Caleb Shomo’s attempt at being a bit more optimistic and less angry. All while trying to still give the signature Beartooth sound. My biggest problem is that while none of the album sounds bad, high-production value in fact, The Surface is still definitely more of the same. Guitar riffs and mainstream format down to the letter. Less anger, but still plenty of bitterness and self-loathing. “Life’s not fair.” “I don’t love myself.” It’s not just cliche for metalcore but cliche for even Beartooth at this point. Outside of that bland, pointless Hardy collaboration. That was a waste of time. It’s fine. It exists. I wanted to enjoy Beartooth in 2023 more than I did, but in the end, The Surface is the groove Beartooth has stayed in for years. 6/10.
Best Tracks:
“Sunshine”
“Might Love Myself”
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Here are some of the critical reactions to the album:
Kerrang!: “The Surface is a collection of tracks that are the best and most consistent Beartooth have ever sounded on record.”
Louder Sound: “As a whole, The Surface is a sharp, poignant, and blazingly cathartic celebration of life, warts and all.”
AllMusic: “The Surface is a more hopeful and optimistic album than Beartooth’s previous work, but it still retains the band’s signature heaviness.”
Rolling Stone: “Beartooth’s fifth studio album is a powerful and moving collection of songs about overcoming adversity and finding hope.”
From Google Bard: “Beartooth’s fifth studio album, The Surface, is a departure from the band’s previous work in several ways. It is a more hopeful and optimistic album, with lyrics that focus on self-love, overcoming adversity, and finding one’s place in the world. The music is also more melodic and accessible, while still retaining the band’s signature heaviness.”
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Beartooth The Surface Album Review
