference in production is noticed. It's very apparent that only about two or so cuts were recorded for each track. A marvelous live atmosphere is created and meshes impeccably with the hard-hitting tones present on this disc. Aaron Weiss performs on the track "Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste". The track highlights the album with some of the best breakdowns ever heard on a hardcore album. The song starts with progressive screams aligning with pounding drums leading to an overwhelming prog riff backed by tinkling cymbal work. Josh then clears his throat preparing himself for the coming montage. Peculiarly, a bass-driven interlude leads the track into seemingly nothingness when all of a sudden Josh and Aaron trade screams making way for the opening riff to speed alongside fills and screams. The best three minutes of the disc by far. One characteristic of Norma Jean that I enjoy superfluously is that they are not afraid of experimenting. While placing a 15 minute track ("Pretty Soon, I Don't Know What, But Something Is Going To Happen") in the middle of an album isn't necessarily new, it has not been done before without killing its impetus. Later, the band takes a lesson from Christian counterparts The Blamed on "Sometimes Its Our Mistakes That Make For The Greatest Ideas". Both riffery and vocal structure stride through this almost emo-tinged segue that amazes the listeners with the talent and precision it showcases. More eerie breakdowns (featuring clapping!) are made known on "The Human Face, Divine" and "Creating Something Out Of Nothing, Only To Destroy It". "Organized Beyond Recognition" picks up where "Sometimes It's Our Mistakes..." left off to end the album. Proto-hardcore progressions set a path for a nice drum solo and a continually repeated chorus. "Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child" arrives at a time when the great genre of hardcore has become nothing more than chugga chugga riffs backed by bellows akin to that of dying warthogs. Norma Jean has set the standard for creative musical direction for all hardcore with this stunning piece of destructive art.

Chaotic, energetic, and poetic, Norma Jean puts together a totally original and awesome album that combines the passion of hardcore with an unstructured format of beautiful art. After doing well as Luti-kriss, Norma Jean emerged with a new name and a far more personalized sound. This album, quite simply put, is the best hardcore album I have ever heard. After listening to the record once I fell in love, and Norma Jean quickly became one of my favorite bands overnight. Their dedication to the music and their fans can be seen in every concert they perform. I bought this cd nine months ago, and it hasn't stayed out of my cd player for very long since. Each time I listen to it, I find another aspect of the music that I enjoy. The lyrics, as well as the chaotic blend of sounds, create a beautiful album that will be remembered forever. Tracks 1 and 5 are personal favorites, but all add to the overall incredible impact of the album. Don't make the mistake of not buying this cd.