Normally the bullet points that record labels include in artist promos are pretty much useless, but Nora's has one classic bit. "One of them [the band members] has a Master's degree in Library Science." Interestingly enough one of my roommates is a Library Science major with a minor in Scandinavian studies... go figure. How this all ties in with rocking East Coast Metalcore I'm not sure, but Nora pulls it off. Dreamers & Deadmen is an all round quality release. The artwork, packaging and production on this album are all top notch. For a band that isn't one of the label's top promotion priorities, this level of quality is doubly impressive. The guitars are crisp without being ear shattering, the drums are tight without sounding triggered, and the vocals are unleashed with conviction and clarity. Even the oft-neglected bass is present and put to toe-tapping good use. What Nora delivers on disc is an entertaining blend of heft and cadence with just a pinch of mathematic rocking thrown in for good measure. Despite its Metalcore tag, the album is thankfully devoid of Swedish riffs and Jersey tough guy breakdowns. The album is groove heavy but in a refreshingly different way from the rampant Motorhead worship of today's throwback core. The songs themselves never get boring and a healthy Rock n' Roll sensibility is always present to keep the core elements in check. I wouldn't say Nora are breaking new ground, and I haven't heard their previous releases to tell you if this is an improvement; but what I do know is that they can hold their own. These guys have found a perfect medium between the At the Gates leeches and the revivalist Hardcore musicians of the world. Nicely done.

"I've got a bone to pick with you/and I'm going to pull it out of your ribs..." screams Nora lead singer Carl Severson on the brutally-charged opening track, "The Goddamn Champion." The New Jersey natives have always put on Great lives shows, and for the most part, captured an honest, Raw, live feel to each and every recording. As far as recordings Go, this is easily their best to date. And the music? Complex When it needs to be, but direct and in-your-face for the most Part, the way it should be.

Despite years of hard work and good records, Nora has never come close to getting the respect they deserve. Hopefully, with Dreamers & Deadmen, that'll change, at least a little. While Nora has always been able to rattle off a bunch of great parts and good songs on their previous releases, they've struggled with consistent overall records, but Dreamers is their best and most complete effort to date. Their sound seems fresh and like a throwback at the same time in these times of over-technicality or old school revival, recalling the dark, intricate but moshable work of Turmoil and Burn It Down (whose Let The Dead Bury The Dead album Dreamers reminds a lot of), coupled with more emphasis on groove while still throwing in the chugging metalcore parts Nora are known for. And while it doesn't really sound like Every Time I Die (comparisons they've been receiving as of late), the incorporation of more rock elements is a commonality both have, which is not surprising considering Nora vocalist Carl Severson runs Ferret Records, who ETID are signed to. Add striking artwork and highlights like "I Should Have Sent Flowers" and it's unquestionably Nora's best work yet.

Jersey Metalcore: Dreamers and Deadmen is the third full-length release from the central New Jersey metalcore band Nora, and their heaviest to date. The downside of the heaviness is that there is a danger that all the songs tend to sound the same. For the most part, Matt "Portland" Hay's creative guitar riffs help prevent the album from becoming mired in that repetition. Even though the music is pretty much the same tempo throughout, there's a definite underlying groove that keeps you interested. Nora's music is hardcore/metalcore, but there's a stoner rock influence on a couple of tracks that sounds really cool. Vocalist Carl Severson howls with ferocious intensity, but he is actually understandable most of the time, which is a refreshing change for this genre. Trustkill Records labelmate Jay Forrest of Hopesfall makes a guest vocalist appearance on "Dreamer," which is a nice change of pace. Nora has been around for seven years, which makes them elder metalcore statesmen, and they remind the newcomers not to forget those who came first with the opening track "The Goddamn Champions." There is absolutely no filler in Dreamers and Deadmen, and the 10 song CD clocks in at a hair over 30 minutes.

Hardcore to snap your neck to. You'll love it. UNDERNEATH THE CD tray on this, Nora's fifth album in only six years, is a message from the band about what the album means to them: "It represents the best days of our lives and the worst, all out faded memories and fruitless fantasies and all our passions and all our goals." Nora, as you might have gathered, is a band who takes what they do very seriously. But then, you only need to listen to the music to know that. Because while they are, essentially, a hardcore band, as with The Hope Conspiracy, they operate with enough intellagence to transcend that genre and should appeal to anyone who loves a solid groove, a heavy-as-fuck guitar and the slightest bit of noise. All of you, in other words.

A lot of kids are divided on this band, and i think it is because Nora doesn't seem to give a fuck what anyone thinks. They play moving technical hardcore with hardhitting rock'n'roll foundation and they lyrics are both inspiring and terrifying. Me personally, I think this band rules at life. Challenge yourself, buy this record.

I've got to start by stating the obvious, these dandy New Jersey gents have made an album that is fucking heavy as hell. It makes sense as with yet another lineup change their sound would invariably change a bit due to what the new members were brining to the table. The original cast has also upped their game considerably. Carl's vocals are amongst the most ferocious I have heard from a frontman in quite a while. I personally like it better than "Loser's Intuition", which is saying a hell of a lot.

This band has been playing for a pretty long time now and this is the first time I took a good listen to their music. I was never really that into these guys when I saw them play live but this record has slowly grown on me with each listen. On this record Nora has progressed to play metalcore with a driving rock influenced beat behind the music. Not unlike bands like THE HOPE CONSPIRACY, Nora take metallic hardcore and make it more interesting. I feel like this record could be a breakthrough record for them and set them apart from the typical metalcore bands that have saturated the scene as of late. Great production both sonically and aesthetically round out an all around good record. This record has made me a fan of Nora and I am looking forward to catching them live in the future.

This is progressive hardcore with just a touch of metallic overtones. If I had to name another band as a reference point, I might point to Strife, but really Nora has their own sound. I once saw Nora in a small basement packed out with kids and I can honestly say this release capture's that intensity. Part of the intensity comes from painfully honest lyrics that all us misfits can relate to. Nora is able to channel those feelings from childhood and adulthood, the struggle at each, and put it to music. A very solid album. Notable artwork by J. Bannon of Converge.

One of the coolest metalcore bands around have returned with their senior release, marking their 7th year in existence. They aren't letting up either. "Dreamers and Deadmen" is some of Nora's finest work and they want to showcase it to everyone. In "Dreamers and Deadmen", Nora bring together so many great elements of excellent metalcore music. Flawless screams that never let you leave your speakers and extremely technical and catchy guitar riffs that blend together to make perfection. If you're a musician, this is one of those CDs you listen to just to learn how it's done. So whether that's the case or if you're into metal, hardcore, metalcore, old Nora, or any other heavy music, check out "Dreamers and Deadmen" -- this is how it's done.

If you listen to most metal-tinged hardcore bands and think to yourself, "Man, if these guys would just stop what they're doing for two minutes, and pay attention to the value of straight forward rock and roll, the band would be a whole lot better off," then Nora has heard you. Creepy. huh? The band pulls this off by taking a lot of things you're already familiar with (screamed/shouted rants about the evils of society/government/etc., chugging metallic guitar riffs, mercilessly pummeling rhythms) and then filtering all of thit through a set of more easily digestible rock sensibilities. The end result is perfectly brutal and heavy, so don't go thinking this is some hardcore band wimping out. It's just that the band refuses to go straight over the top like so many of its peers, and instead spends its time walking along the bridge that teeters over the gap between rock and hardcore. The tempos are a bit slower, the guitars are a bit more melodic, and the vocals are a bit more decipherable, taking an approach similar to bands like the Hope conspiracy and so on. The album doesn't get boring and repetitive like so many "hardcore" bands these days, and yet it is just as violent and aggressive as anything you've heard lately. Hell, even if you don't like this sort of style, you might just find yourself digging what Nora is doing.

what you got here is the first good trustkill release in quite a while, in my opinion. it strays away from being your typical metalcore record, and focuses more on being a groove oriented record than anything. very heavy rock n' roll in sound, nora takes an alternate approach to deliver a savage beating on your ears. it reminds me a little bit of integrity meets everytime i die's new record. the songs are great, however sometimes you do tend to think two tracks are actually one, so blending does seem to be somewhat of an issue with this record but it's not all that bad at all. accompanied by some slick art courtesy of jake bannon, it's a solid record. nora fans will definitely love it.

This is by far the best output by Nora so far by a mile. They've added a lot of new elements to their sound including for the most part, good 'ol rock 'n roll hooks and guitar work. As they've added a more rockin' sound though, they have not forgotten their roots which are tied deeply into metalcore and the most (which I could do without). D & DM is like a nice solid missing of the two sounds, where songs delve a bit into each genre without losing sight of the main goal... a cohesive record. Lyrically, the whole album seems to deal with the concept of trying to stay passionate in a scene and world that makes it increasingly harder to do so -- and the vocals are par for the course of Nora history. Like I said this is their best effort yet, hopefully they'll continue on this path or more rock...

Short Review: "I really like how awesome this disc is." Longer Review: Wooha! A new disc from Nora is always exciting. There's something about this band that just gives their music a sense of urgency that so few hardcore bands seem to have anymore. These guys and Every Time I Die are very similar in that respect - not only is the music clearly heartfelt, but it's got that edge of "this might be the last time we ever play these songs, so lets fucking set it off." This attitude is usually extremely hard to convey in a studio recording (no less one recorded at the killer Trax East!), but Nora treats it like secondhand. "Dreamers and Deadmen" features the band's biggest sounding release to date. It's a tad less chaotic than "Loser's Intuition," but the additional focus on song structures, especially with the very mathy feel of the percussion I think gives this disc a more direct, fluid impact. Carl Severson's guttural screaming is the best it's ever been, and retains just enough clarity to make the lyrics deciferable. Speaking of lyrics, Nora's emotional deadpans are stark and cutting. Lines like "we've walked through suicide and come out on the other side," and "martyrdom fantasies and fading memories of when were better / we were just kids...now we're adults / now we're grown up, now we've gone wrong / giving up and giving in" retain a wicked sense of irony and confusion, that makes the music all the more vital. The beautiful artwork for "Dreamers and Deadmen" features an interesting dedication under the CD tray. It reads, "This record is dedicated to everyone who stopped believing and moved on - we understand, we empathize, and we'll miss you. It is also for everyone that still makes the drive, puts in the time, and still has the passion, because you're just like us. You are a music maker, a dreamer." Wow.

Wooha! a new disc from NORA is always exciting. There's something about this band that just gives their music a sense of urgency that so few hardcore bands seem to have anymore. These guys and EVERY TIME I DIE are very similar in that respect - not only is the music clearly heartfelt, but its got that edge of "this might be the last time we ever play these songs, so lets fucking set it off." This attitude is usually extremely hard to convey in a studio recording (no less one recorded at the killer Trax East!), but NORA treat it like secondhand. "Dreamers and Deadmen" features the band's biggest sounding release to date. It's a tad less chaotic than "Losers Intuition," but the additional focus on song structures, especially with the very mathy feel of the percussion I think gives this disc a more direct, fluid impact. Carl Severson's gutteral screaming is the best its ever been, and retains just enough clarity to make the lyrics deciferable. Speaking of lyrics, NORA's emotional deadpans are stark and cutting. Lines like "we've walked through suicide and come out on the other side," and "martyrdom fantasies and fading memories of when were better / we were just kids...now we're adults / now we're grown up, now we've gone wrong / giving up and giving in" retain a wicked sense of irony and confusion, that makes the music all the more vital. The beautiful artwork for "Dreamers and Deadmen" features an interesting dedication under the cd tray. It reads, "This record is dedicated to everyone who stopped believing and movied on - we understand, we empathize, and we'll miss you. It is also for everyone that still makes the drive, puts in the time, dances with a smile on their face, and still has the passion, because you're just like us. You are a music maker, a dreamer." Wow.

Nora's put out yet another catchy, energetic record. Upon first listen, Dreamers and Deadmen may not seem as outright gripping Loser's Intuition , but it's a hell of a lot heavier, the vocals have more tenacity, and it's a step up as far as musical growth is concerned. The tempos don't seem as fast either, but as previously stated, the guitars are a lot heavier and change a lot more from song to song, where Loser's Intuition had the same sound throughout most of the songs. Nora shows quite a bit of improvement with everything they release, and Dreamers and Deadmen is much improved in every sense of the word. Nora sets themselves apart from a lot of other hardcore bands with their lyrics, which are exponentially better on Dreamers and Deadmen than previous material. Nora's lyrics don't concern heartbreak and endless whining and regret that have become the staple of many current acts. Lyrics like 'we can't give up and we can't give in/ martyrdom fantasies and fading memories/ of when we were better/' are lyrics that continually stand to set Nora apart from whiny bullshit. There are still a lot of repetitive lines in choruses and so forth, but this album has a much different feel, and everything about the new record is a lot more edgy. There's some melody mixed in as well, and though subtle, it gives the album another dimension. Dreamers and Deadmen is rougher, tougher, edgier and a vast improvement from previous material that wasn't anywhere near bad to begin with. Carl Severson's vocals are crisp and angry, and the entire album is instrumentally heavier and a hell of a lot more aggressive.

A buncha' ugly bastards outta' New Jersey (The way it should be! I'm f'n sick of all these pretty boy, airbrushed assholes that block your every turn in music these days!) who only a few years back probably did some work on your car. Nowadays though, with 7 years experience (in this band) under their belts, as well as several tours to their credit, Nora's approach and machine-gun delivery, is what an uppercut was to Glass Joe in Mike Tyson's Punch-out (sorry, i'm an old school Nintendo sucker)- translation: Nora wins, you wind up with a plastic surgery bill. A hugely underrated band here, who bring elements of old Machinehead to mind (at times), but with a much more intentionally raw and guttural flair. Was that a Kyuss-esque, Fu Manchu-like, guitar solo I heard in track 3 ("I Should Have Sent Flowers")? Me like, me like- Brutality, with musicianship- like a pleasurable nose-dive into 40-grit sandpaper. I would f'n LOVE to book a show for these guys!

Nora return with their third album, a continuation of where their last effort "Loser's Intuition" left off. Finding continuing home on hardcore powerhouse Trustkill Records. Seven years of existence have brought this band from New Jersey from a side project to a full-fledged hardcore act worthy of the challenge. A full throttle approach to heavy guitar ridden music fused with screams counteracted by melody, give the group heaviness with elegance. Through the screams and song emerge lyrics based both on singer Carl Severson's personal experienced and world views. Featuring an appearance by Jay Forrest of Hopesfall brings like talent together to create a pleasant combination, and overall a hardcore record worthy of keeping pace with the quickly expanding genre.

Trustkill Records has released the 2nd full length from New Jersey's own Nora. Dreamers and Deadmen is much different than the band's first release "Losers Intuition" in the fact that they have a slightly different sound on the new cd. On some songs, you have very trippy, almost stoner-like riffs to begin songs. The best example is on the tune, "I Should Have Sent Flowers." The opening guitar riff reminds me of a Clutch song. Then the song takes a turn and becomes a brutal Nora-esque number. Singer Carl Severson, gives his usual scream and is complimented by the rest of the band. The album also features a guest appearance from Jay Forrest of fellow Trustkill records band Hopesfall. Never do the two singers seem to battle one another, but rather they go back and fourth to make the song flow. Nora have given their fans a good second album to listen to. The production quality is better than on the first full-length and the songs are more in-depth. If you are familiar with the band, you should like this release. Two tracks worth checking out are "Nosferatu" and "Last One for the Money." Another awesome part of the release is the artwork concept of the album. Jacob Bannon of Converge has made a second living designing artwork for bands in the scene and this album cover is great.

Usually, when one mentions simplicity in music, people assume that it's boring and rather pedestrian. That may usually be the case, which certainly explains why every other band right now can't play a rhythm without a prime number in it, the guitars have been tuned by Cerberus himself swim with them in his mouth(s) through Styx and then drag them through Hades itself by his tail, and the lyrics don't make sense unless you've got a copy of Freud's 'The Interpretation of Dreams' and a degree in crossword puzzle solving handy. That's why I feel so refreshed when a band like Nora comes along and drops a release such as their latest, 'Dreamers and Deadmen' upon our collective heads. Yes, it's a simple and straightforward record, I will give you this. However, this feels rather irrelevant to me, as the musicianship, which has turned into some expectionally groove-laden, metalicious hardcore, and while some may think that the subtle Southern influences incorporated here may be a rip-off of Every Time I Die's evolution, it is as mentioned by far more subtle, and certainly more sober and arranged than the straight-up chaos of Buffalo's finest. Especially on tracks such as 'The Goddamn Champion' (if that's not a good song title, I don't know what is), 'Scars Are Supposed To Last Forever' and 'I Should Have Sent Flowers' - coincidentally, the first three tracks - bring in some tasteful, subtle hints of background melody. Not to be outdone, however, follow-up 'Deadmen' brings in a greater sense of urgency, its large, spiraling riff repeating in the background as Ferret Music boss and band frontman Carl Severson screams his poor lungs out throughout the entire track, nay, album. And although his vocals may not be as utterly brutal as those of Jeff Moreira (Poison the Well) or Tommy Rogers (Between the Buried and Me) or any other number of bass-blessed vocalists, they add to the sense of urgency that 'Dreamers and Deadmen' attempts to convey; the problem of living in a world where creativity is in short supply, and possibly shorter demand. As such, he passes the course he's set for himself with if not flying, then at least take-off colors. Okay, yeah, that was a shitty metaphor. But even so, it must be claimed that Nora are on top of all bands that like their metalcore straightforward, without gimmicky emo, math or even Hatebreed-style mosh parts. Don't worry, there's mosh, but not in the boring "string together as many variations of chugga" as possible. A refreshingly simplistic and straightforward album, and well worth the x number of bucks your local store will take out of your hard-earned paycheck (or alternately, not-so-hard-earned money you got from your parents) when your ears are ringing and your head is aching from listening to too many Norma Jean, Dillinger Escape Plan and Converge clones, but you're still in the mood for some delicious metalcore.

Nora once split an EP with the Dillinger Escape Plan, and then the two went in opposite directions-DEP choosing brainy post-hardcore, Nora committing to brawny metalcore. Arty stuff certainly isn't beyond Nora, though: Dreamers And Deadmen is an ambitious album, channeling the fevered thoughts of disillusioned and dangerous characters on slow burns to destruction. Guitarist Matt Hay guides Nora beyond the chug-chug-scream formula, turning the ever-progressing group into a well-oiled gnarly-riff machine. More metal than 'core, Nora 2003 is a little slower-but isn't that usually what happens when things get heavier?

Hardcore is funny. It seems to have more in common with Pantera than Black Flag, especially when you get into the sub-genre called metalcore. Nonetheless, there are moments that will make you sit back and say "WOW." So that's what i thought to myself when i heard Nora's release on hardcore staple Trustkill Records. What seperates Dreamers and Deadmen from the rest of the copycat records out there is that lead screamer Carl Severson doesn't sing with any melody, yet the album seems to have a melodic flow about it. How it works out I don't know. Ten songs: all brutal, all here to tear a hole in your heart-- it's great! The rythem section is precise as a SWAT sniper. The guitars hit the lower end, but keeps it harsh and groovy at the same time. Take some time to read the lyrics as well. Hardcore kids pick this one up, 'cause it's completely on the other end of the spectrum from emo.'

Many great bands have come and gone in the hardcore scene, and for whatever reason, it's very rare that a band in this genre of music sticks around for more than a couple of years. However, New Jersey hardcore veterans Nora show no sign of fading away any time soon. Their fifth studio release, entitled Dreamers and Deadmen , is proof that this band is as solid as ever, and are ready to withstand the test of time and outlast any and all trends that come through the scene. There are some who have expressed an uncertainty about the quality of this record in terms of a comparison to their last release, Loser's Intuition. For me, Dreamers and Deadmen takes everything that was good about their last record and expands it. For me, this record is far more catchy, far more memorable, and really shows how much this band has matured in the last two years in terms of their sound. The riffs pelted out by guitarists Portland and Chris Byrnes have become much more complex, while at the same time retaining that hardcore rock n' roll groove that is the trademark of Nora . Their new bassist, Tim Cuccolo, provides a bulky and pounding bass-line, making him a worthy replacement for their old bassist Spliedt, who left Nora between the release of their last album and this one. And by far, the greatest improvement on this CD has to be Carl Severson's vocals. Whereas sometimes in the past they were a little juttery and awkward, they've been smoothed out very nicely here, and are much tighter and far more smooth-flowing, as a result fitting the music nicely. Definitely my favorite Nora record to date, and from here this band looks to only get better.

I've always liked Nora, ever since I heard their song "Nobody Takes Pictures of the Drummer" on a Trustkill summer sampler a few years ago. After that I promptly ran out and picked up "Loser's Intuition" it was a very solid album, but I was disappointed that most of it didn't live up to the expectations I had after feeling the aforementioned song. Nevertheless, Nora is a good band and easily the most underrated band on Trustkill. After hearing a track from this off of another Trustkill summer sampler, I was anxious to pick this one up and excited when I found it in my mailbox. "Dreamers And Deadmen" is a bit more diverse and creative than "Loser's Intuition" and also adds some sludgy rock riffs the mix. Whereas the tracks on their previous album ran together, this one never gets old. There's just so much intensity, even from the first track "The Goddamned Champion", vocalist Carl Seversson screams every word with conviction. My favorite track on the album, "Maybe I Should've Sent Flowers" is probably the closest thing Nora will ever have to a love song. It's almost deranged in its nature, as Seversson laments the lack of interest of his would be significant other. This song is where the rock influence is probably the most evident. This disc never lets up; it holds you down the neck for the entire duration. However, it still manages to be interesting the whole way through, because the tracks are more varied than their past material. All in all, Nora's second full-length effort is almost exponentially better than their first. If noisy, metal-tinged, rock influenced, hardcore sounds good to you, don't pass this one up. Nora again shows why they're the best band on Trustkill, hopefully they won't be quite as underappreciated once the masses get wind of this one.

There are tons of very cool hardcore albums coming out all the time but there are some that just have that special something that the rest don't have. Dreamers and Deadmen is one of these special albums and is proudly one of the best hardcore albums of the year. It's an interesting concept album about perseverance and dealing with life's hard times. Each song is written from a different point of view of the same situation. Musically, NORA doesn't sound like a typical "cut and paste" hardcore/metal/punk combination. Their unique style is seemless and calls on influences from genres (doom) and bands ( Heartwork -era CARCASS ) that are uncommon to most hardcore bands. These guys are top-notch musicians/songwriters and it shows in the dynamics that are presented in each song. NORA create a huge wall of noise, twist their way through technical dissonance, and groove with pure fury. The band does a great job in effectively communicating the ideas and emotions that were put into making the record. You can feel every shred of energy put into it. When CONVERGE 's monumental Jane Doe record was released in 2001, it didn't seem like any one else could come close. However, Dreamers and Deadmen is definitely worthy enough to be considered in the same company as Jane Doe . No gimmicks, no slogans, just solid, high quality art.

With their fifth release, "Dreamers and Deadmen" Nora have finally gone and done it: they made me a fan. Now I'm not saying I've fallen head over heels in love with Nora, but my respect for their musical output has increased tenfold. Sludgy, yet driving and upbeat melodic metalcore more deeply rooted in the early to mid-90's hc scene than most of the bands I hear today who are more interested in being carbon copies of each other. Elements of bands like Chokehold, Nineironspitfire, Soulstice, Earth Crisis, Disembodied and Skycamefalling all bleed into "Dreamers and Deadman" with plenty of modern edge and energy. The vocals are solid, and the music much tighter than on previous releases. Nora have definitely stepped it up with this disc, streamlining their sound into an epic ideal, rather than a collection of singles. The artwork is beautiful, and the lyrics are well done. Devoted fans, you won't be disappointed by "Dreamers and Deadmen"; long time Nora abstainers, give this one a chance: you'll be pleasantly surprised.

There are tons of very cool hardcore albums coming out all the time but there are some that just have that special something that the rest don't have. Dreamers and Deadmen is one of these special albums and is proudly one of the best hardcore albums of the year. It's an interesting concept album about perseverance and dealing with life's hard times. Each song is written from a different point of view of the same situation. Musically, NORA doesn't, sound like a typical "cut and paste" hardcore/metal/punk combination. Their unique style is seemless and calls on influences from genres (doom) and bands (Heartwork-ear CARCASS) that are uncommon to most hardcore bands. These guys are top-notch musicians/songwriters and it shows in the dynamics that are presented in each song. NORA create a huge wall of noise, twist their way through technical dissonance, and groove with pure fury. The band does a great job in effectively communicating the ideas and emotions that were put into making the record. You can feel every shred of energy put into it. When CONVERGE's monumental Jane Doe record was released in 2001, it didn't seem like any one else could come close. However, Dreamers and Deadmen is definitely worthy enough to be considered in the same company as Jane Doe. No gimmicks, no slogans, just solid, high quality art.

I was never much of a fan or Nora: I always thought they were pretty mediocre, so I've never picked up any of their previous releases. This is the band's fifth release and it explains the concept of the album title on the inside of the CD case, which pretty much states what drives the band to keep playing hardcore and gives respect to those who've moved on. I thought that was cool. Musically, this CD is better than what I've heard from this band. Their metalcore style is expressed through repetitive hammering riffs with heavy mid-to-high pitch screams. Mosh it up!

For the last seven years New Jersey has spawned (in my opinion) one of the greatest hardcore bands the world has seen. Hardcore is not just about the music, it is a way of life, a family if you will......a wayto endure! Carl Severson and the rest of the Nora epitomize a scene I have held close for years, and continue to be moved by today. It is a real release, hardcore delivers on extracting the negative aspects from peoples lives in a nonviolent manner. Live it, release it, and love it! Nora epitomizes all those qualities, and "Dreamers & Deadmen" is a record that speaks the language of those who are less then thrilled with our surroundings. "The Goddamn Champion" is a kick in the two front teeth. Heavy metal thunder licks greet the listener, then with that......... the torrid hardcore explosion is upon you! Classic Nora track! Severson screaming like a maniac, Hay laying the silly harmonics on you, and Ross tapping the skins hard! There is even a quick guitar solo for those of you keeping track. Like the old Nora shit? Then this is right up your ally! Here is the first two sentence's out of Carl's mouth to kick the record off....I love this shit: " I got a bone to pick with you, and I'm gonna pull it out of your ribs!" HA! BAD ASS!!! Carl has turned into a scruffy fucker over the years. Maybe it was a desire to change his look. Maybe he didn't want chic's to bug him. Or maybe it has to do with the person he talks about in "I Should Have Sent Flowers". Musically this is one of the more advanced tracks the band has done. The effort breaths a little, it is not constant release and licks. Instead Carl chants about mistakes, lack of sleep, not eating, and loss in general. The track is crushing, emotional, and leaves you wondering who his best friend was? When my fiancee heard "Deadmen" she thought it sounded "too crazy" for her tastes. That means you all will like it...I know I do! That's all I will say! "Dreamers" is full of twinkly little harmonics, and Carl barking with a low end grunt. The chants, hits, and annihilation is consuming. Honestly the amount of energy released is amazing. I keep thinking of Pantera's "Suicide Note Pt.2" when listening to this track. Amazing and unrelenting! Once again, I heard a lot of Pantera when listening to "Nosferatu". At least the structure of the song is very Pantera like. Some parts scream, and others have a Anselmo like spoken parts. Hard hitting riffs combine with Severson's seething voice to combine on a furious track that will be a fan favorite for years to come. Be sure to hear the killing licks that close the track out. I have always felt that Nora was one of the most thoughtful bands in hardcore. Dreamers & Deadman" does nothing to change that opinion. Hardcore thru and thru! Be sure to read a comment from the band behind the CD on the jewel case. It touches on the "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory" comment We Are The Music Makers, we are the dreamers of dreams, which is part of the inspiration of the record. There is some really neat thoughts about the hardcore community, life, and empathy! Be sure to read it!

With the current success and overflow of new hardcore and emocore acts, its always nice to see a "father" band of the genre return and blow the lid off most the shallow, meaningless bands that crowd an ever growing scene. With "Dreamers and Deadmen", Nora are determined to do just that. Returning strong after over two years since their last release, "Loser's Intuition", Nora not only restore hope back into the classic hardcore scene, but they prove themselves to be at the top of their game. The band show that they know their place in the hardcore scene merely by the title of the album's first track, "The Goddamn Champion", and right they are. I really can't say enough good about this album, it rips from beginning to end, which where that may not be something new, it has become a rarity in a scene where much of the brutality has been watered down with emo stylings. The blistering brutality of this album not only makes it an instant classic, but it also makes for a truly refreshing album, in a stale music scene. The album almost seems to get brutal as each track plays out, and "Scars are Supposed to Last Forever", only verifies that fact. Usually when bands play more basic forms of hardcore, it's boring and seemingly gets old with each listen, but not with this release. Simplicity is a strong point for this album, because all too often bands over induce their music with several genres, and the result is a loud, disorderly mess, but with "Dreamers and Deadmen", simplicity means classic, brutal hardcore played out to the fullest. The album continues to keep a good, fast paced flow through out the entire listen, never seeming to let down for even a second. The only downfall of the album is that a lot of the songs seem to have the same writing structure, which results with each song having a very similar vibe as its predecessor. The album's best and probably most blistering track, in my opinion, would definitely be, "That's a Good Looking Machine". Not only does the track have a catchy title, but it really seems to stand out among a lot of the usually hardcore anthems found present on this album. The album opens and closes strong, and maintains the same in the fairway. Nora has not only returned to rescue the hardcore genre, but they've returned with an album that just may give them the means to do so. Plain and simple, if you liked Nora before, you'll enjoy this album immensely, because they haven't changed their sound, and that isn't a band thing in a world where bands change their sound with the weather. If you haven't checked Nora out, you should, and this album gives good reason. "Dreamers and Deadmen" is a good follow up to the infamous "Loser's Intuition", and will possibly earn the band some much deserved attention, as the hardcore scene has grown vastly in the past couple years since their previous full length was released. If you're tired of the typical emocore bullshit that is over crowding an already full scene and need a good dose of pure hardcore, at its best I might say, then give this album a listen, you won't soon regret it.

They say it's wrong to dream all your life away, but if you didn't have dreams your life would be pretty dull - you might as well be dead, right? Despite the title of their latest opus, Nora have their feet firmly planted on the ground and, after seven years in existence, they're not just alive and kicking, they're ready to boot all takers to kingdom come with their third Trustkill release. Featuring a guest appearance from Jay Forrest (Hopesfall) who lends his spiritual vocal tones to 'Dreamers' and artwork provided by Converge frontman Jacob Bannon, 'Dreamers And Deadmen' is certainly an impressive proposition. Lyrically fusing the hardships of love, relationship and religion with chaotic structures and pointed melodies, New Jersey's most incisive metalcore crew, led by muscular psycho-mullet-man Carl Severson, are going to beat your sorry little arses into submission with their bottom-heavy blend. There's the brutal truth of 'I Should Have Sent Flowers' which sees Severson's vocal scrape offset by bulky riffery, and the full beating that is 'Last One For The Money' with its stomping rhythm and razorblade-on-glass metallic axe-grate will have you gritting your teeth and praying for mercy. Dreamers beware - this is one for the fearless.

Dreamers and Deadmen marks the third release on Trustkill from the New Jersey based Nora. After a slight line up change, the band is back, with their most mature record to date. Nora is a band that has constantly evolved their sound. From their early days to today, each record varies slightly from the one before it. Fans of Nora can expect more of the same, and new comers to the band can expect to find a record that will easily find a home in your stereo. The most obvious part of this record is that it's Nora's heaviest record to date. The guitars are heavier, but coupled with an excellent compliment of grooving riffs, which really makes this record flow. Certain songs seem to go right into the next, making for smooth transitions and an easy listen. Long time fans of the band will also notice the introduction of some double bass to the new songs. This really helps to fill out the newer sound, and also adds a bit more heaviness to the mix. Expecting a little more mosh for the new songs, isn't a bad guess, especially during "Last One for the Money." Lyrically and vocally, this is definitely a Nora record, however long time fans will notice the backing vocals are no longer done by Spliedt. Instead, they are performed by new bassist Tim Cuccolo, who does a good job at adding some dynamic to the songs. Nora lyrics have always been personal, but general enough for most to relate to, and this record holds true to form. It's refreshing to see some bands still have honesty and heartfelt things to say. Veteran fans of the band will certainly enjoy the evolution Nora has undergone through the years, while newer fan will appreciate this for what it is, an excellent hardcore record. With each release Nora has been gaining new fans, and with this record, perhaps everyone else will finally figure out what so many others have known all along. Nora rocks.

My initial impression of this album was that it's the best thing Nora have ever done. After listening to 'Loser's Intuition' again, I'd have to say that's probably not the case. However, that shouldn't take away from the fact that 'Dreamers and Deadmen' is not only a great album, but it's seriously fucking heavy. "Brutal" is one of the most commonly used words you'll see these days in describing a metalcore/hardcore band, but Nora are actually worthy of such a term, as what they have here is nothing but. 'Dreamers and Deadmen' is just violent. The intensity practically doesn't let up, and while the album is void of repetition, Nora have found avenues other than an emo breakdown to keep the music fresh. There are hints of "tech-metal" every now and then, and even a few solos to keep the metal fans happy. Infact, the diverse, yet excellent performance of guitarist Matt Hay just stands out so much on 'Dreamers and Deadmen'. The guy does everything, and is aided by a hugely solid bassline to create the spine of Nora's sound. Carl's vocals have also improved in the shitloads. From harsh growls to scathing screams, he puts on an intense performance that should keep his name at the top with the likes of Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Howard Jones (Blood Has Been Shed) when it comes to sheer vocal violence. 'Nosferatu' rips shit up. The huge riffs, massive breakdowns, and Carl's ferocity shine through on this track. 'Quitters' follows suit, and provides a nice anthemic chant that should work wonders live. I could praise every song on the album, because they're all good, but what impresses me the most about 'Dreamers and Deadmen' as a whole, is the level of diversity between each song. Bands such as the previously mentioned Hatebreed suffer from being overly-repetitive, but Nora's skill as song-writers has hit a new level of excellence, which has allowed this to be an "album", rather than something you might take a few songs out of for a mix tape or something. Nora should be bigger than they are, and this album should get them there. Not only is 'Dreamers and Deadmen' a highly competent follow-up to 'Loser's Intuition', but it's nice to see that they haven't left the tongue-in-cheek attitude of old behind. Must-have for fans of hardcore and metal alike.