Nora hasn't achieved the level of notoriety of fellow New Jersey co-terrorists the Dillinger Escape Plan, but they're on their way. A string of strong and improving releases, Kill You For A Dollar (Ferret) and Theneverendingyouline (Trustkill), along with some impressive non-Nora related accomplishments (singer Carl Severson runs Ferret Records and ex-founding guitarist Michael Olender sings in Burnt By The Sun), has established Nora as a rising force in the hardcore scene, despite a string of line-up changes and a split-second break-up that forced the band to spend almost six months recovering.
Formed more than three years ago, rounded out by guitarists and Matts Hay and Hague, drummer Chris Ross and bassist Spliedt, Nora's sound has refined elements of chaotic hardcore and metal to hazardous levels of auditory harm while infusing it with a strong sense of groove. It's allowed Nora to establish a distinct identity in the oft cluttered hardcore/metal world.
"People will really hear with this [new] album [For The Travellers], that we take that whole chaotic hardcore thing and manage it in our own way," Carl says. "We put it out in one lump form that's a little different; it's got a nice groove while still being technical and kind of crazy. We are trying to be different than other bands and not write the same songs, just try to get up there and play what we played better than the last time we played it."
While Nora has eked out a relatively successful niche, Carl has more ambitious goals. "I would like to leave a mark. I would like to walk away from this whole thing having put out a record or two that will stand the test of more than what is current or new just for that six-month period. We would like to expose our music to as many kids as possible. It is always an adventure, playing newer and bigger shows for new kids and going to different places. We don't have any intentions of slowing down any time soon, so we might actually have a shot."
Formed more than three years ago, rounded out by guitarists and Matts Hay and Hague, drummer Chris Ross and bassist Spliedt, Nora's sound has refined elements of chaotic hardcore and metal to hazardous levels of auditory harm while infusing it with a strong sense of groove. It's allowed Nora to establish a distinct identity in the oft cluttered hardcore/metal world.
"People will really hear with this [new] album [For The Travellers], that we take that whole chaotic hardcore thing and manage it in our own way," Carl says. "We put it out in one lump form that's a little different; it's got a nice groove while still being technical and kind of crazy. We are trying to be different than other bands and not write the same songs, just try to get up there and play what we played better than the last time we played it."
While Nora has eked out a relatively successful niche, Carl has more ambitious goals. "I would like to leave a mark. I would like to walk away from this whole thing having put out a record or two that will stand the test of more than what is current or new just for that six-month period. We would like to expose our music to as many kids as possible. It is always an adventure, playing newer and bigger shows for new kids and going to different places. We don't have any intentions of slowing down any time soon, so we might actually have a shot."