In 2013, a raw and restless Caleb Shomo channeled the demons of his inner struggle with mental health and self-image into his music. Beartooth emerged as a visceral diary of repressed rage and depression, a living document etched into melodies and lyrics. Alone in the confines of his basement studio, Shomo became a one-man band, baring his soul through screams and songs, crafting a collection of furious yet melodic tracks that served as a cathartic reflection of his darkest moments. It was an unexpected return to the world of heavy music for the Ohio native, one that had both scarred and shaped him during his teenage years.

Fast forward a decade, and the puzzle pieces of Shomo's creative journey seamlessly connect in title, sound, and spirit. Now at the age of 30, Shomo releases Beartooth's fifth album, The Surface, which not only marks the culmination of this era but heralds a fresh chapter characterized by unexpected optimism and unfiltered honesty. Beneath the surface, the battle with depression remains an aggressive, loathsome beast, but Shomo stands defiant, ready to embrace the light.

Much like Nine Inch Nails, Beartooth remains a solitary force in the studio. Following the release of the introductory Sick EP in 2013, 2014's Disgusting catapulted Beartooth into the limelight with their first gold single, "In Between." Subsequent albums, Aggressive and Disease, delved deeper into the realms of desperation and pain, inching closer to a harmonious blend of the raw intensity of classic recordings and the gleam of modernity.

Rolling Stone recognized Beartooth as one of the "10 Artists You Need to Know," underscoring how Shomo's music resonated with countless souls grappling with the quest for self-acceptance. Their 2021 release, Below soared to the top of the rock and alternative charts and found its place on numerous Best Rock/Metal Albums of the Year lists. As of 2023, the Beartooth catalog boasts a staggering 1 billion streams across all platforms, a testament to the band's enduring impact.

Beartooth's inception was nothing short of explosive and therapeutic - a resounding refusal to suffer in silence. They harnessed radio-ready bombast, weaving raw emotion into a cacophony of noise-rock chaos. While other bands play the game of "devastating riffs and catchy hooks," Beartooth's music transcends that realm, serving as a lifeline, a bridge between life and death, and now, a form of rebirth while still walking this mortal coil. Forbes' prediction of the band inching "towards a tipping point of becoming the latest arena headliner" is no longer just a vision - it's a step closer to realization. Beartooth has truly evolved from a storm of anguish into a force of redemption, leaving a mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.