Beartooth’s sixth album sees the quintet shifting from raw, chaotic metalcore with deeply personal, troubled lyrics to polished, electronically tinged rock and a newly determined outlook.
Caleb Shomo created Beartooth in 2012, writing, recording and producing all instruments entirely himself. Since then, he’s endured an onslaught of personal storms, weathering mental health issues, successfully overcoming substance abuse, and most recently coming out as a “proud gay man” to his wife and then fans.
In parallel, he’s steered the band to become a metalcore powerhouse known for passionate vocals, huge guitar chugs and massive melodic hooks. These elements remain, but the sound has noticeably evolved from one rooted in pain and darkness to one now bristling with hard-fought hope and self-love.
Longtime fans may struggle with the shine and poppiness this transformation brings. Not only is the sound more approachable but also more heavily produced, thanks in part to Jordan Fish (Architects, Poppy) who collaborated on Free, and Periphery’s Misha Mansoor who helped with the title track.
Sorry is memorably sassy, You and Stadiums neatly combine aggression and dramatic flair, and Bullshit is an energetic blend of old and new Beartooth. However, much like Caleb’s newfound self-assured poise, the electronic playfulness of For Me By Me and the singalong purity of Lose You To Find Me and Made It feel worlds apart from the bleak angst of the 2014 debut album, Disgusting.
But if you can push the nostalgia for misery aside, a catchy, spirited and uplifting reincarnation of Beartooth unveils itself. It’s one that’s faced demons, changed record labels and collaborated with heavy-hitters to deliver a bunch of memorable tracks deserving of repeated radio plays and the warmth of a fresh spotlight.
Pure Ecstasy is out now via Fearless. Beartooth tour the UK in October.
