Polaris, the progressive metal core sensation from Sydney, Australia, is returning this summer for a second bite at the GMM cherry. Their debut ‘The Mortal Coil’ dropped in 2017, winning an ARIA award nomination for Best Hard Rock the following year; their sophomore effort ‘The Death of Me’ (2020) earned the same distinction. Lyrically they are known for exploring such themes as depression, anxiety and loss. In June 2023 they made their first appearance here but just two weeks later, the world looked completely different when guitarist Ryan Siew died, aged 26. Another six weeks later, the band’s third and most recent outing, ‘Fatalism’, served up a hard-hitting selection of tracks that pushes the boundaries between metalcore and progressive metal. It reflects the emotional turmoil the band experienced at the height of the COVID pandemic and will undoubtedly feature prominently in their set list. #GMM25
