The Australian metalcore band is joined by Currents, Various, and Paledusk.
On a chilly Friday the 13th in October, Polaris performed in Chicago to a sold-out crowd, and devoted fans were able to experience an electric live performance by an equally devoted band. The metalcore act and their three openers dominated Concord Music Hall, an intimate yet spacious venue seated close to the heart of Wicker Park.
When Polaris made the tough decision to proceed with their U.S. tour after the untimely and tragic death of their founding member and unequivocal guitarist Ryan Siew, fans knew this would be an unforgettable tour. For this writer, it became an important mission to cover this show.
Paledusk opened the show with an incredibly dynamic and energetic performance. According to their biography on Greyscale Records, formed in 2014, the band hails from Fukoka on the Japanese island of Kyushu. They rose to prominence with their 2020 EP “Happy Talk,” which featured an eclectic combination of genres such as nu-metal, metalcore, industrial, and EDM. Soon after, they have since toured with and maintained strong ties with bands of the Austrailian metal scene, hence their newly formed relationship with Polaris. Both guitarist Daisuke and vocalist Kaito quite literally bounced around the stage for the majority of their set, with moments of Kaito jumping offstage closer to the audience and Daisuke performing a number of high kicks and spins while simultaneously nailing his solos.
Following Paledusk’s strong opening was Varials from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Celebrating their 10th anniversary as a band this month, Varials has made quite a name for themselves since signing with Fearless Records in 2017. Their short but memorable set proved exactly why–bass riffs creating vibrations that shook the entire venue, chugging guitar riffs competing with the double bass drums for the title of the loudest instrument, and Mitchell Rogers’ screams so intense, the veins in his neck protruding above the collar of his open flannel shirt.
Currents followed their east coast metalcore brothers. Having seen them on their headlining tour in support of their latest album “The Death We Seek” in May, I anticipated seeing them a second time and found their performance to be as strong and emotional as their last. Despite a shorter setlist, their energy and passion remained the same, as did highlights such as “Better Days,” “Remember Me,” and “The Death We Seek.” Regardless of whether they are performing as an opener or headliner, they remain one of the most captivating live bands in the metalcore scene with some of the most emotional music next to their upcoming headliner, Polaris.
“We came a long way to party with you, Chicago!” vocalist Jamie Hails yells out to Concord Music Hall as Polaris leaps into their opening track, “Harbinger.” Throughout their entire set, the creative passion in their hearts and their love for and devotion to their fans could not have been more clear onstage. While the loss of Ryan Siew must have certainly been felt through their fanbase, his memory has been beautifully honored on this tour–and the band’s determination to persevere in the face of tragedy has not wavered once.
