ALBUM REVIEW ~ NORMA JEAN ~ 'DEATHRATTLE SING FOR ME'

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Norma Jean’s new album, Deathrattle Sing For Me, released August 12, 2022 on Solid State Records. Regarding the new album, the band says, “If you pierce the skin and pull back the layers, you inch closer to your essence. Norma Jean invite this level of intimately incisive immersion. An avalanche of jagged sonic hues, off-kilter samples, grunge-drenched guitars, noise rock exorcisms, hardcore screams, and slashed-throat poetry encode the essence of the Georgia band on their ninth full-length offering, Deathrattle Sing For Me [Solid State].”

I wish I could say Deathrattle Sing For Me was one of those albums that immediately grabbed my attention right at the start, but it wasn’t. The first song, “1994”, played calmly as I began formatting a blank document to type up my review. It led neatly into “Call For The Blood”, but the album didn’t grab me yet. “Spearmint Revolt” is where everything changed.

“Spearmint Revolt” is the sound I love most from Norma Jean. It’s gritty, emotional, and chaotic in all the best ways. The song makes me feel the emotions at its core even before I look up the lyrics.

“Memorial Hoard” comes next on the track listing. It’s beautiful and haunting. With its clean, quiet vocals in the beginning, it made me pause and listen to every word. Then, it builds, and builds some more. Just when you think you’re at the song’s peak, it pauses and lulls you into serenity. It quiets then picks back up not just in sound but in emotion in a way similar to the Opeth classic “Porcelain Heart.”

The album continued to be amazing from there. Other stand out tracks include “Aria Obscura,” with elements from several different styles of music, including hardcore and classic metal, “Any%,” where the White Zombie/Rob Zombie influence the band mentioned in their press release is clear and delightful, and “W W A V V E,” which reminded me of Mastodon and Every Time I Die in influence, yet was wholly Norma Jean. One thing I particularly enjoy on this album is the surprising occasional mix of clean vocals with screaming. I love the impact of it, dating back to some of their earlier work with songs like “Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste,” one of my top ten songs from any band even today.

I haven’t had the opportunity to see Norma Jean live since they played Ozzfest 2006, which feels like a lifetime ago. After hearing Deathrattle Sing For Me, if the chance arises, I will definitely take it and encourage you to do so as well. Deathrattle Sing For Me is available at all the usual locations that stream and sell music, such as Spotify. Of the album, the band’s press release attributes this quote to vocalist Cory Brandan:

“When you listen to this, I hope you let it simmer. There’s a nineties vibe when you look at the artwork, read the lyrics, and listen to it. Spend some time with it and maybe you’ll find something. Do whatever you want with it. I hope you escape with it—then let us know what you think in a year.”

I couldn’t agree more. Escape with it. It’s a great listen.

I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Jojo Key