Album Review: Norma Jean - Meridional

First thing I'm going to admit is that I haven't listened to Norma Jean in a long time, and wouldn't call myself a fan. When I first sat down to listen to their latest release, 'Meridonal', I wasn't sure what to expect. My idea of them consisted of intense metal for the most hardcore of fans, but it means I can attack this without comparing it too much to their older stuff. This album has been over a year in a making, and they've even left their previous label to join independent Razor & Tie. They even describe it as “something totally new”, and it's certainly that.

The second it kicks in, you can really notice how different it is to their older stuff. Taking much more inspiration from heavy rock and bands like Saosin. The intensity is still there, but in a much more melodic way. The opener 'Leaderless and Self Enlisted' has huge riffs, pounding drums and shouted vocals which anyone can 'sing' along to.