Album review: Polar – Five Arrows

2024 has been a huge year for Polar. Not only are they celebrating their 15th as a band, but they’re also dropping their sixth studio album, Five Arrows. It’s been a wild ride to get to this point, not least because it ushers in an entirely new line-up, bar singer Adam Woodford.

Polar have been one of those bands that have been periodically chipping away within the underground scene. Musically, they’ve stuck to their formula of emotive, melodic hardcore with them owning their sound and sticking to what they know best.

Five Arrows is no different, except this time, you can feel this injection of new life from the new members. Admittedly, it’s not the most groundbreaking piece of work, but it does enough to give this release more meat to chew on. Early doors the bouncing nature of Unkillable, comes with a Hatebreed-esque fist pump, with it’s frenetic energy and slamming aggression loudly stating that nothing can kill this band.

Later, All Hail The Tyrant and Swimming With Sharks might feel a bit safe, but Adam’s performance shows his prowess, carrying these songs by the scruff of the neck into something more memorable. Paranoia sees Cage Fight’s Rachel Aspe lend her vocals to add even more of a punch to this already aggressive number and its theme of mental health.

While Polar might be six albums into their career, this has certainly laid the foundations for a renaissance in the band. The tenacity is real.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow, Hatebreed

Five Arrows is out now via Arising Empire