A Door Left Open
Artist: Orthodox
Genre: Metalcore
Record Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 6 June 2025
Releasing on 6 June 2025 is Orthodox’s fifth studio album “A Door Left Open.” For those unfamiliar with Orthodox, they are a NU Metalcore band from Nashville, Tennessee, currently signed to Century Media Records. Orthodox formed in 2011 and comprises Adam Easterling (vocals), Austin Evans (guitar), Ben Touchberry (guitar), Shiloh Krebs (bass), and Mike White (drums).
In short, “A Door Left Open” combines chaotic rhythms, intense riffs pushed to their limits, and explosively emotive vocals. Fans of previous albums “End of My Wit” (2013, Clear Minded), “Sounds of Loss” (2017, Unbeaten), “Let It Take Its Course” (2020, Unbeaten), and “Leaning to Dissolve” (2022, Century Media) will recognize influences from hardcore and groove metal, reminiscent of genre icons Slipknot and Korn.
“A Door Left Open” contains twelve energetic tracks filled with emotionally charged vocals that resonate throughout the entire album.
The opening track “Can You Save Me” begins powerfully with precise, stuttering guitar work and intense vocals that make for an immediate headbanger. Though brief, it effectively establishes the energetic tone of the entire album, instantly immersing the listener into its chaos.
The second track, “Body Chalk,” is extremely short, lasting only 1 minute and 8 seconds. Listeners might draw parallels with the dynamic rhythms of System Of A Down, characterized by sharp guitar riffs and aggressive vocals. The track, however, ends abruptly, leaving listeners wanting more.
The third track, “Dead Weight,” slows the tempo slightly but maintains a heavy impact. The combination of pounding drums and powerful riffs would fittingly accompany a descent into the underworld, perhaps on a boat moving rhythmically with the track’s beat.
“Blend in with the Weak,” the fourth track, stands out distinctly. It features guest vocals from Matt McDougal of Boundaries, displaying raw intensity comparable to Slipknot’s energy. Despite similarities, it is not merely a tribute but a powerful composition highlighting the album’s exceptional vocal talent.
Tracks five and six, “Godless Grace” and “Keep Your Blessings,” subtly incorporate classic metal elements without compromising the aggressive core. Guitar and bass arrangements on these songs echo traditional heavy metal influences like Metallica, uniquely reshaped through metalcore techniques. Notably, “Keep Your Blessings” includes a creative and powerful breakdown designed to encourage vigorous headbanging.
The seventh track, “Sacred Place,” is another powerful offering, merging some of the finest elements of the genre. Easterling’s vocal style merges Corey Taylor’s demonic growls and Jonathan Davis’s raw intensity. Orthodox skillfully channels the essence of Slipknot and Korn, creating a unique experience.
The eighth track, “Step Inside,” guides listeners through a sinister musical journey. Repetitive, heavy riffs dominate, with Easterling’s literal invitation to “Step Inside” creating the atmosphere of exploring a haunted location filled with unexpected scares. Guitar work particularly evokes Iron Maiden’s “Transylvania” through haunting and evolving melodies.
Track nine, “One Less Body,” features guest musician Brann Dailor from Mastodon. This track introduces a slower, sludgier pace with progressive elements, demonstrating the band’s musical versatility. It pairs effectively with the tenth track, “Searching For A Pulse,” which contrasts starkly in its hyperactive and dynamic energy. Together, these two tracks form highlights of the album.
The eleventh track, “Commit To Consequence,” featuring Andrew Neufeld from Comeback Kid, opens candidly about prioritizing beauty over intelligence, evolving into a punk-inspired chaos before descending into darker heaviness. Though compelling, the sudden tonal shift halfway through feels somewhat abrupt, making it feel like two separate ideas combined.
Closing the album, “Will You Hate Me” delivers an emotional journey, transitioning from initial fury into a powerful melodic segment, showcasing Orthodox’s versatile musical approach. This track perfectly concludes the album, echoing the initial intensity introduced in “Can You Save Me.”
Listeners who have explored this album multiple times will appreciate the musical journey Orthodox presents. The vocal range and power demonstrated are impressive, aligning closely with some of the genre’s most skilled artists. Instrumentally, the album features intricate breakdowns and technically sophisticated riffs, highlighting Orthodox’s creative and technical abilities. A coherent theme permeates the album, encapsulated by Easterling’s description: “Picture this: You get home—the same home you’ve come home to for as long as you remember, taking the same road with the same shadows cast from those familiar trees—and though the temperature feels appropriately crisp in the evening air, you notice there’s a bit more bite to it right before realizing the light on your porch also cuts through more sharply. The inside’s shine pierces the outside’s darkness: A Door Left Open.”
Overall, “A Door Left Open” offers an intensely emotional experience. Listeners will resonate with the raw vulnerability on display, achieving Orthodox’s artistic ambition. Some tracks, however, might benefit from additional development, especially those ending abruptly. Nonetheless, these compositions are certain to elevate live performances, particularly in the high-energy setting of a mosh pit, making the forthcoming United States tour an exceptional experience for fans.