Polaris – Fatalism
Release Date: 1st September 2023
Label: Sharptone Records (US), Resist Records (AUS)
Order/Stream
Genre: Metalcore, Progressive Metalcore.
FFO: Kingdom Of Giants, Wage War, Invent Animate, Our Hollow Our Home.
Review By: Mike Leighton
Hailing from Sydney, New South Wales, progressive metalcore outfit, Polaris, formed back in 2012. Since then, they have released two extended plays and two full length albums, with the third, Fatalism, set to release 1 September 2023. This album comes out at a tough time for the band as it not only follows the death of beloved member, Ryan Siew, but it also contains his last contributions as lead guitarist. The rest of the band is made up of Jamie Hails on vocals (clean and unclean), Rick Schneider on guitar, Jake Steinhauser on bass, and Daniel Furnari on drums. The album is set to release through Resist Records in Australia, and Sharptone Records for the rest of the world.
First track, Harbinger, starts of somber yet building; almost like a war rally. Yet throughout the track there is a strong sense of unease, like the uncertainty we are presented in life every single day. Track two, Nightmare, almost feels like a continuation of Harbinger (intended or not), but this feels more like the war is happening, and we are amidst the battle. A “pre-apocalyptic nightmare” as mentioned could mean the realizations of our worst fears even before the chaos. Fantastic track, and great choice as a second single for the album following Inhumane. Parasite comes in with a much more refined sound; with every piece from the instruments, the vocals and the lyrics fitting perfectly together. This is the sound that fans have come to know and love from Polaris, but at their peak. This seems to be the sound Polaris have been trying to perfect since the start. A very bouncy, and vibey track.
Next, we have Overflow, the third single, and a track that immediately is more layered with emotion thus far on the record. Almost one minute and twenty seconds in, the listener gets the harsh vocals from Jamie, layered with some nice guitar riffs. This track really reminds me a lot of band’s extended play, The Guilt and The Grief.
With Regards starts off beautifully, and it’s definitely a standout track for me. Can’t help but think this track is directed at someone close to the band, most likely someone they regret not seeing anymore, someone they didn’t understand fully when they were in pain. Someone who had to take a journey for themselves away from friends. Another thought is that this track is a letter to a friend who’s no longer here, and he’s haunted by the memory.
“Far away, I pray this letter finds you well and safe.
I hope to god I wrote it not too late.
I’ll never understand the things you’ve faced.
The path you had to take.
Can’t you see?
(Some things cannot be concealed)
Please know I never wanted you to leave.
(We will succumb to the wounds we never heal)
I’ll bleed from every pore just to believe.
(I hope you find a place to rest)
That you got what you sought in your last breath
Some dignity in death.”
The lyrics alone, without hearing the track, seep with regret and sorrow for a long-lost friend, partner, or piece of oneself.
The first single, Inhumane, contained much of the same elements that Nightmare did. Very much the Polaris sound that we have come to know and love. Next, The Crossfire, is Polaris, in their final form, through and through. One of the best tracks on the album in my opinion, and the “breakdown” or “bridge” is absolutely fantastic, my praise to their guitarists, Ryan and Rick. The clean vocals as well as the harsh ones are top tier and really shows the growth for Jamie Hails as well as the rest of the band. Dissipate starts with a wonderful opening riff (the lead and rhythm guitars really bring out the best in each other). Another banger of a track from these guys, and the breakdown is insanely heavy; heavier than we are used to. We get some nice, almost gutturals from Jamie, and two breakdowns. All I can say is, get ready!
Next, we have Aftertouch, and it’s as breathtaking as it is emotional. This is a heavy track, but in the heavy sorrow, almost gut-wrenching kind of heavy. Possibly telling the story about two people, who were once close but have drifted apart with no hope of falling back into each other. Fault Line is another greatly balanced Polaris song. The guitars are next level, Ryan killed his performance so far on this record, and it will stand as a true testament to his abilities. The guitar playing had some almost nu-metal vibes in the composition, very reminiscent of early Linkin Park.
“So, if you see me leaving, just give me one good reason
to wait around, stand beside you as the sky falls down.
If this is all we are, the flickers of a dying star.
We never stood a chance.
We’re holding tighter to every moment.
But it’s only just a matter of time.
Say a prayer, before you run out of air.
We’re heading straight for a fault line.
If only we could open our eyes.”
The lyrics throughout are some of the shining moments for me because it really helps to connect with the band, and it helps paint a visual picture for the story of the album (or track at least). All In Vain starts with an almost ethereal/ambient beginning combined with a dark synth vibe. The track builds and builds throughout, and before you know it, the song is over just as quickly as it began.
Great ending to a breathtaking album. This album is a serious contender for metalcore album of the year (might even win in my book), and we’ve really been graced with some amazing releases this year. Fatalism is the perfect amalgamation of every Polaris release thus far. Might be their best album to date. Fatalism makes it tough to choose a favorite track, but personally it is probably tied between The Crossfire, Dissipate and Overflow.
Fatalism is a journey, and after a full listen you may need to lay down and process. That’s ok, it’s a side effect. 
(5 / 5)
