Photo Credit: Press
Words: Lois Evans

Polar hit The Underground, Plymouth, with their signature mix of hardcore power and melodic grit, and it was nothing short of electrifying! The venue’s raw, intimate vibe created the perfect backdrop for the band to connect with the crowd. Every thundering kickdrum, sharp crack of the snare and gut-punching growls  echoed through the space, turning the energy up to 11. It’s the kind of atmosphere that only a smaller, more personal venue can offer.  

Before Polar even stepped on stage, the support bands — Fight The Champ, Cobermouth, and Asleep At The Helm—had already stoked the room into a frenzy, ramping up the anticipation. By the time Polar took their place, the crowd was buzzing, ready for what was about to unfold. The second that first chord hit, you could tell this wasn’t just another show—it was an experience in the making. 

Polar wasted no time getting into it. Kicking off with ‘Glass Cutter‘, the band delivered sharp, precise riffs that showed just how much their sound has evolved. The song built into a massive chorus that had everyone jumping in sync. Following that, ‘Drive‘ kept the pedal to the metal, fueled by relentless drumming and Adam’s guttural vocals. In a move that added to the connection with the crowd, Woodford leapt off the stage, jumping straight into the pit. In that moment, the crowd and the band were one, feeding off each other’s energy in pure chaos. 

Throughout the set, Polar kept the crowd on its toes. Adam constantly encouraged the madness in the pit, always pushing for more energy. During ‘Black Days‘, the band let the melancholy melody breathe before diving into a punishing breakdown, showing their perfect balance of aggression and melody. It’s clear how much Polar has matured—they still bring the raw power, but now they tap into something deeper too. Adam didn’t just lead the charge; he made sure everyone was a part of the chaos. Many teenagers packed the front, moshing and headbanging in pure appreciation. This gig felt like a full-blown, high-energy interaction between the band and crowd, with everyone feeding off the pure soul in Polar’s work.  

The sound at The Underground deserves a mention too. In a smaller venue, it can be tough to keep everything clear, but here, every instrument found its place. The bass was deep and growling, but never overpowering the guitars. The cymbals cut through the noise, and Adam’s screams sliced through the mix—raw and crisp. The sound was tight, responsive, and perfectly synced with the energy in the room. 

As the night neared its end, Polar cranked up the intensity with ‘Blood for Blood‘, unleashing fury and driving the pit into total madness. Bodies were colliding, fists were pumping the air, and when ‘Swimming With Sharks‘ wrapped up the show.  Explosive, relentless, and leaving everyone gasping for air—it was the perfect way to cap off such an unforgettable night at The Underground. 

FINAL VERDICT: 

Polar turned The Underground into a personal, high-octane experience. If you ever get the chance to see them in such a close-knit setting, don’t think twice. There’s nothing like being right there in the thick of it, feeling the music in your bones, shoulder-to-shoulder with the band.