Showing Teeth – A Fate Worse Then Loneliness
Release Date: 4th September 2026
Label: Spinefarm
Solo artist Addison, better known as Showing Teeth, has experienced a rapid boost in profile since her days covering metal songs on TikTok, to supporting Bring Me The Horizon. Her debut EP, A Fate Worse Than Loneliness, is proof that social media musicians can grow. This EP is a repudiation of online criticism that Addison is an ‘industry plant’, and overcomes the scene’s mistrust of ‘influencer’ artists. Addison has marshalled the resources provided by her label to craft a polished record, alongside producer Dan Book, Periphery drummer and skilled musician Zach Munowitz.
The opener ‘Bad Exchanges’ introduces the project with an aggressive assault of death/metalcore that underscores Addison’s impressive vocal range. Her guttural screams and high-pitched schreeks gives the music a black-metal quality that enhances the bleak tone of the songwriting. Along with the lyrics “Where great hope springs eternal, I hope a lonely funeral”, that showcases the bleak and cathartic themes.
While ‘Labyrinth’ sustains the ferocity of the opener, it introduces a softer side. The bulk of the song is driven by frenzied screams and chuggy riffs that build to an angelic chorus that puts Addison’s vocal dexterity on display. The 180 degree course change will turn heads and is fleeting, but there is no doubt that she has a powerful range. This softer side is used sparingly, and is strategically placed between pummeling guitar sections to accentuate the emotive chorus.
‘Make it Out’ and ‘Shallow Grave’ are easily the EP’s most conventional songs and utilise tried and tested nu-metal sound for creating catchy anthems that appeal to the average Spiritbox fans. They spasmodically alternate between heavy and soft, resulting in muddled songs that try to appeal to different listeners all at once. This approach carries the inherent risk that by serving two masters you undermine the songs themselves notwithstanding their objectively groovy riffs and nasty breakdowns.
Paradigm’ is a must-listen for anyone looking for Addison’s softer side, where she gives herself latitude to slow the record down. The song saviours her clean voice which is foregrounded with subdued electronic music until punchy guitar matches the rousing chorus, “I feel fine. When I close both my eyes, I rewrite both our lives. A paradigm.” Harsh vocals overlaid with the soft vocals at the closing stages come close to undermining the song, an insecurity to let the song stand for itself that one hopes is jettisoned in future releases.
The heavy/soft balance is better understood on ‘Rip’, a standout for listeners looking for heaviness – despite the song being anchored by an Evanescence-esque chorus. Djenty riffs unite with manically-delivered screams delivering hard-hitting lyrics: “I am an empty vessel waiting for time to strike. She will put down her guard, I will pick up her knife.”
A Fate Worse Than Loneliness is an impressive opening salvo for a new artist with a versatile range, and draws from a wide-range of influences. Striking the right balance between the two impulses, showing that Addison has potential for mainstream appeal. Periodically, the EP loses a sense of direction and fails to tread two musical extremes. There will be excitement for Showing Teeth’s next project, and it is hoped that she understands that art that tries to cater for everyone, caters to no one.