Polaris - ‘Fatalism’ review
Their greatest work to date, spoiling fans with every single track.
Polaris
Out today, Australian Metalcore 5-piece Polaris releases their third studio album: Fatalism. Known for the unique combination of rapid heavy riffing, with Jamie Hail’s outstanding gutturals, crossed with uplifting and emotive choruses supported with Jake Stenhouse’s clean diverse vocals, Fatalism brings a far more ominous and aggressive approach, experimenting with more extreme metal influences and using more minor keys rather than major to really shift the tone. Inspired by the ever-worsening state of the world, it’s clear Polaris wanted to take their sound in a new, more bitter direction.
Fatalism cover
But before we get into it, the elephant in the room must be addressed. On 19 June, the boys from Sydney suffered the tragic loss of their lead guitarist, Ryan Siew, who passed away at only 26 years old. He was an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, one of the best I’ve had the joy of seeing live.
Being the last album the five of them wrote together, there’s a sad atmosphere behind Fatalism’s release for both the band and fans alike. It's heartbreaking that Ryan will not get to see its reception, especially since I believe it to be one of Polaris’ greatest works so far.
Put simply, the album is spectacular. Polaris have found the perfect balance of experimenting with new sounds and styles whilst still incorporating their signature techniques. The clearest new addition is their use of synths and more electronic edits to bring a new layer of texture to the songs.
Most noticeable in the first single “Inhumane” as well as “The Crossfire” and “All in Vain”. Songs like “Parasite” and “Dissipate” bring a whole new degree of filthiness, being energetic and rageful throughout with djent and even deathcore influences – the rhythm work in both is outstanding.
The use of piano is also a new addition for some of the tracks, notably appearing as a beautiful intro in the softer melodic number, “Aftertouch” which paces itself perfectly and gradually builds to an incredible crescendo. While all these new experimental sounds are brought to the table, fans of the older style can rest easy too as tracks like “Fault Line” and a couple others feature the signature Polaris anthemic uplifting choruses that we know and love.
Something else worth appreciating is the pacing in the albums running order – the songs flow in cohesion with each other hyping you up with chaos when you crave it and giving you calmer breaks after you’ve exhausted yourself from the head banging. No sound or style runs on too long for you to get tired of it.
The musicianship of this album is above and beyond as always for Polaris. Jamie’s screams are grittier. Jacks vocals are bolder. Daniel’s drumming is relentless. Rick’s otherworldly rhythm guitar dominates and explodes through breakdowns. As for Ryan’s piercing leadwork and shredding solo’s, they are nothing short of transcendent. The fans have been absolutely spoiled in every single one of the 11 new tracks.
Out of fear of coming across biased, the only minute thing I can comment on that I would have liked to see is a slightly more impactful close of the album to match is edgy ambient intro in “Harbinger”. However, it takes nothing away from the immense credibility this behemoth of an album deserves.
Polaris have outdone themselves in every aspect and I believe this release will be a huge turning point in their journey emotionally, sonically, and commercially. This band has always been a league above most in the metalcore scene in my eyes and this album is only further proof of that. I’m truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to review it.
Fatalism, the third studio album of Australian Metalcore 5-piece Polaris, is out today via Resist Records in Australia and SharpTone Records worldwide.