ALBUM REVIEW: Fatalism – Polaris

August 31, 2023 James Weaver

The past several years have not been easy for Aussie metalcore crew POLARIS. Poised as one of the most exciting bands to grace metalcore in recent history, having released their breakout second album, The Death Of Me, in February 2020, few could anticipate what would come next. As the world went into lockdown, with their home country of Australia imposing some of the tightest COVID restrictions on the planet, any momentum earned from that excellent record was stopped dead in its tracks. Then, in June this year, they lost guitarist Ryan Siew who tragically passed away at the age of 26. Such heartbreak and difficulties could collapse most bands. As such, the release of their third album, Fatalism, is as poignant as it is a triumph against such adversity.

Anyone who has previously listened to the music of POLARIS will be well aware of the band’s potency for fusing absolutely explosive riffage and breakdowns with crooning melodies and melancholic cleans, and Fatalism very much continues this trend. But with the wider context of what the group have been through in the last several years, the record hits all the harder and as a result, it presents itself as the defining record of POLARIS‘ journey thus far.

Album opener Harbinger starts proceedings with an ambient affair as Jake Steinhauser‘s crystal clear cleans swirl with synths to build momentum before a thumping metallic riff and the unmistakable growls of Jamie Hails roar in to ignite the album in the grandest of fashion. And from there, POLARIS keep on swinging and the results are utterly emphatic. A one-two punch of Nightmare and Parasite are POLARIS flowing free in the highest gear as Nightmare boasts intricate riffs, bouncing rhythms and a soaring chorus whilst Parasite goes nuclear and showcases the band at their heaviest with wave after wave of hefty riffs that have the aural force of a tsunami.

Elsewhere, Overflow is a modern metal anthem in the making with a euphoric chorus, plenty of subtle melodies to tug on your heartstrings and enough firepower to be a ready-made staple in the band’s live set; With Regards croons with emotional bliss thanks to its deep lyrics and potency for allowing the band’s cleaner elements to shine; and Inhumane is an absolute rager that just encourages heads to bang to the massive riffage. Ultimately, what Fatalism shows is a band comfortable in their collective skin and as a result, it stands as their strongest body of work to date.

Fatalism shows a band firing at all cylinders and captures the sheer essence of what makes POLARIS such an exciting name in metalcore. It’s explosive, high-octane metal with enough intricacies and emotional depth to ensnare your attention. But, above all else, Fatalism stands as a glorious swansong and fitting tribute to their fallen brother and demonstrates the incredible talent he brought to his craft. This is POLARIS at their very best and this record will stand as one of the essential metalcore albums of 2023.

Rating: 9/10