Ryan Siew is one of the most well-known names in Australia’s present heavy music scene. Siew became one of the best young artists in the country as the talented lead guitarist for Polaris. He was noted for his incredible technical proficiency, humility and songwriting that made people cry. Fans all throughout the country were horrified when he died suddenly in 2023. He left behind a legacy that still shapes the sound of Australian metal.
This article talks about Ryan Siew’s life, from his early years and rise to fame with Polaris to his impact on Australian music and how his creativity continues to motivate new generations of musicians.
Early life and musical beginnings
Ryan Siew (born, 18 March 1997) and reared in Sydney, New South Wales, where he found his love of music when he was very young. By the time he was a teenager, he had already developed an ear for exceptionally emotionally charged guitar music, thanks to bands like Architects, Periphery and Northlane.
Ryan had a brilliant sense of melody and emotion, while many young guitarists just cared about speed or aggression. He started posting covers and original riffs online and the local metalcore scene rapidly took notice. This hard work and natural talent quickly led to his biggest break: joining one of Australia’s most promising bands.
Polaris: The rise of a new Australian power player
Ryan Siew joined Polaris in 2013, when the band was still getting its start. The Sydney-based ensemble, which formed in 2012, wanted to make hard, honest and emotionally powerful music.
Siew’s arrival made the band more technically advanced. His crisp riffs, lyrical layering and innovative solos created the sound of Polaris. Ryan helped Polaris go from doing small shows in their hometown to going on international tours with his comrades Jamie Hails, Jake Steinhauser, Rick Schneider and Daniel Furnari.
The Polaris sound: emotion meets intensity
Polaris’s music rapidly separated out from the rest of the metalcore scene. Their songs weren’t simply about anger; they also had real feelings, self-reflection and stories. Ryan Siew’s careful guitar playing had a big impact on this identity.
Key musical traits of Ryan Siew:
- Melodic technicality: He combined the precision of progressive metal with melodies that were easy to sing along to.
- Dynamic contrasts: His riffs might go from soft, clean parts to heavy, pounding breakdowns.
- Emotional phrasing: Siew typically penned leads that showed sadness, hope or strength.
- Live precision: His performances on stage were strong yet controlled, and he never lost his focus in the middle of the turmoil.
Polaris was liked by fans in Australia and throughout the world because he could combine complicated guitar lines with poignant stories in songs like “The Remedy”, “Consume” and “Landmine”.
Important releases and career highlights
Ryan’s creative touch helped Polaris put Australian metalcore on the map with two well-received albums and multiple EPs:
- The Mortal Coil (2017) was the band’s big break and it was nominated for an ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album. It showed off Siew’s trademark sound, which is technical, melodic and emotionally honest.
- The Death of Me (2020) was a more polished and grown-up follow-up that brought in more fans from throughout the world. Some of Siew’s most emotional playing was on songs like “Masochist” and “Hypermania.”
- Fatalism (2023) is an album that came out after Siew died. It has his last recorded performances on it. It is both a wonderful piece of music and a moving homage to his life.
These albums not only defined Polaris but they also changed what Australian heavy music could do on the world stage.
The tragic loss in 2023
Supporters across Australia experienced heartbreak upon learning of Ryan Siew’s death at the young age of 26 on June 19, 2023. The band revealed his passing in a touching post, calling him “our best friend and artistic soulmate”.
Ryan’s cause of death was not disclosed but he had discussed his health issues and efforts to improve his mental and physical health. Fans really connected with his honesty about these problems and it sparked bigger conversations about mental health in the music business.
His death happened just a few months before the release of Fatalism, an album that would become a lasting icon of his work and spirit.
Legacy: How Ryan Siew changed Australian music
Ryan Siew’s legacy goes far beyond his riffs and solos. His style of music showed brilliance, vulnerability and honesty, which inspired millions of young artists all throughout Australia.
1. Elevating Australian metalcore
Siew helped Polaris compete with the best in the world. His work helped Australian metal reach audiences all over the world and showed that local talent could compete with the greatest.
2. Inspiring young guitarists
His technical videos, live shows, and interviews inspired a generation of young guitarists who saw him as proof that technique and heart can work together.
3. Raising mental health awareness
Ryan’s honesty regarding his mental health really helped. He reminded audiences that even famous musicians have problems and that it’s alright to ask for help by talking about his problems.
4. A timeless creative influence
Even though Ryan is no longer alive, his music still has an effect on the sound of present Australian metalcore bands. His style is still a standard for other singers to follow: passionate, melodic and strong.
Tributes and fan response
After he died, fans, bands and news sources from all around the world sent in tributes. Other Australian musicians lauded his generosity and work ethic and fans filled social media with stories of how his music supported them through difficult times.
Polaris honored Ryan by finishing Fatalism, releasing it in his memory and doing live tributes that praised his life and the work he did for the band. Since then, every show has served as a constant reminder of Siew’s lasting influence in every musical note.
Lessons from Ryan Siew’s story
Anyone who wants to follow their artistic goals can learn from Ryan Siew’s life:
- Talent shines brightest with humility. Ryan was regarded for being friendly and down-to-earth, even though he was excellent at what he did.
- Art matters most when it’s honest. His music connected because it came from a real place, not from his ego.
- Mental wellness is just as vital as success. Ryan’s honesty still inspires people to look out for themselves and each other.
- Love and music keep legacies alive. Even though he’s gone, his music will touch people’s hearts for years to come.
Conclusion
Ryan Siew was not only a guitarist; he was also an artist, a thinker and a voice for realness in Australian music. He helped connect technical skill with emotive storytelling through his work with Polaris, setting a new benchmark for metalcore around the world.
His life died too young, but his music lives on in every riff, lyric and fan who found hope in it. Ryan Siew will always be one of the greats for Australians who adore music that is honest, forceful and emotional.
