Some listeners find the production muddied compared to their previous work, and Shelton’s attempt at a "thrashier" vocal style received mixed reviews. The Jazz Album (Irreversible Entanglements, 2021)
Classics Appreciation: Manilla Road – Open the Gates Review Open The Gates!
Because "Open The Gates!" refers to several different works, here are reviews for the most likely subjects. Some listeners find the production muddied compared to
Critics appreciate its charming art style , humorous characters, and simple, "numbers-game" mechanics that make it accessible for casual play. Open The Gates!
Fans often point to the exquisite guitar work by Mark Shelton and the debut of drummer Randy Foxe, whose athletic style "fit perfectly" with the band's evolution. Tracks like "Astronomica" and "The Road of Kings" are cited as highlights.