Norma Jean, Normal Genes?

     When Norma Jean was first breaking onto the scene, I'll admit that I really dug them.  Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child helped set up the template for metalcore.  "Memphis will be Laid to Waste" is arguably their most famous song to date and definitely still a staple in their live set.  O God, The Aftermath took a more mathcore approach and this is when I took notice of the band.  Suddenly, they were more intense and vocalist Cory Brandan sounded like he punch a baby for looking at him.  I listen to this album today and it's still devestating.  Redeemer was a step once again in a new direction for the band.  A little more melodic but still a solid effort.  Where the band started losing me was with their last record, The Anti-Mother.   
     The Anti-Mother sounds as average and completely unoriginal as a Nirvana cover band.  Brandan now does screams his singing, much like that of a certain Kurt Cobain.  Maybe I need to clean my ears better but I hear Nirvana all over this record.  Now the band has announced they are recording a new record to be released this summer.  I'm not holding my breath for this one but it will be interesting to see which path the Norma Jean crew takes.  A new song entitled "Kill More Presidents" will be on their new record and live video has surfaced online.  While one song isn't always the best indication of what an entire record is going to sound like, this song still sound indecisive.  It does take a step in the right direction in terms of their older material but still incorporating much of their newer direction.  Possibly Redeemer 2? 

Check out the video here