Norma Jean Redeemer Tooth & Nail Records Rock 09-12-2006

SCORE 90%

In Romans, Paul says that the whole earth has been groaning as if giving birth because of sinfulness and anticipation of Christ's return and our subsequent redemption. It's not difficult to imagine, as we look around at the fallen world around us. There's war and poverty and all forms of oppression present in the world and for many, there doesn't seem any resolution in sight. Intrinsically, however, we know that God has a plan to ransom His creation and restore us to the level of being glorious.

With fury, the latest effort from Norma Jean, titled Redeemer, kicks off with a segment of dissonance filled with grinding guitars and screaming vocals from Cory Brandan and the opening track, "A Grand Scene for a Color Film," a song that calls into question the motives of the world in which we live and asks, "What are you trying to say?" As the album continues to unravel, the music maintains the energy and edge while the lyrics construct a rather telling statement of their own based on the culture and the angst of the world. "Blueprints for Future Homes" paints a grim picture of the plight of society, while "A Small Spark vs. a Great Forest" echoes that sentiment, pointing out the effect of sin entering the world. The clash seems to come to a head with "The End of All Things Will be Televised" which simultaneously points out the nerve of mankind to try to capitalize on our own demise and issues a cry for mercy to God.

While the album may seem rather dismal, there are quite a few bright moments of hope and, well, redemption. "Like Swimming Circles" introduces the notion that some will be spared rather than "drowning in the flood," and "Cemetery Like a Stage" compares the destruction of this world to the rising of Heaven and the restoration that will take place in eternity. "The Longest Lasting Statement" reminds us that redemption is much more than just restoration, however, noting that redemption will mean a completely new existence, not one that it simply improved. The album ends on a rather sharp note with "No Passenger: No Parasite" which explains that we must choose to embrace this redemption individually; nobody will be hitch-hiking into Heaven or grandfathered into the system.

While Norma Jean's latest album, Redeemer, has its share of groaning and angst, it's the solid production - thick guitars, clean melodies, and stunning vocals - that will initially catch the listener's ear. Beyond that, the sheer magnitude of the album's message, the intensity of the presentation and the credible musicianship keep those listeners tuned in to the end. This is clearly the sound Norma Jean has been striving to achieve and it suits them quite well. A very solid effort, Redeemer is an album that reminds us what hard music is all about.