Hidden Agenda
Norma Jean
Hardcore is a very unusual genre that has changed over the years. It has changed from the underground of basements to the mainstream of today’s society. I am sure there are many enthusiasts of the hardcore genre that would agree with me. I had the opportunity of talking to many people on this issue and ways of correcting this; one of which is Timothy McTague of Underoath. His response was “Listen to Norma Jean, listen to the Chariot, listen to Converge…listen to bands that are doing it for the right reasons.” I can honestly say I completely agree with him, especially about Norma Jean.
Norma Jean was headlining the Anti-Mother Tour November 1st 2008 at Clutch Cargo in Pontiac, Michigan. This tour is derived from their new album The Anti Mother. Being that this was the day after Halloween, I was fairly sure everyone would still be in a festive spirit that ultimately would make for a fun concert. The following this band has is one that truly follows the spirit of what hardcore was based on. Clutch cargo provided your basement over crowded with a diverse mix of people that erupted when Norma Jean bang to play. Both Norma Jean and the crowd seemed to have energy that blended well as the dance floor exploded with mosh pits. Norma Jean opened with “Vipers, Snakes, and Actors” off of their new album The Anti Mother. It was very apparent through the screams of the crowd that this album is a hit. The band was able to really able to get the crowds pulse with the start of the intro to “Creating Something out of Nothing, Only to Destroy It” from the album Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child. Front-man Cory Brandan maintained connection with crowd sharing the microphone with the crowd throughout most songs. Highlights of the songs performed off of Anti Mother Norma Jean absolutely had an insane and amazing performance. The truly showed they were maintaining the standard of what hardcore should be. They culminated the evening with “Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste” off of their album Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child. include: “Robots 3, Humans 0,” “Birth of the Anti-Mother,” “Surrender your Sons,” and “And There will be a Swarm of Hornets.”
Their performance speaks for itself. Their new album is a very positive step for Hardcore genre. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend you listen. Also, if you can catch Norma Jean on the Anti Mother Tour make sure you do. The brutality of hardcore that is Norma Jean will not disappoint.