Boundaries Bring Unsettling Brutality With ‘Yearning: the unbeautiful after’

Connecticut metalcore juggernauts Boundaries have returned with their new album, ‘Yearning: the unbeautiful after’. This marks their first release since their most recent record back in 2024, ‘Death Is Little More’. This band stands out in a crowded genre and makes their mark whenever they put out new music, and this one is no exception. The heaviest breakdowns, riffs for days, and punishing vocals that make for an insane listen front to back. 

One thing about Boundaries is that they pull no punches when it comes to their music, and it really does speak for itself on this album. The breakdowns on here are some of the most brutal and heavy the genre has right now, they really pack a punch and aren’t to be messed with. Singles like “Death will follow me” and “Skies cast amber black” really do a great job at showing just how chaotic and brutal this band can be when they lock in. “May this pain never leave” feels like a more classic type of metalcore track, but it remains to be one of the best on this album from its lyrics to it’s catchy hook during the chorus.

I also appreciate the melodic moments on this record on songs like “Only endless” and “Nothing; gathered” that show that this band can expand upon their sound and nail that side of the genre as well. It’s a delicate balance, but this band succeeds to where this album has something for everybody. Some of the lyrics are really impressive as well to listen to, specifically on songs like “Unequal whole” or the title track, where they feel more personal and they shine on those ones.

Drummer and co-vocalist Tim Sullivan is the absolute star of this record. His drums are absolutely insane to listen to from start to finish on this record. And his singing feels so memorable and fitting to each song he sings on, he really goes all out on this album. The vocalist Matt McDougal really does an excellent job at delivering the most brutal (and even unhinged at times) vocals that this record needs to be as unsettling and frantic as it is. The unsung hero on this record is bassist and backing vocalist Nathan Calcagno, who really provides backing screams to contrast incredibly with Matt’s brutality. It really shows off nicely in a live setting as well, and I have a feeling these songs will absolutely thrive in that environment. 

I think Boundaries continue to be one of the more exciting bands in heavy music, and ‘Yearning: the unbeautiful after’ is no exception to that. They expand upon their already crazy sound, and refine what’s already special about them here. And they deliver one of the best records of the year, and some of the wildest breakdowns and tracks you’ll hear all year.