Norma Jean

Norma Jean is an American metalcore band from Douglasville, Georgia, with origins in the early 2000s and an active career that continues from 2002 to the present. The group is also associated with mathcore and metal, and it is known for combining metalcore intensity with chaotic hardcore elements.

Formation and early name

The band first performs under the name Luti-Kriss. Under that name, it releases the EP 5ep in 2000 and the full-length album Throwing Myself in 2001. After that release, the group changes its name to Norma Jean to avoid confusion with rapper Ludacris.

Albums and releases

Norma Jean releases Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child in 2002 through Solid State Records. The album includes the single “Face:Face,” which also receives a video directed by Darren Doane. The band follows with O God, the Aftermath in 2005, later issuing a deluxe CD/DVD edition with additional recording and tour footage, plus videos for “Bayonetwork,” “Liarsenic,” and “Absentimental.”

Its third studio album, Redeemer, appears in 2006, also on Solid State Records. In 2008, the band releases The Anti-Mother, featuring drummer Chris Raines in place of Daniel Davison. The album also includes guest appearances by Page Hamilton of Helmet and Chino Moreno of Deftones.

Line-up changes

The band’s original vocalist, Josh Scogin, leaves after Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child and later forms The Chariot. Brad Norris briefly replaces him before Cory Brandan joins as vocalist; he has previously been active in Eso-Charis, Living Sacrifice, Uses Fire, and The Handshake Murders. Over time, the band’s line-up also includes Daniel Davison, Scottie Henry, Chris Day, Billy Nottke, Jake Schultz, Chris Raines, Matthew Marquez, Jeff Hickey, Clayton Holyoak, John Finnegan, Phillip Farris, Grayson Stewart, Ryan Leger, Johnny Muench, Clay Crenshaw, and Michael Palmquist.

Style

Norma Jean is identified with metalcore, mathcore, and metal, and remains one of the better-known bands associated with the heavier, more abrasive end of those styles.