- Release Info -------------------------------------------------------------- -
Artist: Polar
Album: Shadowed By Vultures
Label: In At The Deep End
Playtime: 34:01 min
Genre: Hardcore
URL: http://www.facebook.com/thispolarnoise
Rip date: 2014-02-24
Street date: 2014-02-10
Size: 66.73 MB
Type: Normal
Quality: 260 kbps / 4410Hz / Joint Stereo
- Release Notes ------------------------------------------------------------- -
Fair play to Polar; not content with sticking to a tried and tested formula of
songwriting that many others in the genre have continued with, Shadowed By
Vultures shows clearly that the band have looked for wider inspiration for the
next iteration in their music, and that deserves to be respected. More
melodically balanced, and greater influence from alternative music and other
branches of hardcore punk, itÆs as fearsome as it is beautiful.
DonÆt get us wrong, they are still the shouty hardcore band that people have
come to love over the past couple of years, but in their second full length
record it feels like a band that has accepted natural progression with open
arms, to incredible results.
Greater focus on melody and the intricacies of songwriting had made 2012Æs
debut Iron Lungs sound like it was recorded by a totally different band. It is
evolution, but in all the right and necessary ways. First Breath kicks off
with a ferocious riff that punches you square in the jaw from the first note,
and sets the tone for what else is to come.
First single Glass Cutter has an almost Gallows-esque swagger to it, but is
also a clear example of the quality of the songwriting on Shadowed By
Vultures. It toÆs and froÆs, itÆs relentless from start to finish, all the
while engaging. Before The Storm is the first track that surprises the
listener, making beautiful use of clean vocals and layered guitars in a
melodic swell that is a welcome addition to the record.
Recent touring with While She Sleeps and Defeater has certainly paid
dividends, with their influence coming through on Mountain Throne andVipers.
Strained, throaty vocals and jangling guitars taunt and build, before going
headfirst into all out riffery. ItÆs a delicate balance to get right, and to
create the necessary effect û but Polar are able to pull it off time and again
with this album.
Overall, itÆs a surprising record û but surprising in all the right ways. It
demonstrates a natural progression from a band that wants to try new things
sonically, isnÆt content to fall into clichΘs used by other bands in the
genre, and a record label giving them the freedom to do so.
Yes, the familiar ferocity of PolarÆs intense hardcore offering is still
present, however Shadowed By Vultures not only demonstrates maturity in
songwriting, but the ability to make an incredibly listenable record. Loud
into quiet, menacing into beautiful û a balanced and accomplished album that
doesnÆt have a disappointing moment on it.
For Fans Of: Gallows, Defeater, Comeback Kid
- Track List ---------------------------------------------------------------- -
01. First Breath ( 0:52)
02. Blood Lines ( 2:37)
03. Glass Cutter ( 2:38)
04. Black Days ( 3:21)
05. Before The Storm ( 3:34)
06. Mountain Throne ( 4:13)
07. Vipers ( 3:47)
08. Shadowed By Vultures ( 2:42)
09. Paradise ( 2:43)
10. Create ( 3:32)
11. Our Legacy ( 4:02)
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