Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo tells us how he finally learned to love himself: “Be patient. Give yourself time, grace and stay on the path”

Beartooth frontman Caleb Shomo has spoken to NME about the band’s new album ‘Pure Ecstasy’, feeling more comfortable in his own skin and finding the “inner strength” to choose the path of joy after coming out. Tomorrow (Friday August 28), the metalcore outfit formed in Columbus, Ohio will share their sixth album – their first release with Fearless Records. Previewed by singles ‘Free’, ‘Eyes Closed’, ‘Bullshit’ and title track ‘Pure Ecstasy’, the record also features co-writing and production from former Bring Me The Horizon member Jordan Fish. After Shomo started Beartooth in 2012, the band’s blend of menacing post-hardcore riffs with stadium-sized choruses helped solidify their status as heavy music mainstays. Lyrically, debut album ‘Disgusting’ through to 2020’s fourth LP ‘Below’ were brutally honest portrayals of Shomo’s battles with low mental health. Previous record ‘The Surface’ (2023) shifted to cautious manifestations of self-love, while Beartooth began to infuse pop sensibilities into the heaviness, as Shomo told NME of his desire to “let that part of me out more” at the time. Beartooth, 2026. Credit: Ashley Osborn Although it’s still packed with chunky riff-work and shatt...