An Australian metalcore unit that blends elements of progressive metal, post-rock, and electronicore into their punishing and expansive sound,
Polaris emerged in 2017 with the acclaimed Mortal Coil, which earned the band an ARIA nomination.
Founded in 2012 by drummer
Daniel Furnari and guitarist/vocalist
Jake Steinhauser, the Sydney-based group soon coalesced around a lineup that also included guitarist
Rick Schneider, vocalist
Jamie Hails, keyboardist James West, and
Jake's brother Matt Steinhauser on bass. West and Matt Steinhauser departed the following year, with
Jake Steinhauser taking over bass duties to help focus on his vocals. The band's debut EP, Dichotomy, was released independently later that November -- new guitarist
Ryan Siew joined the group that same year. A second EP, The Guilt & the Grief, arrived in 2016 and caught the attention of
Nuclear Blast imprint Sharp Tone, who put out the band's debut full-length effort, Mortal Coil, in 2017. Sonically dynamic and thematically personal --
Polaris are candid about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and loss -- the album was met with considerable acclaim, and was nominated for Best Hard Rock Album at the 2018 ARIA awards. Two years later, the group returned with their sophomore long-player, The Death of Me. ~ James Christopher Monger