Beartooth return to London with Silverstein and close the night with 'Might Love Myself'

Beartooth played O2 Academy Brixton this week, their first London show in two years, with Silverstein in support. The gig arrived after a period of significant change for frontman Caleb Shomo, who has spoken openly about his sexuality, overhauled his image, weathered online hatred and released a confessional new record.

Silverstein opened with 'Smashed Into Pieces' before moving through 'The Altar', introduced as their heaviest song, plus 'The Afterglow', the grungier 'My Heroine' and 'Stress', which landed as the set's strongest emotional moment.

Beartooth began with 'Pure Ecstasy' and quickly promised a night weighted toward older material, dropping into 'Hated'. The set swung between the back catalogue's outsider anthems and the more optimistic newer songs, with 'Beautiful Again' proving the shift works live. At one point Shomo clasped a hand over his mouth, overwhelmed by the crowd's reaction, before telling the room: "My favourite thing is to write songs that helps me navigate this life."

From 'Free' and 'Eyes Closed' onward the night turned into a run of singalongs, with 'Riptides' carried largely by the crowd and 'The Lines' dedicated to long-time fans. Closer 'Might Love Myself' was the night's biggest revelation, delivered with a grin that suggested Shomo finally meant every word. The Academy was not sold out, but the reaction from those present confirmed the new chapter has found its audience.