Australian Metalcore Band Polaris Mourns Death of 26-Year-Old Guitarist Ryan Siew

Australian metalcore band Polaris mourns the death of guitarist Ryan Siew.

Australian metalcore band Polaris is mourning the loss of their guitarist, Ryan Siew, who passed away at the age of 26. The bandmates, Daniel Furnari, Jake Steinhauser, Jamie Hails, and Rick Schneider, shared the devastating news on Instagram without specifying the cause of death.

In a heartfelt tribute, they wrote, "It is with shattered hearts & the deepest sorrow that we tell you our dear brother and bandmate Ryan Siew passed away on the morning of Monday, June 19." Accompanying the announcement was a black and white photo of Siew, smiling alongside his guitar. The bandmates expressed their deep connection, stating, "He was 26 years old, and for 10 incredible years he was our best friend and artistic soulmate. Those years will never be enough."

Describing Siew's remarkable qualities, the bandmates shared, "He was kindhearted and clever, he was funny and brave and creative, and he was talented beyond all measure." They spoke of his love for art, beauty, and great food in great company. Siew was a fan of Harry Potter, psych-thrillers, and crime documentaries. His passion for music was unparalleled, and he possessed a unique ability to communicate through his craft.

Just a day after Siew's passing, Polaris announced their withdrawal from the remaining tour dates on their European summer tour due to a "serious personal crisis" within the family. The band had recently shared images on Instagram, showcasing their performances in Schweinfurt, Germany.

In January, Siew had posted a photo on his personal Instagram account, where he appeared to be lying in a hospital bed. In the caption, he explained his absence from social media, stating, "I've had to step away and spend most of 2023 working on myself." Siew expressed his happiness in no longer relying on antidepressants and overcoming the challenges of brain fog and lethargy. However, he also mentioned facing health scares that served as sobering reminders. Despite the obstacles, Siew remained determined to become the best version of himself, embracing personal growth and recovery.

The loss of Ryan Siew has undoubtedly left a void within the Polaris band and the metalcore community. His bandmates and fans alike will cherish the memories of his talent, creativity, and vibrant spirit.

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