On A Door Left Open, Nashville heavy hitters Orthodox brutally capture the sense of unease and full-on dread one would feel having their comfort and routine violated. What got in—or what got out? For their next single and new video, “Keep Your Blessings,” drummer Mike White worked with director Errick Easterday to create a story that brings that sense of unrest to life.
Orthodox’s fusion of frenetic, intricate rhythms, pushed-to-the-breaking-point riffing and emotive vocals has refined itself to a bleeding edge proposition on their expansive, monolithic fourth studio album. With help elsewhere by Mastodon’s Brann Dailor, Boundaries’ Matt McDougal and Comeback Kid frontman Andrew Neufeld, Orthodox have truly pushed hardcore heaviness to a new level of brutality.
At the centre of it all is guitarist Austin Evans, whose upside-down, lefty way of playing is as radical as his writing, which is littered with harmonics, squeals and borderline laser noises. The album’s barrage of riffs, shredding solos (courtesy of newest member Ben Touchberry) and countless breakdowns contrast unto crushing chugs—accentuated by diverse rhythms from drummer Mike White and bassist Shiloh Krebs—ensures the whiplash-laden listen never gets comfortable. Atop that, Adam Easterling’s brash bellow is even more powerful here—resulting in new dynamics that had producer Randy LeBoeuf (Jesus Piece, Kublai Khan TX, Dying Wish) exclaiming he could hardly believe it’s coming from the same man.
Orthodox have built a name on fervent, visceral live shows. With their most blunt album, both lyrically and musically, the wrecking ball that is Orthodox is coming to shatter the expectations and minds of fans of metal and hardcore alike. Their headlining U.S. Summer tour kicks off on 21st June with a special hometown release show with fellow straight edge bands Year of the Knife and Inclination in Nashville. Mugshot, Omerta and fromjoy will join them as support for the entirety of the tour, which crosses both coasts, the Midwest, and more.