I absolutely love music. I love listening to songs and appreciating the hours of work put into the production of a finished recording. I can talk about the history of different genres for hours if you let me. I also enjoy hearing different memories, stories, and people that others associate with certain songs. The way that music can bring people together interests me so much. Most importantly, I love music that can perfectly explain my own emotions and help me get through tough times. I’ve written about Kanye West and Kid Cudi and explained how they’ve been huge motivators for me. Now I present metal-core band Beartooth.
I first discovered Beartooth at the beginning of my senior year of high school, during a time of my life where I was very frustrated with my self-doubt. Naturally, I went to music to help me cope. I listened to my music that had gotten me through so many other tough moments, but it was losing its touch. I mostly listened to hip-hop at the time, but as much as I appreciate the art of rap, it just wasn’t hitting the spots I needed to hear. I needed something more aggressive. That’s when I asked my closest metalhead friend (shoutout to Kevin) to give me some bands to listen to. The first band he told me to lookup was Beartooth, and I immediately became a fan.
The first song I listened to was “In Between” off the 2014 debut album Disgusting. Personally, the song served as the final push I needed to finally let go of the problems that had been bothering me for years. I’ve had my struggles with depression, night terrors, and low self-esteem, and Kid Cudi helped me know I wasn’t alone and motivated me to keep going. Over time I improved and I was no longer sad. Instead, I started feeling frustrated because I wanted to finally let go of my insecurities. This song, “In Between”, helped me do just that.
The drums, the heavy guitar, and the screamed vocals were delivered at an aggressive intensity that perfectly matched the frustration I felt. Along with the perfect sound I was looking for, Beartooth delivered lyrics that gave the message I needed.
I immediately thought about all the times I struggled. I thought about all the times I thought about suicide. I thought about all the times music served as my “higher ground” and reminded me that everything would work out. This was only the first verse, and I was already in love with the song. My life changed when the hook came:
“Up on the mountain I see down below
It’s easy to lose yourself I know
Can’t hear what you’re shouting, I’m deaf to your show
It’s easy to lose your self control
Everybody gets high, everybody gets low
Life can be such overdose
Up on the mountain I see down below
It’s easy to lose yourself I know
In the in between”
After years of slowly overcoming my problems, I was finally ready to let go. My depression, nightmares, and self-doubt were my “mountain” and I was done dealing with them. The moment I first listened to these words, was the moment I officially overcame my fears. I was “up on the mountain” and it felt so good.
After hearing that song, I’ve been able to love life and become the happiest person I’ve ever been. That was after hearing only one song from the band. Beartooth has so many other songs that have helped me and thousands of other fans. For anyone that struggles to be comfortable with themselves, the songs “Hated“, “Loser“, and “One More” could be very helpful. Songs like “Relapsing“, “Sick and Disgusting” could be helpful to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“What is the message
What are the chances that I’ll be living tomorrow
There is progression
I’m still standing here
I’m gonna hold my head up high before I’m dead in the dirt” – Beartooth – Relapsing
The song “Body Bag” has helped remind me to be positive and live life to the fullest. The song “Keep Your American Dream” has helped me feel more comfortable and secure with my decision to not go to college. Most importantly, all of Beartooth’s music is aimed to help the youth. This is most evident in the song “Aggressive” off the band’s 2016 album of the same name. The song brings attention the disconnect between us and older generations as it builds up to an explosive chorus.
“Chew us up, spit us out
You know what you’re breeding
Lost aggressive youth
Push us back, hold us down
What were you expecting?
Lost aggressive youth” – Beartooth – Aggressive
Beartooth is a band that makes music that holds a special place in my heart; I absolutely love their music. Beartooth’s music has helped me finally break free from the problems that have held me back in the past. I know that their music has the ability to help anyone else struggling with the same things as me. I highly recommend you to listen to this band, go to a show, get into the pit, and love life.
