Speaker swap 2x12

[Tohm]

Cheers, got Blackstar Artisan 15 head and HTV 212. I´m considering exchange of stock Celestion Seventy/80s in the cab. Here´s the thing:
I am very happy with the sound of the amp through the box if I am facing the back of the cab (open side) - this produces a very dynamic, woody sound that I love. The sound coming out of the front grill compared to this is mediocre though - quite harsh with too much grit.

I have tried turning the cab around when playing with a band, but the sound gets lost in the mix. Thinking if just covering the open side would help or swapping speakers for something else would be better? I am looking for suggestions.

Thanks for input. Relevant aspects: I play high gain rock, pushing the amp much with OD pedal, guitar: Ibanez SZR with Bareknuckles