From a studio distraction to a metalcore mainstay
In short: Caleb Shomo originally intended his project Beartooth to be nothing more than a side hobby while he was still in another band. He never planned to record it or play live, yet the project eventually eclipsed his wildest expectations, evolving into a full-scale touring act with five studio albums.
Founded in 2012 in Columbus, Ohio, Beartooth began as a solitary studio endeavor where Shomo performed every instrument. The band's identity was born from local roots: they were named after Beartooth Court, the neighborhood where their original bassist grew up. While Shomo initially wrote music for the project while still a member of the metalcore group Attack Attack!, he eventually transitioned to focusing on Beartooth full-time after his departure. This shift transformed a "mere distraction" into a professional career involving live performances and major label deals.
The band's musical identity is defined by a move away from the electronic elements of Shomo's previous work toward a blend of metalcore, old-school punk, and hard rock. Critics have noted that while the verses can be "dirty" and "punky," Shomo maintains a heavy emphasis on melodic hooks and catchy choruses—a style some reviewers compared to the pop sensibilities of Demi Lovato. This balance allowed them to secure a spot on high-profile tours like the Vans Warped Tour in 2013 and 2015, as well as headlining slots across Europe and North America.
The group's history is marked by significant lineup shifts and rapid growth. After signing with Red Bull Records in 2013, they released their debut EP, Sick, and full-length album, Disgusting, both of which were primarily Shomo's solo production. Over the following decade, the band expanded to a consistent live unit, navigating various personnel changes including the addition of guitarists like Zach Huston and Will Deely. They have continued to release new material through 2026, most recently signing with Fearless Records for their latest studio efforts.
Beartooth's trajectory highlights a common evolution in modern heavy music: the transition from bedroom production to large-scale touring. By moving from a project that was "supposed" to be nothing to a band performing at major festivals like Download and Reading & Leeds, Shomo demonstrated how a focus on "catchiness" can bridge the gap between underground hardcore and mainstream appeal.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Beartooth (band)
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