Beartooth’s frontman Caleb Shomo deleted his personal Instagram account just days after the band released its new single, “Free,” along with a music video that received mixed reactions on social media.

So, what is the significance of “Free”?

Why Is Beartooth’s New Song and Video Generating Buzz?

Beartooth launched “Free” on Friday (Feb. 27), marking their first release on Fearless Records after over a decade with Red Bull Records.

“‘Free’ is the start of the next chapter of my music and my life,” Shomo stated. “The emotional roller coaster that is living can be very complicated at times. In one day, you can experience both pure fear and pure joy. This song offers a glimpse of what is to come from the next Beartooth album, which will be the most honest depiction of my soul I will likely ever create.”

The song itself blends catchy vocal melodies and clean guitars with anthemic radio-rock choruses and occasional screams, evoking Beartooth’s earlier sound while signaling a new musical direction.

However, it is the “Free” music video that has sparked the most online discussion.

Watch Beartooth’s ‘Free’ Music Video

In the video, Shomo wears eye makeup and painted nails along with various flashy outfits, including a glittery crop top and an ornate fur coat that drew comparisons to Yungblud. The frontman dances expressively throughout the video, which should not surprise Beartooth fans, as Shomo has always been a charismatic performer.

Yet, some individuals — including other rock and metal musicians — interpreted the “Free” video as an opportunity to mock Shomo.

What Are People Saying About Beartooth’s ‘Free’ Song and Video?

Leading the criticism was Attila frontman Chris Fronzak, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Looks like Caleb Shomo dropped the ‘S.'”

Fronz’s homophobic comment received backlash, but he doubled down, labeling his critics as “butthurt” and “little babies.” When questioned about his negativity toward Shomo, Fronz responded to one X user, “Who said it’s hate? It’s not hate at all. It’s a joke. Why are you so wound up?”

Other fans and musicians expressed more support for Shomo. Carson Pace, lead singer of the Callous Daoboys, defended the frontman and reminisced about their time opening for Beartooth on tour.

“Beartooth truly has 0 ego,” Pace wrote on X. “They treated us incredibly last year, and Caleb hung out and watched every opening band. If you don’t like the music that’s fine; it’s not for you. They took us out because they enjoy being a gateway band. All the love in the world to those guys.”

Singer Lauren Babic — who leads the metal bands Red Handed Denial, CrazyEightyEight, and Skylimit — also condemned the negative feedback on “Free,” stating: “The comments I’m seeing on new Beartooth are horrific. Y’all are so ugly for that. Shame on you.”

Nonetheless, Beartooth’s new song and video also garnered plenty of positive responses from fans who praised Shomo for being comfortable in his own skin and for his personal growth (the singer has openly discussed his previous mental health struggles and complicated relationship with alcohol).

READ MORE: 13 Heavy Songs We’ve Definitely Cried To

“You’re threatened by Caleb Shomo’s appearance by making homophobic comments and passing them off as jokes while making him delete his socials. I’m threatened by Caleb Shomo pulling off a glittery tank top better than I ever could. We are not the same,” X user @OhMyEmz wrote.

Loudwire has reached out to Beartooth’s team for comments regarding Shomo’s Instagram account deletion.

In the meantime, the band is currently opening for Bad Omens on a North American tour that will continue through the end of the month.

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