[Album Review]: BEARTOOTH - ‘Pure Ecstasy’.
BEARTOOTH
PURE ECSTASY
RELEASE DATE:
FRIDAY 28 AUGUST, 2026
(via FEARLESS RECORDS)
Writer: Mal Keecher
Beartooth- ‘Pure Ecstasy’ album cover art
The title track from Beartooth’s sixth studio album ‘Pure Ecstasy’ kicks off the record with Caleb Shomo's emotionally charged and intensely expressive style. It's clear from the outset that Shomo has channeled a raw emotional life into this record, wearing heart on sleeve while highlighting self-acceptance and being true to oneself. This is a deeply personal record with emotional and lyrical depth, and as a relative newcomer to Beartooth, this record easily satiates.
'Eyes Closed' is highly engaging, successfully captivating the aural senses with riveting rhythms, charming vocals and pop- rock feel, interspersed with anthemic pop amid heavier moments.
'Bullshit' is a highly charged explosive song with gnarly riffs and lyrics that emote strong feelings:
Giving up all control
Sick of me standing in the way of letting it go
And baby I gotta know every last part of me
So sick of my head it’s over I quit
I’m sick of myself I’m sick of this bullshit
'Beautiful Again' builds the record up with a track that hits every mark, including lyrical depth:
Ruin my life and run away
Bury it down for another day
How can I hide this suffering
If I can’t hide me from myself now
Everything hurts like hell now
Growing up got me spellbound
Face down
Waiting for the end to come around
Along with layered vocals, melodic rock with palm mutes and driving guitar, a soaring and enveloping chorus, drums on point to accentuate each moment, 'Beautiful Again' is certainly a standout song.
'Stadiums' mixes it up with an intro that utilises sound bites and piano bass clef notes with some spoken word rhyme before launching into the more familiar Beartooth territory of chugging heavy electric guitar as an effective base. This is one that may grow on the listener after a few rotations.
'Free' is one of three singles released on this record and is a personal favourite on rotation since its release. It showcases Shomo's clean vocal range and overall is what fans have come to expect from Beartooth:
Got the world in my hands
Never felt so alone
See the path in my head
Scared of where it goes
Do I love it
Do I hate it
I wanna know
Am I really lonely or am I the reason I’m alone
But I know something you don’t know
I’m free I’m free I’m free I’m free I...
'Sorry' is unapologetically heavy and one of the top three songs on the record. It again highlights Shomo with his best foot forward, and his mentioned musical strengths come together to paint an engaging picture of a frontman's public personal life.
Shomo shines vocally and lyrically once more on 'Lose You To Find Me' and 'You' begins with a short rap rhyme lull then unexpectedly slaps the ears with a barrage of Beartooth intensity that one should be used to by now. The immediate thought here is that this is one for the mosh pits and live shows. Shomo emotes with complementing visceral vocals:
Look at me one last time
Enjoy the final high
Breathe deep and say goodbye
It’s time to fucking die
'For Me By Me' has a very 80s glam metal feel and is super appealing, and evidently– it's easy to appreciate on the regular with its retro vibes and dance appeal.:
Need it like a drug
Never get enough
Need it like the bright light coming from above
Tears sweat blood
Did it all for what
Nothing but nothing but counterfeit love
All for me by me
Fuck it I’ll do it for me by me
'Made It' begins with an emotionally vulnerable spoken word expression of authenticity. It's another catchy and well-placed song to round out the record. The melodies and emotional vulnerability alone make this song a distinct pleasure, and one that fans will listen to and identify with:
Well that long time coming keeps coming around
I’m all alone got nothing yeah look at me now
Voice not working don’t wanna make sound
I’m all alone got nothing yeah look at me now
I pray one day I’ll say
I made it...
Pure Ecstasy available to buy, stream on various platforms via this link:
https://beartoothband.ffm.to/pureecstasy_album
LINKS:
Grab Tickets for the Upcoming Beartooth Aus Tour At:
https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/beartooth
Inner-strength check - links:
Check out the brand new Inner-Strength Check Patreon!
For just $5AUD/month, as a Riff Nerd you’ll gain access to bonus exclusive podcast episodes, have a say in shaping future content, have opportunities to receive giveaways and prizes, gain access to Members-only articles and more!
Thanks to all who’ve helped support us to remain independent and ad-free, cover operational costs and continue supporting numerous creative industries, artists and their communities.
Peace, Love and Grindcore - Brady & The ISC Team.