ALBUM REVIEW: Nova – Polar

Over the past decade, POLAR have deservedly built themselves a reputation as being one of the most passionate live bands on the underground circuit. Their shows captivate with authoritative command, embodying a sense of raw energy and unbridled angst which acts as a memorable experience for any that have had the pleasure of seeing the band in the flesh. They have never quite managed to capture this innate energy in their studio work. It would be foolish to ignore set-list favourites such as Glass Cutter and Mountain Throne which litter their discography, but on the whole, POLAR‘s albums have never quite struck the same chord as seeing them in the flesh. Their upcoming effort Nova sees that theory turned completely on its head. Their fourth full-length is the album that POLAR were destined to make, and throughout it’s entirely feels like the vehement, honest piece de resistance they have always been capable of concocting.

It all begins with Mære, a short introduction which acts as a lit fuse to the explosive Devil. Foreshadowing something truly incredible, it is an enticing slipway that builds impeccably towards crushing, opening riffs. Slaughtering those calm beginnings, the quick introduction of heavy hooks and pounding drums resides with an air of savagery. Quick fire beats introduce the wretched screams of Adam Woodford, which are as prolific as ever and as well as encapsulating the art of raspy British hardcore, they also bring an unprecedented emotional edge, aching with a fiery passion.

Not for the faint of heart, the pace waits for no-one as we hurtle at full pelt into Cradle, where the melody rockets yet higher. Strings men Tom Green and Fabian Lomas combine to compose a potent blend of crushing, opaque shred and ultra melodic passages, while gang vocals reminiscent of WHILE SHE SLEEPS enter the fray, adding extra dimension and a sense of community to the record. POLAR is very much for the fans, and this inclusive outlook is ever present.

Lead single Drive is the epitome of this. It is a shining example of the creative depth mustered by the band, one that redefines what it means to be heavy. Lyrically deep, it shows POLAR at their best, recorded with a tear in the eye and building one of the album’s most authentic soundscapes. “These are our words sung forever, can we sing this together,” cries Woodford through the chorus, blazoning the track with a real sense of belonging. Adore feels similar, before Sonder slows things down with it’s lush, sweeping orchestral serenade. As the only full length track to feature no vocals, it’s a gorgeous bridge into Amber.

Prey is quite frankly just devastating. Stylistically, bludgeoning drums sit atop a swathe of synth and relentless guitar-work perforates through the mix. One of the most impassioned traits of the album is the way in which breakdowns are used to devastating effect. Unlike many metalcore albums which fall victim to force-feeding beatdown sections upon the listener, POLAR have used them sparingly and with crippling impact. Prey features perhaps the heaviest of them all, coming out of nowhere with a sucker-punch destined to completely decimate eardrums.

The whole of Nova feels much like a setlist with the way it weaves between atmosphere and abrupt barbarity, and this theme is continued nicely with the two final tracks Midnight and Brother. The first being chaotic and intense before the latter offers a breath of relief. Sparse when compared to other tracks on the record, it allows POLAR the chance to show yet another creative facet in their arsenal as it ebbs and flows towards a gallant finale.

Nova defines POLAR. It is their energy incarnate and offers an irrefutable glimpse into their pioneering mindset, showing a more mature version of the band that those in the know have grown to love. They have held nothing back this time, and the outcome is outstanding.

Rating: 9/10

Nova is set for release on April 5th via Arising Empire. 

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