NORMA JEAN Aria Obscura Composer Reaction and Production Breakdown

[@Swollen_Goat]

NO YOU DID NOT! I have been trying for years to get big reaction channels to finally do Norma Jean and you finally came through for us! This band has been consistently killing it for years off the hard work of the main vocalist who has pretty much defined their sound. This album is amazing!! but I highly suggest going backwards if you ever come back to this band and check out something like High Noise, Low Output or Sword in Mouth, Fire eyes.

[@SilviaAfurisita]

Second all of this!!! Finally!

[@nickoftime5759]

They’re a Christian band, aren’t they?

[@chasm9557]

@@nickoftime5759 They do identify as a christian band, however they've (in my opinion) consistently played some pretty great sounding metalcore with enough diversity within their catalog that I haven't gotten bored listening to their music. Metalcore does happen to have quite a few christian bands. August Burns Red, As I lay Dying, and Devil Wears Prada are other great metalcore bands that also happen to identify as christian.

[@nickoftime5759]

@@chasm9557 oh I know. I was pretty sure I remembered them from a Solid State sampler CD I had back in the day. Zao is still one of my favorite bands.

[@MrDirtyVirus]

SERIOUSLY!! IM SO SHOCKED I'M SEEING THIS. Norma Jean is such an underated band imo. They have sooo much to offer in their sound.

[@SilviaAfurisita]

Also, Corey has one of the best sing-screams in the industry, so so raw, I love listening to him sing and scream because it always feels passionate, full of emotion

[@jackcravford8744]

dude yeah, it is so hard to really get into other music, when this dude can display so much emotional passion and carnage. it is just more than music for me!

[@RicosTinFoilSombrero]

Great guy. I interviewed Cory for a podcast when All Hail was about to come out.

[@oleksiistri8429]

True. But I think this album is one of their weakest creations

[@justinluther2924]

You can tell Norma Jean is amazing because all the comments are suggesting different songs lol

[@jackcravford8744]

over 90 songs, all of them are top notch, no fillers, all of them are phenomenal. INSANE consistency. cant get enough of their almost all albums.

[@coltonaallen]

Every album is GOAT and yet still gets better with each one! Each one with a new sound yet still so Norma Jean. My ultimate favorite band!

[@ohhhthatsjames]

I love that he’s muttering to himself because as a composer he can hear the complexity and everything that’s going on in the track. The brain wheels are turning

[@tomkruze1304]

YES! Norma Jean has the best dissonant guitar ideas, so much atmosphere. Check out "Memphis will be Laid to Waste"

[@derpderpin1568]

This song turned 20 years old a couple weeks ago, blew my mind it was that old.

[@jbasti227]

That song is one of the best examples of creatively using a single idea like a dissonant chord, and expanding/contorting it into so many different variations to a point where you a fully fleshed out song without necessarily having a standard verse/chorus structure

[@TehChancellorr]

HE LAID EMERALDS IN HER EYES!

[@ColinWitkowski]

maybe he'll listen and start the journey with mewithoutYou afterwards!

[@jbasti227]

@@ColinWitkowski I’m always up for people discovering mewithoutYou. One of the best bands of our time

[@44JohnDoe]

Finally NORMA! Their album "All Hail" is a masterpiece. You could check track "Anna". Cheers

[@frakifiknow]

Anna freaking slays

[@pagewagley4743]

Entire album destroys but if loss then leader has been my favorite.

[@frakifiknow]

@@pagewagley4743 Totally agree, but that final "ALL HAIL" is my favorite NJ moment ever -- it's absolutely crushing

[@TheVoyagersBlueprints]

Yep! Masterpiece for sure

[@MrDirtyVirus]

All Hail is absolutely insane. Such a great album that actually feels refreshing to listen to when it comes to this genre

[@beaublack7806]

MEMPHIS WILL BE LAID TO WASTE! Theres a vocal part in their by Arron Weiss from me without you and it duets with Josh scogins screams omg I melt everytime I hear it

[@tetfol3315]

It's pretty incredible how constantly Norma Jean produces very good heavy albums, even album "The Anti-Mother" although usually criticized, is actually a really fine album.

[@dclarkmusic]

These guys have gone through so many lineup changes it’s insane, yet they have managed to put out standout hardcore music for basically their entire career. Their Redeemer album is a masterpiece IMO! You ought to check out “A Small Spark Vs. A Great Forest” off that album.

[@slapt3245]

my favorite norma jean song!

[@postalcollapse12]

Great song.

[@skyfayette8907]

If you listen to Norma Jean from the time they started you will find that every single album they get better and better and better.. they are so underrated.

[@carriefish]

I'M SO GLAD YOU OPENED THE NORMA JEAN CAN OF WORMS. I threw you two cups of coffee to break down an ETID song, but now I'd LOVE to see you break down Funeral Singer, Translational and Anna by Norma Jean.

[@Joseph-R]

Hell yeah, I hope we get an ETID breakdown one day from Geebz!

[@carriefish]

@@Joseph-R I'm still waiting for it 🥺🥺🥺🙏🏻

[@Joseph-R]

@@carriefish just curious, what did you pick? I always thought White Void, Moor, or Wanderlust would be interesting ones for Geebz to check out.

[@carriefish]

@@Joseph-R idk man. My feelings changed once Radical dropped so I'd love to see him break down Post Boredom, Hostile Architecture, Distress Rehearsal and People Verses. If I had to pick one song, I'd go Hostile. But each album offers something so different, it would be cool to see him do a song from each album. I'd pay good money for it 😂

[@RicosTinFoilSombrero]

My favorite 3 bands are ETID, Norman Jean, and He Is Legend. I got to interview Cory for a podcast just before All Hail dropped.

[@JordanPeacock]

Hell yes. Every era is great, although my personal favorite is the Meriodional/Wrongdoers/Polar Similar albums.

[@larsmiles7231]

Please do Spearmint Revolt. So heavy, and you'd find the production in the second half interesting.

[@albreezy26]

Every time I die should be next now. Kind of the jumping off point for this type of music. You could really pick any song but I guess starting from their final album and then working back would be the best route. Planet shit, white walls, post boredom, disparate pleasures. You can't really go wrong. Great stuff as always Geebz!

[@carriefish]

I've been waiting for an ETID reaction. Damn near begged. I'd love to see him break down Hostile Architecture and People Verses.

[@Tip6072]

There is really no end to the tracks these guys have that are mind blowing. They are their own genre. Nobody sounds like them. They only get better.

[@Zinfidel1]

Been listening to NJ for about 20 years now. Deathrattle is so good. I've listened to the track Spearmint Revolt about a million times! It's so good.

[@silafirion]

I'm gonna be the guy to point out that this band famously used to describe their sound as "a million T-Rexes with guitars". Or something like that. They've always had such a HUGE sound. And yes, that drum sound is always sooo big!

[@jackcravford8744]

Because they are recording it live, like a band and leaving all their errors and mistakes inside the songs. Which is something you cant achieve with completely digital mixing. Their guitars are always so well rounded.

[@28lbs88]

Matthew Marquez is a kick ass drummer!

[@stevenransiear9579]

Bayonetwork would be an excellent follow up for another Norma Jean song.

[@thecthulhuhoop8795]

o god, the aftermath was always one of my favorite albums by Norma Jean. It'll take you down that mathcore rabbit hole.

[@matthewbachelor6576]

This makes me very happy. NORMA JEAN! So huge.

[@besofrhcp]

Misery Signals for melodic and hardcore sound. They are very underrated band that I love.

[@ScottDincorn]

First Oceansize and now Norma Jean...you're hitting all of my favourites!

[@JaySay]

I haven't personally heard anything from them, but I certainly have _SEEN_ the love for Norma Jean in the comments here for so so so long! Awesome to have a band here that people are anticipating, and they are fantastic, and majorly talented. These guys are freaking amazing! I haven't had a reaction to a band like this since the first time I heard Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson on the channel! I really loved how many layers they had going on in the back-end, and you mentioned it, Geebz, but the effects and little choices that the guitarist(s) used. It's nowhere as close to how in your face and pounding as this band is, but that reminds me of Queens of the Stone Age's _No One Knows_ when Josh hits those accents after each measure in the second verse. All around just such a great band, and a really cool track! Will def have to check out more of them soon. Thanks for the vid, Geebz, and keep on rocking!🤙🤘

[@stang1973]

It seems Norma Jean has been making big waves with channels like these. Im surprised at how many reviewers havent heard of or are just now noticing this band. 9 albums in!! Their sounds has evolved since the beginning but their core sound is still there. Its been a great ride and from what ive heard they are not stopping!

[@FaceFaceMan]

If we're hitting the south, let's hear some Beloved or He is Legend. It's really hard to pick between the two. Both great NC bands.

[@silkytx]

Heck yeah. Would love to hear a break down of a HIL song. Adam is an amazing guitarist!

[@jeepnut1]

Definitely!

[@jackcravford8744]

Norma Jean really helped me appreciated how amazing can guitars be. They have insanely well textured guitar work, with lot of ambience and feedbacks and instinctive emotions. All their instrumentals have their own bodies.

[@claycook9475]

Did not expect a Norma Jean reaction, as always great analysis. May I suggest The Chariot next? The band was started by the former Norma Jean singer in early 2000s; that first album at the time was a revelation of the genre. You should also check out some earlier Norma Jean, their first two albums were so raw and under-engineered, something I feel was lost as the band evolved and the genre changed.

[@dclarkmusic]

Long Live The Chariot!

[@AngryBob4213]

Yes! I'd recommend the song David de la Hoz!

[@lireid1825]

LONG LIVE!!

[@coltonaallen]

And '68!

[@icelandicbanks6473]

Do the entirety of The Fiancee, that's what I say!

[@davidstanley9543]

That screeching lead guitar under the mix was awesome. The bass really stood out on this album too.

[@chasm9557]

If you want to dive more into Norma Jean, I suggest picking songs from different albums so you can hear how they have a bit more diversity than bands from that era of metalcore typically do. I would recommend you take a look at Memphis Will be Laid to Waste, 1,000,000 Watts, Deathbed Athiest, Disconnectie, and Sword in Mouth, Fire Eyes for a feel of what their overall catalog sounds like.

[@nkllknn3549]

More Norma jean reactions pleaseeee

[@peterplaysbass]

First time viewer of your channel, long time Norma Jean fan. I really enjoyed your take.

[@jasonmoss7990]

“Memphis will be laid to waste” is one of their best ever checkout out please

[@dclarkmusic]

Absolute hardcore CLASSIC

[@hobojungle1]

I am proud to say I was into this genre and bought the CD for this album when it was released. Had Luti-Kriss “Throwing Myself” as well before that.

[@stevedixon9734]

Beautiful. Gotta get He is Legend some love too

[@twoisone599]

FINALLY!!! I’ve watched you on and off for awhile and I’m so excited that you are finally listening to my favorite band!

[@ryangutt884]

It's already been said, but every album has so much to offer. And it always has a fresh take while maintaining the getting steamrolled vibe.

[@ATX-Hi8]

YAY!! So happy you finally decided to do a Norma Jean song!! Great video and reaction. These guys are my favorite band and have released nothing but good music over the past 15 years. PLEASE if you enjoyed this song do more by Norma Jean. They're such a talented band.

[@rhythm9474]

This was my favorite song from normas new album. Thankyou for covering this.

[@JonnyRottenn__]

Man, Landslide Defeater and Blueprints for Future Homes would be awesome to hear you get into

[@jackcravford8744]

blueprints has insane guitar work man! mind blowing

[@andrewk2678]

All Hail! Norma Jean doesn't have a bad album in a huge discography. You should definitely do more, Anna, Triffids, A Media Friendly Turn For the Worse, Robots 3 Humans 0, it doesn't end.

[@GordoDustin]

Awesome!!! Spearmint Revolt definitely has to be your next one. Thanks for checking this awesome band out!

[@devoncrestway338]

i was introduced to Norma Jean at a church function.

[@AngryBob4213]

Glad you're finally checking out Norma Jean! A deep dive on these guys would be great because their sound has changed so much over the years. You should at least check out Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste off their album Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child (produced by Adam D of Killswitch Engage). That was THE hardcore song of the early 2000s!

[@s_bee]

Only came across these guys a couple of years ago, but haven't yet fully immersed myself. I'm definitely going to take all of the suggestions in the comments and go do exactly that now!

[@morganlockhart5849]

Thank you sir!

[@jordanbenson2980]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 love you man!

[@donnybereznak8653]

I didn't know they were from Douglasville, Ga. I grew up the next town over.

[@RicosTinFoilSombrero]

The drummer plays just a 18" x 22" kick. I interviewed them for a podcast on the previous record.

[@golgarirockfarm3744]

Wow! I had no idea that Norma Jean was being requested, let alone for a long time! I lost track of them after Meridional in 2010 but them being on the channel brought it all back and I'm so thankful for that. I'll be checking out the albums I've been missing out on. Up to today my favorite track by them is Falling from the Sky: Day Seven 🤘🖖

[@SilviaAfurisita]

Love that song, would work great here since it's very well composed. In fact, Norma Jean tend to have at least one lengthy track per album like that, that takes you through a bit of a journey. Falling from the sky day 7 or Sun dies, Blood moon

[@44JohnDoe]

Man, definitely check "All Hail" album. It was my Album no.2 of the year, two years ago.

[@golgarirockfarm3744]

@@SilviaAfurisita I'll be checking those! I guess No Passenger No Parasite falls into that category as well? Another one of my faves

[@golgarirockfarm3744]

@@44JohnDoe Definitely will!

[@kidneystonermusic]

We need a Callous Daoboys video!!! Or Botch!

[@nathanaelterzano2892]

Love the response, straight positive love it

[@NJRIII]

Norma Jean was everything to me. In 2006.

[@morganlockhart5849]

More Norma Jean. One song per album.

[@af2429]

woot Norma ! So glad you chose to react to them.

[@Skackle]

If u want more off this album, I would recommend Spearmint Revolt for the production, A Killing Word for the guitars, & 1994 for just the awesome nostalgic insaneness...

[@vincentjacobsmm]

I only reply here from time to time, but I check out your reactions quite a bit during coffee breaks. It gives me great pleasure, thanks!!

[@TheDerpp]

This album has literally been the only thing I've listened to since it came out a month ago, i have the last.fm to prove it 😂 Ngl tho I'm a LITTLE bummed you didn't go with A Killing Word or Spearmint Revolt but this one is so good too. There isn't a bad choice.

[@ricardoabrahams3598]

Disconnecktie / Dilemachine/ WWAVVE/ Landslide Defeater

[@eeeeeeeeejks]

Yesssss WWAVVE!

[@adrianobertuzzo]

You're dead on Geebz, Matt Marquez who is currently drumming for Norma Jean uses notably deep kicks and toms. I remember him saying he's had to learn to move more air playing drums this big.

[@inigolm1863]

Didn´t expect this at all man! What an album, personal AOTY contender!

[@SilviaAfurisita]

This band has changed a lot throughout the decades but my man Corey brandan has been killing it on vocals (and lyrics) since the early 2000s now and I cannot get enough of his work! If you ever wanna do a deep dive, do lyrics for this band, they are always something special. More songs, would love you to listen to wrongdoers, sword in mouth, or anything off of all hail (2019 album) They came out of the hardcore scene, their sound is a bit different from most meyalcore bands, yet they still fall under that category. Aloha!!

[@mrpennyapple4217]

Would love to see reactions for The Chariot and Every Time I Die next, Norma Jean is a great stepping stone into this side of heavy music.

[@mindkillingmusic]

perfect timing lol great vid jimbob

[@losingperfection]

My favorite part of your video was when you played Norma Jean. Been a fan since I was a teenager and I'm 35 now. Their discography is full of absolute pieces of art.

[@normajean]

Cool! Thanks! 🌊🏄‍♀️

[@normajean]

24” kick

[@43percentemo]

These guys are excellent. Really think it's worth your time to check out Botch who were earlier influences on a lot of bands in this space - their "To Our Friends in the Great White North" or "Saint Matthew Returns to the Womb" would be excellent introductions. Beyond that I think it's important to recognize the impact Drive Like Jehu and The Jesus Lizard have had on bands like these as well. "Here Come the Rome Plows" and "Mouth Breather", respectively, are highlights of theirs. Last, KEN mode is a currently active band carrying on that lineage, and is in my humble and also very correct opinion one of the best bands active today. "The Irate Jumbuck," "The Promises of God" and "Doesn't Feel Pain Like He Should" would be my recommendations for starting points.

[@hiwayhighway9925]

They sound good. Thanks to those who recommended. Found something new to me

[@MrDirtyVirus]

Please dig deeper into this band as they have such a unique sound (imo). As some others suggested, you should pick a song off every album because their sound has changed so much over the years while also staying somewhat the same and CONSISTENTLY good. This is definitely one of my all time favorite metal bands. Everything about them is good.

[@Jollybelly]

Ooook. I have seen a couple of your reaction videos in passing (KZbin algorithm) but I am ashamed to say; I did not pay enough attention to your obvious credibility to appreciate music as a whole. Norma Jean is one of my first loves in music because of their endless pursuit of creating something TO BE HEARD. One more subscriber here. *Not just a metal fan*

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Wow, thank you!

[@RKaneInDaMembrane]

Awesome song, awesome album. Glad you finally got to 'em! This song in particular reminds me quite a bit of Intronaut.

[@tommydude969]

One of my favorite bands and I believe they have plenty great tracks to check out. I think it would be to the benefit of us all if you did a reaction/dive into the track Anna.

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

This is insanely good!

[@lrblake394]

Geebz! You have to react to Every Time I Die (sadly recently broken up). I suggest 'post-boredom', 'distress rehearsal', or 'rendez-voodoo'.

[@jordanbenson2980]

Too right

[@carriefish]

Distress Rehearsal, Hostile Architecture and People Verses 🥺😭🙏🏻

[@ggoldie5539]

Nice one dude! You need to check out Bless the Martyr from start to finish! =)

[@cowsdotricks]

Norma Jean and Gojira 2006 nice snapshot in time.

[@BackflipsBen]

Do The Black Dahlia Murder next! Anything from the album Ritual, my vote is Blood In The Ink. :)

[@m.sav8862]

Their new song "A Killing Name" Might have the best chorus i have heard this year so far.

[@TheVoyagersBlueprints]

This was a great dissection of the song! Definitely go and listen to the rest of their album and back catalog as well

[@tragedybysyntax]

This new album is amazzzzzzzzzzzzzing. Next level man….. really something to put them on a bigger scale of deserved respect.

[@klyntonius_maximus]

Love this! If you were to do another Normal Jeans song, like everyone else suggested, Memphis will be laid to waste is the way to go. Got a deep dive, I'd go with Birth of the anti-mother, The potter has no hands and Anna. Love your work.

[@jeepnut1]

Awesome! Please do their song Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste!

[@fonesrphunny7242]

I just remembered I broke my headset cable. The left channel does sound pretty nice, so I''ll have to come back to this.

[@TimVedderMusic]

Late to the party but hey I'm here. Been a huge fan of NJ for almost 20 years. Loved this break down and your reactions were great!

[@SirTheory]

Oh man love seeing Norma Jean on the Geebz. Always love your commentary. Thank you for this. I've been on a big NJ kick this summer and have been relentlessly trying to deep dive KZbin for reactions to songs off their seminal album, Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child. I uhhh haven't found any. So if you'd backtrack that far I'd love to see your analysis of "The Entire World is Counting on Me, and They Don't Even Know It" and-as everyone else has suggested-"Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste." Bless the Martyr is a helluva album that-in my humble, occasionally correct opinion-sounds even better now than it did 20 years ago. And it was a powerhouse back then, too.

[@Artburndesign]

Been a NJ fan for 20 years, incredible band. All hail is amazing. Check it out

[@ColinWitkowski]

might be time for the decomposer to check out some alexisonfire to get the nice melodic and screaming vocal mix.

[@robertoneal9439]

Check out “He is Legend”

[@thesempiternity2777]

Great video and breakdown as always! Kinda amazed you haven't done a review of this band, but I'd love to see Beartooth's Riptide. Different from their usual sound in some ways, but I know you'd dig the sound quality and bass work. Keep them coming, these videos are my favorite way to take a mental break from work and get a look through someone else's perspective at music I love!

[@JamesMoore-bx7dj]

NORMA JEAN DESERVES MORE LOVE!!! I’m a bit biased lol but they’re so incredible. Check out the whole Wrongdoers album but specifically: FUNERAL SINGER - NORMA JEAN

[@mariofoad7247]

Just need you to react to Converge and Every Time I Die now

[@prestonjarrett]

Converge would be dope

[@andrewbarrientes1625]

ALL HAIL THE ALMIGHTY NORMA JEAN!!

[@imawafflelad8641]

Awesome review, I’d be interested in you checking out „Synthetic Sun“ or „IV. The Nexus“ by Norma Jean as well

[@somethingiwrote9074]

PLEASE MORE NORMA JEAN!! if you got it at five you got it at fifty is a great and quick one

[@musiclover01ization]

Good video, Geebz. While I'm not into Norma Jean, the song was pretty cool.

[@yhamez]

I haven’t really paid attention to the last 3 or 4 Norma Jean albums. Sounds like I missed out!

[@joelh870]

OOOOH yeah if we're taking requests, I gotta back up those saying "Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste". Or anything from their debut as Norma Jean, "Bless The Martyr and Kiss The Child" really. That album had a profound effect on me, it really was my gateway from stuff like Metallica & Linkin Park into more extreme music. Still love it and am scared by it after all these years...

[@Eric998765]

I've known of Norma Jean for around twenty years but never got in to them except their album Polar Similar. I'm not sure what they did different for that album but it is top tier for sure. I hope the next time you visit them is from that album

[@dodgrblu]

this band name takes me back to peak metalcore, have they been constantly releasing stuff? they always seemed to be talked about in the same sentence as Unearth.

[@cefhamster]

This is the fifth album since 2010

[@jasonmacqueen1017]

Yes! All Hail The Almighty Norma Jean... should definitely check out ANNA and A killing Word

[@adamhenton6221]

Geebz, you lookin sleepy. Take a gummy my friend 🤙. This should be a cool track tho!

[@KeyOfGeebz]

It was the hot chocolate :)

[@thedefiant4196]

@@KeyOfGeebz nothing wrong with cocoa 🧉As for Norma Jean recommendations, I'd go next with 'Careen' kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWbTe4Sqm9KAg80 very interesting track well worthy of a listen!