I’ve been going to shows like this for years, but this is the first time I’ve been to one where I was concerned about my camera’s safety – and maybe a little bit for mine, too.

On June 21, Orthodox kicked off their headlining tour for A Door Left Open at their home turf in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Basement East. It was a sold-out show with support from Mugshot, Omerta, Fromjoy, Inclination, and Year of the Knife. This lineup alone made it clear tonight was going to be absolutely insane.

A Door Left Open is Orthodox’s fourth full-length album, and honestly, it’s my favorite release of the year so far. It’s the perfect representation of what this band is all about. It’s got everything you’d want: it’s relentlessly intense and blends metalcore and hardcore with a nu-metal edge. The breakdowns hit with serious weight and match the energy of their live performance perfectly. But seeing them play these songs in person takes it to a whole other level. If I had to describe this album in one word, it’d be unhinged.

After every single set, the crowd somehow got wilder than the last. By the time Mugshot came on, I wasn’t even able to shoot from the front of the stage anymore. I still had three sets to go before Orthodox, and the whole time, I was mentally preparing to give my camera one last goodbye.

The venue was packed, and even though it was 90 degrees out that day, somehow outside felt better than it did inside. Every single person in the room was soaked in sweat. Bodies moved as one in the pit, and there was so much anticipation it felt thick in the air.

The lights began to dim red. It was showtime. Orthodox launched into their set, and it felt like milliseconds before the crowd went wild. Frontman Adam Easterling looked out and said, “If you know a single word to this song, come see me.” Stage divers started coming in from all angles. That’s when I knew I needed to leave the front of the stage immediately and come up with another plan to get my shots.

There was no barrier between the band and the audience – and I don’t just mean physically, but emotionally. Orthodox delivers more than just a performance; it’s a purge.

There were moments when vocalist Adam Easterling stepped to the edge of the stage, leaning into the crowd, screaming lyrics face to face while the audience pushed in closer, almost climbing over each other just to be a part of it. There are no words to fully describe how heavy and intense the energy was in that room.

You know that feeling right after riding a roller coaster when you think, “Wow, let’s do that again?” That’s exactly how I felt after witnessing their set. As both a fan and a photographer, I walked away wishing I could experience the show all over again. I’d gladly put my camera in harm’s way several more times.

If you get the chance to catch Orthodox on this tour, don’t miss it. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the last note.