Norma Jean has been a significant force in the metalcore scene since the early 2000s, known for their intense sound and relentless energy. At the heart of this powerhouse is Cory Brandan, who stepped in as the lead vocalist in 2004, bringing a fresh dynamic to the band’s evolving style. Beyond his role in Norma Jean, Brandan’s musical journey spans various projects and entrepreneurial ventures while marking some challenges along the way.
Brandan Has A Well-Versed Career
Before joining Norma Jean, Cory Brandan was actively involved in several bands that helped shape his musical foundation. In 1995, he co-founded the mathcore band Eso-Charis with his brother, Matthew Putman, and Arthur Green. This project allowed him to delve into complex rhythms and experimental sounds, setting the stage for his future efforts. Brandan also had a stint with the influential Christian metal band Living Sacrifice, where he played guitar during a tour through Norway and Sweden.
The singer’s tenure with Norma Jean began in 2004 when he replaced former vocalist Josh Scogin. His arrival marked a new chapter for the band, leading to the release of several acclaimed albums. Their 2006 album, ‘Redeemer,’ debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200, selling over 21,000 copies in its first week. This success was followed by ‘The Anti Mother’ in 2008, which reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 16,000 copies.
His Estimated Net Worth
Despite changes in the music industry and fluctuating sales figures over the years, Norma Jean has maintained a dedicated fan base, with Brandan’s distinctive vocals and songwriting playing a pivotal role in their enduring appeal.
Beyond performing, Brandan has explored his passion for art and design. In late 2008, he founded UNwork, a graphic and clothing design company. Drawing from his experiences as a musician, he aimed to provide affordable and artistically compelling merchandise for bands, understanding the financial constraints many artists face. Brandan has expressed that his goal with UNwork is to create designs that are both cost-effective to produce and visually striking, catering to bands of all sizes across the country.
Data on Brandan’s net worth today is inconsistent, but given all his efforts in music and under UNwork, he is estimated to hold a fortune of $500.000 to $1 million.
The Singer Had Big Struggles In Life
Good music aside, Cory Brandan’s personal life has seen its share of challenges and controversies. In 2015, his family faced a significant setback when his brother’s house was robbed, resulting in the loss of valuable music equipment, including a drum set used during Norma Jean’s early days. That same year, his daughter was involved in a serious car accident, leading to a prolonged hospital stay. These events tested Brandan’s resilience, but he continued to use them as inspiration for his music.
While 2016’s ‘Polar Similar’ reflected on his personal story of abuse, later albums revolved around his approach to bad experiences in life. “We focus on when something bad happens that you’ve got to get up and move on, but we treat it the same when something good happens as well. You always have to move on from whatever it is you’re going through, that’s just the way that things go,” he told Rocksound in 2022.
He Was Controversial At Times
Brandan’s career didn’t move without its share of controversies, either. In 2020, the singer faced public criticism after sharing an insensitive image on social media that appeared to mock the Black Lives Matter movement.
The backlash was swift, leading him to issue a detailed apology, stating, “I would never have posted that gif if I knew what it was being used for… I have a lot to learn.” Brandan also announced that he’d take a break from social media to educate himself and asked his band not to be judged based on his actions.
