ORTHODOX release new single and video ‘Sacred Place’

Vocalist Adam Easterling tells, “Every now and then, if you’re lucky, you end up writing a song that you’ll be stuck playing for the rest of your career. I have a strong feeling that ‘Sacred Place’ could be ours. We knew once we put a bow on what was then called ‘Chameleon’ (the working title), that we had something special on our hands. We immediately started playing it live, and have been for nearly a year, which cemented that feeling.”

On A Door Left Open, the Nashville five 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?

A Door Left Open’s barrage of riffs (a New Wave of American Heavy Metal string skipper picks up the pace in ‘Godless Grace’), a shredding solo (in ‘Searching for a Pulse‘, courtesy of newest member Ben Touchberry), and countless breakdowns construct a sonic sense of unrest across the album’s twelve tracks. At the centre of it all is guitarist Austin Evans, whose upside-down, lefty way of playing is as unorthodox as his writing, which is littered with harmonics, squeals and borderline laser noises.

The contrast between those and crushing chugs—accentuated by diverse rhythms from drummer Mike White and bassist Shiloh Krebs—ensures the whiplash-laden listen never gets comfortable. Atop that, 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.

Easterling matches life’s throes on the mic, which helps him stand strong amongst the album’s stable of guest vocals. Comeback Kid’s Andrew Neufeld emotes in one of hardcore’s most diverse and recognisable voices on pre-launch single ‘Commit to Consequence‘, while Matt McDougal of best friend band Boundaries brings brutality to straight edge anthem ‘Blend in with the Weak’. A gang vocal shout of “WHAT THE FU*K?!” at the start of ‘One Less Body’ sums up the guest who brings ethereal musings to the song’s epic closing: Mastodon’s Brann Dailor.

ORTHODOX have confirmed a headlining U.S. Summer which kicks off 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. Easterling says, “‘A Door Left Open was created to deliver the feeling of chaos, and we know the people who love us will help us bring that feeling to life this summer.”