Live Review: Polaris, The Plot In You, Ambleside, Tapestry

After being sold out for weeks, we had high expectations of Polaris' album tour. Bringing a truly stacked line-up to the table, punters were sure to get their money's worth.

Hailing from Darwin, Tapestry opened the night, embodying metalcore to a T. Fighting the duality between the lightest of touches and the darkest wall of sound, it was the vocal lines that soared amongst the rubble. With each part locked in, from the double kick patterns to the overarching melodies, it was no surprise they were able to open the pit. Tapestry had set the backdrop of the night perfectly.

Local hardcore heroes Ambleside came from a different angle. With consistently crushing drums and dissonant guitar lines that questioned the melodies, they offered a more modern, straight-forward approach. As members of the band floated around the stage, lost in the fluttering lines of music, Ambleside shared their despair with the audience. It was as if you could visualise who singer Daniel Stevens was speaking to. Time was constantly shifting as the crisp reverb softly filled the room, supported by the weight of a driving hardcore sound. The audience lifted as they played new single Blur - and continued to lift to the end of the show.

US act The Plot In You were welcomed as locals, yet offered an arena performance akin to an American pop giant. With an ambient backing to open, a single light shone on singer Landon Tewers' darkened face - each member entered with flair. Pop-inspired, yet industrially dark, their fusion sound evoked the latest Bring Me The Horizon, or the emotive Linkin Park. With sadness pushing out every lyric, the band pushed and pulled between heartbroken calls and some of the most brutal breakdowns of the night. Closing with a vocoded anthem, they exited the stage as they came on.

But Polaris was who everyone was here for - the first three bands were just icing on the cake. Uplifting and inspiring, it wasn't just Polaris' story that brought a smile to your face. A sold-out debut album tour; the band deserves everything they've gotten. Every note, every tap, every melody shone through as their curated sound consumed the audience. From Lucid to Relapse, Consume to The Remedy, their crafted songs were driving and energetic. Polaris have kicked new life into the heavy realm, which so often feels stagnant. Purple lights heralding in new royalty, Polaris reigned through high, lows and every guitar lick between. Offering two encores, a wall of death, and a constant pit - their next show can't come around soon enough.