This is the duality of Beartooth. They’re heavy as hell, yet serve up chorus after chorus without even flinching. The songs are snapshots of the exhausting battle against depression, yet instead of being dreary and draining, they’re inspiring, exhilarating and even uplifting. And while debut album Disgusting (2014) and its follow-up Aggressive (2016) bore these hallmarks, never have the band’s contradictions been more satisfyingly, expertly and bruisingly delivered than on this record. Throughout, the band seamlessly marry delirium and destruction as they serve up their heaviest music to date.
So, is Disease the album where Caleb wins his battle? No, because mental health doesn’t work like that. There is no final boss to be defeated, only the constant will to get better and survive. Disease is, instead, a portrait of a struggle bravely shared and perfectly painted by someone who wants you to know you’re not alone.
Words: John Longbottom