Wrongdoers
by
Wrongdoers Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

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  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release for the metalcore band led by Chris Day and Cory Brandan is its first with three new members: John Finnegan, Jeff Hickey, and Clayton Holyoak (replacing Jake Schultz, Scottie H. Henry, and Chris Raines/Matt Marquez).
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Rock Sound
    Aug 16, 2013
    90
    If you had ever written the band off or traded them in for a younger model, this is the record that will force you to reconsider and repent.
  2. Exclaim
    Aug 6, 2013
    90
    The unlisted, sludge metal instrumental with crashing, crushing, demo-quality production only adds to the overall awesomeness and crazed attitude behind it all.
  3. Alternative Press
    Aug 6, 2013
    90
    Wrongdoers might surpass its predecessor in heaviness, emotion, mood and pure adrenalin. [Sep 2013, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. AllMusic
    Aug 6, 2013
    80
    While Norma Jean were no doubt exhausted by the creative process that went into Wrongdoers, fans will be happy to reap the rewards of their hard work and the perseverance of a band that still holds true to the spirit of metalcore.
  5. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Aug 23, 2013
    80
    In a genre that seems to be heading downhill in quality and popularity, Norma Jean pump enough blood into it with Wrongdoers to keep it going.
  6. Kerrang!
    Aug 20, 2013
    80
    The end product is cathartic metalcore that pumps out southern grit on a par with records like The Bled's Pass The Flask or Every Time I Die's The Big Dirty. [3 Aug 2013, p.54]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Revolver
    Aug 6, 2013
    70
    The record is exactly as advertised, despite three new members entering the lineup. Wrong has rarely sounded so right.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. jsp41
    Aug 9, 2013
    9
    Didn't think they would be able to top Meridional, but they more than accomplished that with Wrongdoers. It's one of the best hardcore albumsDidn't think they would be able to top Meridional, but they more than accomplished that with Wrongdoers. It's one of the best hardcore albums to come out this year, with power, emotion, and incredible tracks. Couldn't have asked for anything better.… Expand
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Jul 30, 2016
    8
    Norma Jean manages to merge the sound of metalcore with the feel of punk rock. It's almost as if The Offspring went hardcore. WrongdoersNorma Jean manages to merge the sound of metalcore with the feel of punk rock. It's almost as if The Offspring went hardcore. Wrongdoers doesn't stray too far from the genre though. It's very much what you would expect from a metalcore album.

    While that means there aren't many surprises here and nothing to really make this a standout metalcore album, but the solid production and the unmistakable punk influence still make it worth listening to. It's only the first and the last tracks that fall short because of this. It's a pretty ballsy move to include a 14 minute closing track. It's just a shame it's one of the album's failing moments.

    Yet, while it makes no real strides forward in it's genre, the heaviness and message are still on point. It's solidly executed metalcore. One with tone, energy, and a distinct vibe to keep things interesting. As a result I find the album to be worthwhile, if hardly revolutionary. This is still a talented group.

    8.3/10    … Expand
  4. rjmacready
    Aug 11, 2022
    5
    It's possibly a worry when the best bit on a modern "metalcore" album is the endless '70s rock jam at the end.

    Beyond that, it's a pretty    It's possibly a worry when the best bit on a modern "metalcore" album is the endless '70s rock jam at the end.

    Beyond that, it's a pretty stock-standard "angry emo" album. My search for a band to rival The Dillinger Escape Plan continues...    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Album of 2013

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