Moulded in a metal fashion with tons of rage, attitude and a rebellious socio-political conscience to boot, Norm Rejection’s brief tenure on the local scene left an impact that lasted long after their demise. In the space of just two CD albums – 1998’s Deconform and 2000’s 0002 – the band encapsulated both their influences and aspirations via a penetrating brand of home-grown metal anthems such as Malta Not For Sale, 6479, Caged and Faceless that fired up countless mosh-pits at their countless (and hugely acclaimed) live performances.

In the wake of Norm Rejection’s split, drummer Mike Briguglio formed Dripht, bassist Joker joined Slit full-time and guitarist Sean Vukovic focused more intensely on his other (bigger) band, Forsaken. The spirit of Norm Rejection was kept alive largely through Dripht’s heartfelt live cover of Malta Not For Sale. Both these bands shared a passion for rocking the audience hard, and the listener’s intellect even harder. Watching audiences react to the song so vehemently was perhaps enough of a hint that Norm Rejection’s absence has been sorely missed, and it is hardly surprising that news of their return has been so eagerly received by the local rock scene.

Norm Rejection will be performing their comeback gig on Friday 9 March at Poxx Bar in Paceville. Doors open at 9.30pm and entrance is Lm2. Abyss will be the supporting band. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/normrejection and www.normrejection.com.