Released 10 years ago
Polar Similar
Norma Jean · 2016
53 min · 13 tracks · metalcore
A cacophony of dissonance and melody, weaving intricate rhythms with existential themes in a relentless metalcore tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else — This track encapsulates the album's frenetic energy, blending chaotic instrumentation with powerful lyrics that critique societal noise and disconnection.
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Death Is a Living Partner — The song stands out with its haunting atmosphere and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of mortality and companionship in a unique way that resonates throughout the album.
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A Thousand Years a Minute — Closing the album, this track combines melodic elements with aggressive vocals, creating an emotional crescendo that reflects the overarching themes of time and existential struggle.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and thematic depth, though it has some cohesion issues.
What we noticed
- The thematic elements are woven into the music, with instrumental sections often reflecting the existential themes presented in the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with climactic moments
- introspective chaos and catharsis
- wave-like pacing for engagement
- immersive experience through in-order listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, immediate tracks
- seek consistent energy throughout
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Norma Jean's sixth studio album, Polar Similar arrived during a period of artistic maturation for the band, following their 2013 album, Wrongdoers. This record showcases their continued evolution, solidifying their place within the metalcore genre while experimenting with broader sonic landscapes and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chariot· Every Time I Die· Underoath
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I. The Planet 3:02
- 2 Everyone Talking Over Everyone Else 3:26
- 3 Forever Hurtling Towards Andromeda 2:16
- 4 1,000,000 Watts 4:27
- 5 II. The People 2:14
- 6 Death Is a Living Partner 2:18
- 7 Synthetic Sun 3:50
- 8 Reaction 5:42
- 9 III. The Nebula 3:15
- 10 The Close and Discontent 2:33
- 11 An Ocean of War 3:28
- 12 A Thousand Years a Minute 5:58
- 13 IV. The Nexus 10:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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