Polar – Nova


Polar have been a staple part of the Metalcore underground scene, touring with the best that the genres have to offer, like Stray From The Path. “We want this to be the next big step up” claimed guitarist, Fabian Lomas. “Nova is basically going to elevate us.” With a newly claimed maturity and direction to their sound and the expectations set by the band, Nova (Arising Empire) is set to be the big-hitting Metalcore album of the year.

Right from the first track, the new path is presented clearly for all to hear. Rather than choosing the obvious route of lowering the guitars tone to create a heavier sound, the band utilize different techniques, borrowing from other subgenres such as Djent and Hardcore to formulate a more rich, dynamic sound. It’s not all-out Tech Metal and it’s not fully Hardcore, but the skill of the former and ferocity of the latter is put on display.

Whilst you can hear influences across the record from the likes of early-Architects and Gojira as well as numerous other bands in their circles, these moments of recognition rarely last longer than a few seconds before Polar expand that sound into something completely new. Adam Woodford‘s roar brings all of these varied sounds together like a conductor, directing the path in different directions.

The song, ‘Sonder’ acts as an ambient palate cleanser making way for ‘Amber’ which turns what should be a car crash of Pop and Metal into a heavy anthem. There is no doubt that ‘Amber’ should be Polar’s biggest track to date, a song that gets entire venues singing back the giant chorus it contains.

If there’s any justice in the music world, this will be the album that boosts the band to dazzling new heights amongst their peers, bringing forth poppier elements without losing their edge. Polar have shown they deserve to be at the top of academy tours by the end of the year.

8 / 10

CHARLIE HILL