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Norma Jean in Chicago
We had Norma Jean in Chicago last week at Bottom Lounge. They were joined by Darkest Hour, We Weren’t Invited, and SunCrusher.
SunCrusher
As I captured the intensity unfolding on stage, the band’s chemistry was palpable. They held nothing back, delivering a performance that was as aggressive as it was tight, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead. The energy in the room surged with every chord, building anticipation for what was to come. Sadly, their set was short, and as the final notes echoed, the crowd was left wanting more. But the night was just beginning. As the stage cleared for We Aren’t Invited, the atmosphere buzzed in anticipation of what was next, building towards the much-awaited sets from veterans Norma Jean and Darkest Hour, who would soon bring their nostalgic, iconic sound to cap off the evening.
We Weren't Invited
The band’s thrash-metal sound reverberated through the venue like a sonic assault, filling every crevice of the room until it ensnared every listener. What stood out most was their undeniable connection with the audience. In a bold display of crowd engagement, they tossed the mic to longtime fans, allowing them to belt out verses, turning the performance into an immersive experience. The band fed off the crowd’s energy, and in turn, the audience became part of the performance, further heightening the intensity of the set. Throughout their performance, they showcased tracks from their latest EP, Killjoy (now streaming on all major platforms). However, if you’re looking for a real taste of what these guys bring to the table, their standout track “Party Favor” (music video available on YouTube) is a perfect introduction to their brutal, unrelenting style. We Weren’t Invited didn’t just play a set—they delivered a gritty, gut-punching experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
Darkest Hour
The moment has finally arrived for the twenty-year veteran band Darkest Hour to take the stage, and the anticipation is palpable. The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles as the band emerged from the swirling fog, launching into their opening number, “Perpetual Terminal.” About three minutes into their electrifying set, I found myself immersed in capturing the essence of their masterful performance when security momentarily repositioned me to manage the flow of enthusiastic crowd surfers surging over the barricade. As the crowd surfing subsided, the energy in the venue intensified, transforming the mosh pit into a whirlwind of excitement akin to a Category Five hurricane. The band then unleashed another powerful single, “Rupture in Exile,” further igniting the fervor among the fans. Each note resonated through the venue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that showcased Darkest Hour’s enduring legacy in the music scene.
As I ventured further back into the crowd to capture photos from a different vantage point, Darkest Hour launched into their most popular track to date, “Demons.” For anyone who has played Guitar Hero, the memories of countless attempts to conquer “Demons” on expert mode—where hands often bled from relentless practice—came rushing back (I myself tried hundreds of times before finally giving up). The atmosphere became electric as the audience became utterly captivated, headbanging in unison to the rhythm of the song. The mosh pit erupted once more, a whirlwind of energy and camaraderie as fans tossed themselves into one another, embodying a beautiful sense of unity among those in attendance. It was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bring people together, creating an exhilarating and memorable experience for all.
Norma Jean
Finally, the moment many of us had been eagerly anticipating arrived: Norma Jean took the stage. Emerging from the fog, they were illuminated by dim, flashing white lights that cast dramatic silhouettes as the band members positioned themselves. Cory, the lead singer, grasped the microphone and addressed the crowd with infectious energy: “Hello, Chicago! We are Norma Jean, and this marks our 24th year performing in this beautiful city. The first song we’d like to share with you is called ‘Call for Blood.'” As the crowd erupted in excitement, the guitarist unleashed the powerful riffs of the song’s intro, accompanied by the steady, pulsing rhythm of the drummer’s bass drum. I swiftly maneuvered around the photo pit, capturing as many moments as possible, while also managing the enthusiastic surge of crowd surfers flowing over the barricade. It was exhilarating to witness each of these fans safely placed on the ground, only to rush back into the throng, embodying the vibrant spirit of the evening. As the band filled the venue with their raw energy and passion, it was clear that the connection between the performers and the audience created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
As Norma Jean continued their electrifying set, they delivered a series of masterful singles that resonated deeply with the crowd. One of my personal favorites, “Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste,” ignited the audience as soon as Cory unleashed his signature scream, accompanied by the thunderous drumming. The energy in the venue surged as fans instinctively created a sea of flesh-on-flesh contact, while many captured the live performance on their phones, eager to relive the moment later that evening. The band then seamlessly transitioned into another cherished track of mine, “Spearmint Revolt.” In unison, the crowd erupted with the iconic line, “Death rattle, sing for me,” their voices rising in a fervent chorus. Cory’s commanding presence on stage only fueled the excitement as he engaged with the audience. Together, they sang vibrantly along to the poignant lyrics:
“January, you're the furthest thing Even when I'm standing right behind you But I didn't say it like I know you don't get it I promise you, you're the only place I ever want to be But I know I probably don't get it now…”
The atmosphere was electric, each word echoing throughout the venue, creating a powerful connection between the band and their devoted fans. It was a night defined by shared passion, nostalgia, and the sheer joy of experiencing live music together. As their set continued, Norma Jean delivered an impressive array of singles throughout the evening, including “Funeral Singer,” “If You Got It at Five, You Got It at Fifty,” “1,000,000 Watts,” “Sword in the Mouth, Fire Eyes,” and “Reaction,” among others. Each song showcased their remarkable range and ability to engage the audience, reinforcing their status as metal icons.
This marked my second opportunity to photograph Norma Jean, and with each performance I attend, my appreciation for their dedication and resilience grows. A two-decade career still going strong is a remarkable achievement in the music industry. Their shows are consistently exhilarating, whether the crowd consists of ten fans or fifteen hundred; the energy is palpable and infectious. As the concert drew to a close, the atmosphere was far from somber. Instead, there was an unmistakable vibe of excitement and camaraderie, a collective sentiment of “We can’t wait for the next time” among the fans. Attending a Norma Jean concert always feels like a celebration, a testament to their enduring impact on the metal scene. In conclusion, I hope this article provided a vivid glimpse into my experiences at metal shows like this one. It’s essential to acknowledge that this piece would not be possible without Norma Jean’s gracious approval for the evening’s coverage.
Until next time.
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