How Caleb Shomo learned to love himself
Finding Pure Ecstasy: Beartooth’s New Album Marks a Journey of Self-Discovery
The heavy music landscape just got a little brighter with the release of Beartooth’s new album, Pure Ecstasy, which arrives on August 28th via Fearless Records. This sixth offering showcases a band forged in Columbus, Ohio, that continues to blend menacing post-hardcore riffs with stadium-sized hooks, but this time, the sound pulses with a deeper sense of self-acceptance and joy.
At the heart of the new record is the deeply personal journey of frontman Caleb Shomo. Speaking about the album, Shomo revealed that the creative process was intrinsically linked to his personal evolution. While the music has always been a raw expression of emotion, this record represents a conscious effort to find inner strength and shed old burdens, allowing the band to explore new sonic territories.
The sonic palette of Pure Ecstasy is richly layered. While the trademark chunky riffs and shattering breakdowns remain, the album pushes Beartooth further into pop-metal territory. Shomo admitted that his musical influences have broadened, drawing from soul artists like Al Green and Aretha Franklin, alongside icons like Prince and the sounds of classic thrash and Metallica. This fusion is evident in the way the record transitions, moving from the darkest, heaviest moments to the brightest, most euphoric melodies.
This emotional contrast mirrors the narrative of the album itself. Shomo reflected that the music functions as a statement about finding freedom. He described the experience as a choice between acknowledging the chaos of life—feeling like “a complete mess and my life is exploding”—or embracing the exhilarating feeling of pure ecstasy that comes from confronting that reality and finding the inner strength to deal with it.
The personal context surrounding the album’s creation is central to its impact. Shomo shared that the time spent working on Pure Ecstasy was a period of profound personal processing. He noted that while he had always been open about the music, creating this record provided the space to fully integrate his personal journey, finding the peace required to fully express himself without fear.
Collaborating with Jordan Fish of Bring Me The Horizon, Shomo found encouragement, noting that Fish helped remind him of the core identity of Beartooth from a fan’s perspective, helping him step out from behind the pedestal he sometimes built for the band. This support helped him navigate the pressures of public life while releasing such an intensely personal work.
Ultimately, Pure Ecstasy is not just a collection of powerful songs; it is a testament to growth and resilience. It’s a journey that encourages listeners to embrace the path of self-love, reminding us that patience and grace are the keys to moving through life. As Beartooth prepares to tour across the UK and Europe this autumn, they are carrying a message of hard-won joy and freedom with them.
The album is available now, and the journey it represents is a powerful one for anyone seeking the courage to live authentically.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
