Meridional
Norma Jean · 2010
67 min · 13 tracks · metalcore
A chaotic blend of metalcore intensity and intricate melodies that challenges conventional song structures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Deathbed Atheist — This track exemplifies the album's lyrical depth with its contemplation of belief systems amidst aggressive instrumentation, showcasing Norma Jean's signature melding of melody and chaos.
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The Anthem of the Angry Brides — With its driving rhythms and anthemic chorus, this song captures the raw energy of dissatisfaction that permeates the album, serving as a rallying cry for listeners.
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Innocent Bystanders United / Oriental — The sprawling length and dynamic shifts of this track demonstrate Norma Jean's ability to craft an immersive listening experience that defies traditional song length conventions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious structure and chaotic intensity mark it as a notable entry in the metalcore genre.
What we noticed
- The album features frequent tempo changes, with tracks alternating between chaotic breakdowns and intricate melodic sections.
- Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more experimental arrangements.
- The use of dissonant chords and complex rhythms creates a sense of tension throughout the record, particularly evident in tracks like 'Blood Burner' and 'Deathbed Atheist'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with climactic peaks
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- raw emotional vocal intensity
- aggressive riffs for cathartic release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2010, 'Meridional' is Norma Jean's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record 'The Anti-Mother' in 2008. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation in the metalcore scene while transitioning through various lineup changes and evolving their sound to incorporate more experimental elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chariot· Every Time I Die· Underoath
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Deathbed Atheist
A shift occurs where the narrative voice confronts existential doubts amid a backdrop of heavy instrumentals.
This moment marks a pivotal turn in the song's emotional trajectory, contrasting vulnerability with aggressive soundscapes to heighten its impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Leaderless and Self Enlisted 3:19
- 2 The Anthem of the Angry Brides 2:32
- 3 Deathbed Atheist 5:06
- 4 Bastardizer 3:15
- 5 A Media Friendly Turn for the Worse 4:12
- 6 Septentrional 1:36
- 7 Blood Burner 4:02
- 8 High Noise Low Output 3:26
- 9 Falling From the Sky: Day Seven 6:17
- 10 Everlasting Tapeworm 3:14
- 11 Occidental 1:37
- 12 The People That Surround You on a Regular Basis 3:41
- 13 Innocent Bystanders United / Oriental 25:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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