Wrongdoers
Norma Jean · 2013
49 min · 11 tracks · metalcore
Aggressive metalcore riffs intertwine with chaotic rhythms and introspective lyrics, creating a sonic landscape of turmoil and catharsis.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hive Minds — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its relentless energy and complex structures, encapsulating the band's signature blend of chaos and melody.
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Wrongdoers — The title track combines heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrics, reflecting themes of guilt and redemption that resonate throughout the album.
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Funeral Singer — Delving into darker themes, this track showcases dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, highlighting the band's ability to weave emotional narratives into their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive metalcore elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining aggressive riffs and chaotic rhythms throughout the first half.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more introspective moments, particularly in 'Funeral Singer'.
- The lyrics often delve into themes of personal struggle and existential reflection, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
- The final track closes with a gradual fade-out, contrasting the intensity of earlier songs and providing a sense of resolution.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- wave-like pacing with intensity
- dynamic progression to climax
- aggressive bursts of energy
- atmospheric interludes for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2013, Wrongdoers marked Norma Jean's fifth studio album and followed their critically acclaimed release, Meridional. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound while exploring deeper lyrical themes, showcasing a blend of aggression and introspection that reflected their evolution as artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chariot· Every Time I Die· Underoath
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If You Got It at Five, You Got It at Fifty
The lyrics adopt a confrontational tone, directly addressing self-deception and societal expectations through vivid imagery and sharp metaphors.
By employing direct address and a biting critique of complacency, this moment emphasizes the internal struggle against external pressures prevalent throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hive Minds 6:44
- 2 If You Got It at Five, You Got It at Fifty 2:17
- 3 Wrongdoers 4:49
- 4 “The Potter Has No Hands” 3:16
- 5 Sword in Mouth, Fire Eyes 4:25
- 6 Afterhour Animals 0:50
- 7 The Lash Whistled Like a Singing Wind 1:07
- 8 Neck in the Hemp 3:10
- 9 Triffids 3:33
- 10 Funeral Singer 5:01
- 11 Sun Dies, Blood Moon 14:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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