Review
Polaris' 'The Death of Me' is a sonic onslaught that'll make your eardrums beg for mercy. This Australian metalcore outfit doesn't pull any punches on their sophomore album, diving headfirst into a whirlpool of anguish and remorse. Lead songwriter Daniel Furnari's personal experiences bleed through tracks like 'Masochist' and 'Hypermania', painting a vivid picture of inner turmoil that'll resonate with anyone who's ever battled their own demons. The album's production is tight as hell, with Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland's mixing and mastering giving each instrument room to breathe while still maintaining that wall-of-sound intensity that metalcore fans crave.
From the moment 'Pray for Rain' kicks things off, you know you're in for a wild ride. Jamie Hails' vocals switch effortlessly between guttural screams and soaring melodies, while Ryan Siew's guitar work adds layers of complexity to each track. 'Landmine' is a standout, hitting like a freight train with its brutal riffs and pummeling drums. But it's not all breakneck speed and aggression - 'Masochist' and 'Martyr' showcase the band's more melodic side, proving that Polaris can do vulnerable just as well as they do vicious. The album's success speaks for itself, debuting at number 3 on the Australian ARIA charts and snagging a nomination for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album. 'The Death of Me' is a testament to Polaris' growing prowess in the metalcore scene, and I can't wait to see where they go from here. - Amanda
