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Band Timeline

1997

Formation of Norma Jean as Luti-Kriss

Norma Jean was originally formed in 1997 under the name Luti-Kriss in Douglasville, Georgia. The initial lineup included Josh Scogin on vocals, Scottie Henry and Chris Day on guitars, Josh Swofford on bass, Mick Bailey handling turntables, and Daniel Davison on drums. The band's early music was characterized by a nu metal and rap metal style, a stark difference from their later sound. This period marked the band's inception and their initial exploration of a heavy music style blending aggressive elements.
1999-2000

Early Releases as Luti-Kriss

Between 1999 and 2000, Luti-Kriss released a split EP with Travail in 1999 and followed it up with the 5ep in 2000, distributed by Pluto Records. These releases showcased their aggressive nu metal and rap metal style. During this time, lineup changes began, including the replacement of bassist Josh Swofford with Josh Doolittle and the departure of turntablist Mick Bailey during the production of their debut album Throwing Myself. This album began blending nu metal with emerging metalcore and hardcore elements.
2002

Transition to Norma Jean and Debut Album

In 2002, the band evolved from Luti-Kriss to Norma Jean, adopting a name inspired by Marilyn Monroe's real name, Norma Jeane Baker. This lineup used additional percussion instead of turntables, signaling a shift in musical direction. That year, they released their debut album as Norma Jean, Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child, on Solid State Records. Shortly after the release, original vocalist Josh Scogin and bassist Joshua Doolittle left the group. Scogin would later form The Chariot. The band also brought in Jake Schultz on bass, marking a significant lineup change.
2005

Release of 'O God, the Aftermath' with New Vocalist

2005 marked a significant shift with the introduction of Cory Brandan as the new vocalist, replacing Brad Norris. The band released their second album, O God, the Aftermath, which showcased their evolved metalcore sound. This album stood out not only musically but also visually, with its artwork designed by Asterisk Studios earning a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package in 2006. This period reinforced Norma Jean's growing reputation in the metalcore scene.
2007

Release of 'Redeemer' and Drummer Departure

Norma Jean recorded their third album, Redeemer, with famed producer Ross Robinson, further defining their intense and raw metalcore sound. However, 2007 also saw the departure of original drummer Daniel Davison. He announced his exit in September and played his last show with the band in November of that year. The band began writing their next album, The Anti Mother, in late 2007, signaling both an end and a new creative beginning for this lineup.
2008

Writing and Touring for 'The Anti Mother'

In 2008, Norma Jean focused on writing and recording The Anti Mother, planning to record in April. They embarked on the entire 2008 Warped Tour, exposing them to a broader audience. During the writing process, the band collaborated with artists like Page Hamilton of Helmet, enhancing the album's creative scope. This phase demonstrated the band's resilience and commitment to evolution despite lineup changes and industry pressures.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Matthew Marquez

2019

Drums (drum set)

Additional

Michael Palmquist

2022

Guitar

Grayson Stewart

2019

Guitar

Cory Brandan

2004

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Brad Norris

2002
2004

Lead vocals

Chris Day

2001
2015

Guitar

Michael Palmquist

2020
2020

Bass guitar

Billy Nottke

2002
2002

Bass guitar

Chris Day

2001
2015

Background vocals

Ryan Leger

2018
N/A

Drums (drum set)

Daniel Davison

2001
2007

Grayson Stewart

2018
2021

Bass guitar

Guitar

Johnny Muench

2019
2020

Additional

Bass guitar

Matthew Marquez

2013
2013

Additional

Drums (drum set)

Matthew Marquez

2010
2012

Drums (drum set)

Additional

Clay Crenshaw

2022
2022

Guitar

Josh Scogin

2001
2002

Lead vocals

Scottie Henry

2001
2011

Guitar

Clayton Holyoak

2012
2017

Drums (drum set)

John Finnegan

2013
2017

Bass guitar

Chris Day

2001
2015

Guitar

Phillip Farris

2015
2018

Guitar

Joshua Doolittle

2001
2002

Bass guitar

Chris Raines

2007
2010

Drums (drum set)

Jeff Hickey

2011
2019

Guitar

Clay Crenshaw

2019
N/A

Guitar

Additional

Clay Crenshaw

2019
2021

Guitar

Jake Schultz

2002
2012

Bass guitar

Story of Norma Jean

Hailing from Douglasville, Georgia, Norma Jean (formerly Luti-Kriss) are a metalcore powerhouse that's defied expectations since their 1997 formation. While boasting a prolific career with nine studio albums and a 2006 Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package ( O' God, the Aftermath), the band has undergone extensive lineup changes, resulting in a completely refreshed roster from their initial lineup. Their name, a nod to Marilyn Monroe's real name, perfectly encapsulates their transformative nature.

Initially known as Luti-Kriss, the band's early sound, showcased on the 1999 split EP with Travail and the 2000 5ep, leaned heavily into aggressive nu-metal and rap metal. This aggressive sound was far removed from the band's later stylistic explorations. The original lineup, featuring Josh Scogin (vocals), Scottie Henry and Chris Day (guitars), Josh Swofford (bass), Mick Bailey (turntables), and Daniel Davison (drums), solidified for their debut album, Throwing Myself, though even this era saw shifts, with bassist Swofford replaced by Josh Doolittle and turntable player Bailey exiting during the album's production. This early chapter laid the groundwork for a band that would continuously reinvent itself.

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