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.
White tells, “’Keep Your Blessings’ has been one of my favorites since beginning the demo process for ‘A Door Left Open’. The song has a lot of interesting elements that really complement the video itself. The video grew from an early cover art concept: a car full of photos and things stolen from homes. This quickly evolved into a full story of a man who has lost the ability to do what he loves most due to old age. Errick Easterday was thankfully super interested in the concept and it evolved from there.”
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 center 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.
Listeners will notice less of the wavering voice Jonathan Davis and Corey Taylor used to approximate insanity and more of a self-assured brute force of nature. It’s in line with the direct nature of the lyrics, with Easterling stepping out from under metaphors with an explanation that’s equally as blunt: “It comes down to the fact that life will kick your a**, whether you want it to or not.”
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 expectations and minds of fans of metal and hardcore alike. Their headlining U.S. Summer tour kicks off June 21 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. See below for a full list of dates and tickets.
