Boundaries entered the new year with a heavy-handed punch, delivering a brand-new single, “Skies cast amber black,” and it is powerful. This is a track that channels full force and a strong desire to be heard from every corner of the room. I imagine this band brings everything to a live performance, though I haven’t had the chance to see them yet. They did play back-to-back sold-out shows at The X-Ray Arcade, which were hard to snag tickets for, and I think I was burdened with work that night. Three words that come to mind while listening to this fiery new track are heavy, loud, and strong. Its overall sound is commanding, with Matthew McDougal on vocals, creating a sound that is petrifying to the core and reverberates through your very soul.

I love how the intro of the song just kicks in, giving no moment to process what’s happening. McDougal says this song is a plea to cleanse a community, and it definitely drives that message home. There is no waiting; there is only one choice: get out of his way, or he will move you himself.

The opening lines are, “Skies cast amber black, behold my contempt for every man,” which really pushes his choice of when McDougal says this song is also about his deep desire to surround and suffocate the growing plague of people’s self-interest. This is kind of an interesting topic to hear a song written about — it’s different, especially with the idea of having a deep desire for this. 

“Given the chance, I’d remove every ego from the music landscape and burn it off for fuel to power blood-hungry behemoths whose only goal is to crush and disable” — Matthew McDougal

It’s clearly no secret that most bands in the metal scene are open about their aggression toward others, but having this ability to transform that anger into a song is just jaw-dropping. I do think more bands and music should be able to channel these feelings into lyrics because that’s really what it is. I love the grit and strength this track carries from start to finish; it does not yield or let go at any point.

Boundaries will be hitting the road with August Burns Red and The Amity Affliction in April, so be sure to grab a ticket for a show. I’m sure Boundaries will be making this song’s live debut during their set for a show, so don’t miss out on your chance to scream this at the top of your lungs while moshing in that circle pit. I’m definitely going to try to be at one of them.

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