How a Sydney metalcore band turned personal loss into a chart-topping triumph
In short: Since forming in 2012, Sydney's Polaris has blended heavy metalcore with ambient soundscapes and melodic hooks. While their music often explores themes of anxiety and depression, the band recently faced its most profound challenge when guitarist Ryan Siew passed away, transforming their upcoming creative chapter into a tribute.
After meeting during a high school battle of the bands, drummer Daniel Furnari and guitarist Jake Steinhauser established Polaris in 2012, a group that grew from independent roots into an ARIA-nominated force. The band's sound is characterized by a mix of progressive metalcore, electronics, and deeply personal lyrics that address complex emotions like loss and depression. The group's early years involved members like Matt Steinhauser and James West. They initially released music independently before gaining significant industry recognition.
The band's trajectory took a tragic turn in June 2023. The band announced the death of lead guitarist Ryan Siew on 19 June 2023, just as they were getting ready to launch their third studio album, Fatalism. Siew had joined the lineup in November 2013 at the age of 15, and his melodic contributions became a cornerstone of the band's identity. The musician had been a member of the group for nearly a decade. His arrival followed a period of public auditions to find a new guitarist.
Despite the tragedy, Polaris moved forward with the release of Fatalism on 1 September 2023. The album, which consists of the last complete songs written with Siew, debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. This achievement marked the band's first-ever chart-topping album, serving as a powerful testament to their resilience and the enduring legacy of their collaboration. The record's success was bolstered by the release of several singles. This milestone followed the band's decision to honour Siew's memory through their work.
As the band continues to evolve, they have integrated touring guitarist Jesse Crofts into their songwriting sessions. Looking toward the future, drummer Daniel Furnari has indicated that their fourth studio album will explore new musical territory, balancing intense metal elements with softer, less aggressive moments. The group has also secured support slots for major international acts. They are scheduled to perform at several large-scale Australian music festivals.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Polaris (Australian band)
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