Polaris Unveils Heartfelt Tribute to Ryan Siew With 'Without You' and 'Good Things Return' Details

Australian metalcore band Polaris has released their first new song in three years, titled “Without You,” a poignant track that directly addresses the profound question of how they continue to create music following the death of guitarist Ryan Siew in 2023. Released on September 3, “Without You” marks a significant step forward for the band, standing in stark contrast to their 2023 album *Fatalism*, which was recorded with Siew and released just months after his passing.

Speaking to Billboard, ahead of their appearance at Australia’s Good Things Festival, guitarist Rick Schneider emphasized the band’s intention to acknowledge Siew’s irreplaceable presence in Polaris with their first new music. Schneider stated that Siew’s significance was unparalleled, and there was no quick solution to fill the void he left. The time since his death has allowed the band to process and contextualize his impact, not only as a bandmate but also as a cherished friend.

For drummer Daniel Furnari, releasing “Without You” has been a deeply bittersweet and cathartic experience. He revealed that the band had spent years contemplating how to convey the depth of their loss in a single song, acknowledging the impossibility of fully expressing their grief. Furnari described the song as their initial foray into openly discussing their pain, both publicly and through their art, expressing a sense of pride in the band’s resilience and survival. Despite Siew’s absence, Polaris remains resolute in their identity as artists.

Furnari affirmed that the question of whether Polaris would continue was never truly in doubt, as the band represents a lifelong commitment for its members. The true challenge lay in navigating their grief, honoring their shared history, and forging a path forward. This resolve was immediately put to the test as they proceeded with the *Fatalism* tour after Siew’s death. Schneider explained that the band took time to ensure everyone was comfortable returning to the stage, believing that a halt could have made a return even more difficult. The tour served as a powerful affirmation of their bond and their collective desire to continue, not just for themselves, but also for Ryan.

Fans have often thanked the band for carrying on, a sentiment that Furnari found pausing, as he felt they had no other choice. He articulated that Polaris is inextricably linked to their identities as individuals, making the thought of stopping unthinkable, adding that he believed Ryan would never forgive them if they quit.

However, the process of writing “Without You” was far from easy. Schneider described Siew’s absence as a “shadow in the room” during writing sessions, highlighting the longing for his opinion, guidance, and contributions. The song began to take shape from a heavy riff by Schneider and lyrics Furnari had written in the aftermath of their loss. While some of the early music and lyrics came together quickly, crafting words that could truly capture their experience proved challenging. Furnari recalled struggling to sing the song’s most direct expressions of loss, with his voice cracking during early demos, forcing him to return to it later.

Polaris has more music written and in progress, but they are deliberately resisting the pressure to immediately release a new album. Schneider emphasized the importance of allowing “Without You” time to resonate with listeners before moving on to another release. Furnari echoed this sentiment, confirming that more music would arrive “in the not too distant future,” but without rushing the creative process. He underscored the significance of simply reaching this moment and finally releasing new music.

Formed in 2012, Polaris gained prominence with *The Mortal Coil* (2017) and *The Death of Me* (2020), both of which debuted in the Australian Top 10 and earned ARIA nominations for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album. *Fatalism* made history as the band’s first No. 1 on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart in September 2023 and received the Best Independent Heavy Album or EP award at the 2024 AIR Awards. In recent years, Polaris has made their Knotfest Australia debut in 2025, supported their “lifelong heroes” Linkin Park on an Australian arena tour in March, and toured North America with Electric Callboy.

Polaris’ upcoming appearance at Good Things Festival in December offers another testament to their journey. Furnari fondly recalled their 2022 performance at one of the smaller stages, drawing one of the largest crowds they had experienced at the time. This December, Polaris will be the highest-billed Australian act on the lineup, marking their first-ever main stage performance at a major Australian festival. Schneider called this leap “incredible,” acknowledging the loyal fans who have supported them. Good Things Festival, featuring headliners Limp Bizkit, alongside Simple Plan and Spiritbox, will visit Melbourne on December 4, Sydney on December 5, and Brisbane on December 6. For Polaris, this bigger slot arrives with a new song made on their own terms—a testament to their ongoing artistry and a hopeful offering to their dedicated audience.