Polaris – Fatalism (Album Review)

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Ebony Story

polaris fatalism metalcore new album 2023 review

Polaris – Fatalism
Released: September 1st, 2023

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This album is eagerly anticipated. Not only because we know that Polaris are incredibly creative song writers, but because we also know their live shows are stellar, and to witness new songs played live is a special thing to be a part of. They’ve also kept to a three-year album release schedule, so they’ve succeeded in conditioning us to expect a new body of work every three years. We love a solid schedule.

Looking back on the band’s past album releases, The Mortal Coil (2017) and The Death Of Me (2020), we can see such exciting progression of song writing, creativity, and growth. It’s undeniable that Fatalism will continue the band’s upward trajectory. Although, it should be noted that Fatalism will forever be a bittersweet album. With the heartbreaking passing of lead guitarist, Ryan Siew, this is the last complete body of work that the five members wrote together. So, let’s get into it.

‘Harbinger’ is the album opening we deserved. It’s atmospheric and Jake Steinhauser’s vocals echo over synths building anticipation. Drums and guitars enter, building oh so deliciously. Then we hear the power with Jamie Hails’s screams and more mosh-inducing guitar riffs. This track absolutely has to be their live opener, it’s perfect. We are given a Polaris metalcore anthem in ‘Nightmare’. It’s easy listening and hits all the criteria for a Polaris banger: singalong chorus, addictive riffs, powerful vocals, melodic build up to the final chorus with guitars weaving in and out, and final, powerfully screamed verse. Not much to be mad about here!

‘Parasite’ feels more metal and aggressive and full of attitude. It’s not often that Polaris write an angry song, but this feels very pointed. It’s rapid and goes full throttle for the entire track. We come down in intensity (not for long) for ‘Overflow’ and this is a wonderful display of both Jake and Jamie’s vocals. It’s clear that both vocalists have been improving their skills—Jake with strength and power at the end of his clean range, and Jamie with his clean vocals and finding that point between cleans and screams.

‘With Regards’ comes in strong with beautiful vocals before Jamie kicks it up a gear. We hear the heartfelt lyrics backed by soaring riffs, and the slower pace really allows the melody to soak through the entire song. Notable mention to the last chorus sung in a higher octave, it really hits well.

But let’s talk about ‘Inhumane’. Opening with a twangy bass and cymbals kicking in, a classic Jamie Hails ‘Ohh!’, and you just know that this track is fire all the way. The guitar solo by Ryan is everything in this track; it soars and you can guarantee every guitarist wishes they could pull that off. This song is a great example of how well Polaris put together songs as well. An interesting opening and then we just get blasted by powerful vocals and djenty melodies, gang vocals in the chorus guaranteeing crowd involvement, an incredible guitar solo backed by a framework of drums. And then they drop it low and let us recover before leading into the final part of the song. It’s not quite a breakdown, but it’ll have you throwing down regardless.

Now, ‘The Crossfire’ is a super interesting track. The guitars sound like classic metal, and maybe that’s just the effect used, but it almost feels like a track that should be on Guitar Hero. Aside from that it’s an addictive song; the melodies and both the vocal lines somehow just imprint in your brain and they’re there to stay.

If there’s ever been a song for drummers, ‘Dissipate’ is it. I’m talking damn blast beats. This track is a brilliant demonstration of Daniel Funari’s drumming and the blast beats are peppered throughout backed by a wonderfully looped riff. It’s not often that vocals take a backseat, but in this song it’s the drums that take centre stage and the guitars and vocals are all supports. Don’t get me wrong, there are some insanely deep and guttural vocals in there that will get your ‘oof’ face on, and Jake’s cleans really do soar. Have I mentioned the breakdown yet? Oh boy, it’s what we’ve been waiting the whole album for. Again, the drums dominate this breakdown, but the way Rick Schneider on guitar absolutely kills it is insane. What a track.

‘Aftertouch’ is going to become a steady favourite on this album. Is slow, sweet metalcore a thing? I think it is now. The involvement of keys and rhythmic drums really lightens this song, and the soundscape the guitars create morphs into something stronger as the vocals pick up in intensity. It’s a sure skill to be able to write ball breaking songs and at the same time also write a very touching song that still pulls from the essence of the band. ‘Fault Line’ allows us a soft transition with synths and keys leading in before upping energy. It’s honestly another classic Polaris banger. Easy listening and always impressive.

‘All In Vein’ is the album closer and I don’t think it quite delivers closing energy. I think it leads in and creates the anticipation that there’s something epic coming with the whispers, the revolving riffs, and the explosion into verse. I do like how the intro winds back around to lead into the final chorus and help close out the song, but it just feels a bit too abruptly ended.

This entire album feels and sounds a little bit different, but I don’t think it’s totally unexpected. We all know Polaris is an incredibly creative and ingenious band when it comes to writing songs, and this is without a doubt a Polaris record. They are very good at highlighting each member and each track is always so balanced, allowing for storytelling, melody, brutality, and there’s also a place for the listener in every track. Fatalism is an exciting progression and many of these songs will find their places in listeners’ hearts.

Polaris – Fatalism tracklisting

1. Harbringer
2. Nightmare
3. Parasite
4. Overflow
5. With Regards
6. Inhumane
7. The Crossfire
8. Dissipate
9. Aftertouch
10. Fault Line
11. All In Vain

Rating: 9/10
Fatalism is out September 1st, 2023 via Resist/Sharptone Records. Pre-order here.
Review By Ebony Story