Review: Polar - Five Arrows

Review: Polar – Five Arrows

With a new line-up, the longtime UK metalcore bruisers return with an abundance of determination and muscular execution

It’s somewhat surprising to find out hardcore bruisers Polar have been hitting in hard since 2009, yet they’ve never grown past the level of being openers for some of metalcore’s bigger names. However, ‘Five Arrows’ is considerably a new start for the band. With the relationship between vocalist Adam Woodford and former members “dissolved”, this outing sees Stefan Whiting (bass), Bruno Consani (guitar), Simon Richardson (guitar) and Max Flohr (drums) come on board to inject some new life into Polar.

Having undergone a radical line-up change, it’s no surprise that perseverance is embedded in ‘Five Arrows’. ‘A New Mentality’ thrives with determination, simultaneously highlighting the musical power that has been injected into Polar. Whether that be Max Flohr’s destructive drums or Richardson and Consani’s steamrolling sharp riffs.

On the surface, ‘Five Arrows’ is what you’d expect from Polar; brash, heavy, and furious. ‘We Won’t Sleep’ and ‘Unkillable’ are equally punchy with Woodford’s blaring barks adding to frantic nature. While a flirtation with electronics is hinted at early on, it’s far from jarring. After smashing through routine bruising metalcore slabs ‘Dawn of a New Age’ and ‘All Hail the Tyrant’, the explosive ‘Swimming With Sharks’ arrives to questionably steal the show. Its robust build, sprawling guitarwork, and Woodford’s venomous vocal delivery conjure up a thrill ride, making Polar sound huge.

‘Soak It in Tragedy’ serves as a cathartic interlude, providing a momentary break from Polar‘s relentless noise. As they soldier on with ‘The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Violence’ and ‘Paranoia’, their style is unyielding to break away from metallic hardcore battering. That’s not to discredit Polar, as they’re able to routinely execute it in a muscular manner. The latter sees them at their darkest as a growling breakdown gives way to stabbing riffs, in part thanks to some assistance from Rachel Aspe of Cage Fight.

As frontman and vocalist, Adam Woodford manages to deliver conviction and emotion through the wall of noise his (new) bandmates serve up. ‘Want_Need’ sees him full of despair, wrestling with his emotions and the weight of mental health struggles. Furthermore, ‘Closing Curtain’, with its mournful strings, gives the impression of hopelessness yet it’s their musical strength that fuels Polar‘s collective determination.

‘Five Arrows’ may not serve as the breakthrough a band of Polar‘s longevity probably deserves. However for those who have stuck with them for 15 years, especially during the recent change of members, will be rewarded with an impactful set of muscular and steely metallic hardcore. If anything, it shows aren’t going down without a fight and still have a point to prove.