Ryan Slew obit

Polaris guitarist Ryan Siew dead at 26 after ‘brain fog’ battle

 

 He was not on the list.

Ryan Siew, guitarist for the up-and-coming Australian metalcore band Polaris, has died. He was 26.

The group, known for exploring depression and loss in their music, shared Tuesday on social media that Siew died last week.

A cause of death was not given.

“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. He was 26 years old, and for 10 incredible years he was our best friend and artistic soulmate. Those years will never be enough,” members Jamie Hails, Rick Schneider, Jake Steinhauser, and Daniel Furnari wrote on Instagram.

“He was kindhearted and clever, he was funny and brave and creative, and he was talented beyond all measure. He loved art, and beauty in all its forms.”

Ryan Siew told fans in January that he was “no longer on any anti-depressants, no longer living with the constant brain fog and lethargy.”Instagram / Ryan Siew

In January, Siew posted an Instagram photo seemingly from a hospital bed, revealing to fans that he was spending the new year “working on myself.”

“I’m happy to say I’m no longer on any anti depressants, no longer living with the constant brain fog and lethargy,” he shared.

The Post has contacted a rep for Polaris for comment.

Shortly after Siew’s death, Polaris announced they were canceling their remaining European summer tour due to “a serious personal crisis in our family.”

The band continued in its statement Tuesday: “Most of all, he loved & adored his family & friends. He was also much admired and beloved by so many. Ryan, we will love and miss you for the rest of our days, and we will never fill the hole that you leave in all of our lives.”

Polaris’ full statement on Ryan Siew’s death. Polaris / Instagram

Polaris released their debut album, “The Mortal Coil,” in November 2017. It earned them an ARIA Award nomination the following year for Best Hard Rock.

They released their latest album, “The Death of Me,” in February 2020.

Siew died on June 19, the band shared Tuesday.Instagram / Ryan Siew

 

It, too, was nominated for a Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album ARIA Award, as well as Best Album at the 2021 Rolling Stone Australia Awards.

 

Their new album, “Fatalism,” is slated to be released Sept. 1.