I must be honest, I hadn't listened to Norma Jean in a long time. Lately, though I've felt a revival. A pull back to the music that shaped me in my high school years. Maybe these bands have been touring and making music for the last two decades and I just lost track, or maybe life just shifted away from music when I went off to college, moved away from home, and eventually started a family.
Now that my kids are older and I've found my way back to music, especially metal and hardcore music, hearing bands that made such an impact on me as a teenager, are still out there creating and touring feels surreal. Stepping in to Puzzles in Deep Ellum to celebrate 20 years of "O'God, The Aftermath" felt full circle. Hearing their iconic and unhinged songs from that album played live, along with other songs from across their career was a reminder of who I was back then—and how much of that hardcore girl still exists. They took the stage and reopened a chapter of my life that I have been missing.
The crowd was boisterous as Norma Jean claimed the stage. Despite their legacy, the band was humble and personable. They mentioned that Norma Jean still practices in a garage, and sometimes even drives a van on tour. The authenticity and simplicity spoke on a level the audience could relate to. It's not about the frivolous things but about the music and connection. I loved when vocalist Cory Brandan said to the crowd in the mosh pit that we need this. A healthy form of release, while the rest of the world gets left at the door. All that mattered was being present together in that moment. There was a noticeable sense of camaraderie in the pit after that. A wave of emotion passed through the room, while men embraced and arms were raised. I could see many in awe and even worship throughout the pit.
Norma Jean's ability to write lyrics that are not exclusively Christian, but relatable to everyone, is one of their strengths. Their songs can be interpreted multiple ways, allowing for people from all backgrounds to find connection in the music. I witnessed that amongst the diverse audience.
Metal music may carry a reputation for violence, but there are many moments like children crowd surfing, or the unspoken rule that if someone falls, everyone stops to help; these moments are a perfect example of what Cory Brandan was talking about. We were all just there to connect, release, and look out for one another-strangers and friends alike.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night came unexpectedly when I checked on the man who had been kindly guarding me in the mosh pit while I took photos of the band. He looked reserved and overcome by emotion so I reached out to check that he was doing okay. He shared that the current song played, "+Disconnecktie" helped him a long time ago, and marked a pivotal turning point in his life. That exchange during the last two songs perfectly captured the impact Norma Jean's music had on so many people. It's raw, edgy, cathartic, unpolished, chaotic, and now nostalgic as we celebrated 20 years of "O'God, The Aftermath."
For those of us who first discovered this album in 2005, this was a chance to reconnect with that inner scene kid. The music that so heavily shaped us 20 years ago, brought us together again, letting go of adulthood for a few hours to lose ourselves in the music.
Set List: Murderotica, Vertebraille, Bayonetwork, Dilemmachine, Coffinspire, +Shaunluu, Liarsenic, Absentimental, +The Planet, Mom, Sword, 1MW, +Disconnecktie
