Caleb Shomo, vocalist and primary songwriter of Beartooth, released a deeply personal statement discussing his sexuality while also reflecting on years of depression, internal struggles and alcoholism.
“I am a proudly gay man,” Shomo wrote at the beginning of the statement, explaining that he decided to publicly address the subject following recent speculation surrounding his personal life.
Throughout the message, Shomo explained that he has spent a long time trying to understand and reconcile different parts of his identity. He also acknowledged that much of the music he wrote during the early years of Beartooth was created during periods marked by hopelessness, self-hatred and emotional struggles.
The musician stated that he spent a decade burying feelings through alcohol and that after becoming sober, he began a much deeper process of personal introspection. “I spent a decade burying feelings with alcohol,” Shomo wrote. “When I decided to put it down and focus on exploring why I felt this way for so long, it’s been a direct path to me reconciling with my sexuality.”
Within the statement, he also explained that before beginning work on Beartooth’s upcoming album, he made the decision to fully express himself without hiding parts of who he is, both artistically and personally. “One thing I decided before I wrote a single note or lyric of the upcoming album is that whatever happens, I will express myself wholeheartedly and fully,” he stated.
Shomo explained that he no longer wants to minimize emotions or soften parts of his identity out of fear of outside reactions. According to the musician, the creative process behind the new material has been deeply connected to emotional honesty and personal acceptance.
The vocalist also thanked people who have shown him support and understanding throughout the process while sharing a message directed toward those currently struggling with identity, mental health or self-acceptance. “Give yourself grace. Give yourself patience. Be honest with yourself,” he wrote near the end of the statement.
The announcement also arrives during a new era for Beartooth, who recently announced their upcoming album “Pure Ecstasy,” scheduled for release in August 2026, alongside the singles “Free” and “Pure Ecstasy.”
Over the years, Beartooth became one of modern metalcore’s defining bands through albums such as Disgusting, Disease and The Surface, records where Shomo frequently addressed anxiety, addiction, depression and personal crises.
