Reviews by O.M.O.M. 

At a factory I used to work at we had a saying, “If you love this job, you’re either insane or dead…” Years later I still feel that way; I never looked at work as something I loved, it’s merely a means to keep me in beer, metal discs and tires for the Camaro.  In order to suck it up and trudge through the daily grind I need something spewing forth from my ancient speakers to get me inspired to earn some greenbacks.  Don’t forget the end-of-the-day cold brewski washed down with a solid helping of metal that helps one unwind from the day’s work nonsense.  

After a 6:00 am shower, aspirin and cup-o-joe, Boston metalcore outfit Unearth go into the cd player to see if they can drag me out of my stupor and motivate my arse out the door.  “The Great Dividers” opens things up with a metalcore chug complete with screaming vocals and heavy riffs that accent the politically charged lyrics.  Breakdowns and riffs slam out of The Oncoming Storm at an impressive pace.  Think classic Judas Priest mixed with Slayer, Pantera and given a hardcore edge.  “Zombie Autopilot” gives guitarists Buz McGrath and Ken Susi a chance to show of their chops with some impressive solo breaks and melody mixed with gut-heavy riffage.  

Top-notch production by Adam Dutkiewicz (guitarist for Killswitch Engage) gives The Oncoming Storm added punch and bite, just try to keep your head still as the riffs pummel from start to finish.  Bassist John “Slo” Maggard and drummer Mike Justian helm a double kick attack that add heft and muscle to the mix.  Better set the cruise control when cranking this sucker, state troopers don’t accept metalcore-induced lead foot as an excuse. 

All in all, not a slacker in the bunch, highlights include “This Lying World”, “Bloodlust of the Human Condition”, “Zombie Autopilot” and “Predetermined Sky”.  A near-perfect mix of classic and modern metal that should have old school fans moshing side by side with metalcore lovers. If an early morning shot of adrenaline is what the doctor ordered, pick up Unearth’s The Oncoming Storm. 

Score: 84/100 

5:00 pm, quitting time, your metal wake-up call has worn off and it’s time to get home, suck down a few cold beers and forget about the workday.  Norma Jean’s latest, O God the Aftermath hits the cd player with the opener “Muderotica: An Avalanche in D Minor”.  From the opening salvo Norma Jean lets the listener know this isn’t your run of the mill hardcore release.  Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia O God the Aftermath is Norma Jean’s second release, the first featuring vocalist Cory Brandan.  Eschewing ordinary song structure, Norma Jean challenges the listener with time changes, riffs that begin and end without warning and styles running from aggro to punk to metal, often within the same song. 

Vocals swing from screams to melody in “Liarsenic: Creating a Universe of Discourse”.  The listener is challenged every step of the way at a breakneck pace only pausing for brief air during the moody epic “Disconnecktie: The Faithful Vampire” which allows the listener to regroup before continuing on the journey that is O God the Aftermath.  

There is quite a bit to digest with this disc, it’s not a release that will have you thrashing non-stop the first spin through.  Stick with it, faithful metalheads, as this release gives the listener a chance to dissect the contents through repeated listening.  By the time you’ve reached the end of Norma Jean’s O God the Aftermath you are at place miles from the drudgery of the day’s work.  Mission accomplished, gentlemen. 

Score: 80/100