This is the sixth album by UK hardcore band Polar.
It’s always a pleasure to catch up with Polar. Ever since 2016’s No Cure No Saviour I’ve been a big fan of the band’s hardcore/post-hardcore stylings. This album was followed in 2019 by the heavier Nova, and then in 2023 by Everywhere, Everything, which developed Polar’s more textured post-hardcore side. Now, uncharacteristically fast, we have Five Arrows, which brings us 38 minutes of new material.
Five Arrows is shorter than its three predecessors, yet boasts 12 new tracks for listeners to get their teeth into. No song is longer than four minutes, making for an album that rampages through its running time with energetic abandon. The songs are upbeat and designed to get you moving to their burly beat.
Polar have an entirely new lineup apart from their singer, which means that while Five Arrows is recognisable as the same band, it also has a personality of its own, (there appear to be some guests too, including the singer of Cage Fight). The songs feature an engaging mix of old-school hardcore and newer influences, granting them a classic, timeless energy that’s informed by contemporary skill and knowledge. In this way, Five Arrows has more in common with No Cure No Saviour than Nova or Everywhere, Everything, although this new record is still its own master. Five Arrows is a blend of old and new; old Polar with something new and different added, yes, but also older hardcore influences existing alongside more current elements.
The songs are well-written and destined to ignite dance floors and power gym sessions. The heaviness is offset by melody and post-hardcore feeling, while hooks and catchiness fly around all over the shop. With punishing groove, an emotive heart, and melodic weight, it’s easy to get on board with this new version of Polar.
Polar sound revitalised, and have released their best album since No Cure No Saviour. If you’re a fan of hardcore-influenced post-hardcore, then this is definitely a must.
Check it out.
Wonderbox Metal 