POLAR SEA is a dramatic force of metal birthed from the cold, haunting landscapes of Hudiskvall, Sweden. The band was founded in 2020 by Anatoly, a visionary songwriter inspired by the dark, powerful depths of the ocean and the frozen isolation of the north. The band’s name draws from a reference in Fridtjof Nansen’s book ‘Fram Over Polhavet’, where the ocean’s vastness, ferocity, and chilling power reflect the core elements of POLAR SEA’s music. Anatoly’s journey was not an easy one. He faced challenges in assembling local musicians who shared his passion for heavy rock influenced by Paradise Lost, Anathema, Muse, and classical composers. Refusing to be limited by geography, he built a home studio and extended his reach through the internet, forming a global network of talented musicians.
From Germany to the United States, Finland to Norway, and Russia, Anatoly’s musical mission became a collaborative effort. Vocalist Michael Gildner from Germany, guitarist Jess P. Tzimas from the USA, bassist Antti Horttana from Finland, and keyboardists Ruben Wijga from Norway and Andrey Pustynnikov from Russia all came together under Anatoly’s leadership, each contributing to the band’s distinct and dynamic sound. POLAR SEA’s music is not merely heavy rock but a fusion of intensity and melody, a careful balance of grit and elegance. The band’s core principle, as Anatoly states, is to “keep things interesting for yourself,” and this philosophy manifests in their evocative, sweet-bitter compositions that blend melancholic, depressive moods with striking musical beauty.
The result is a sweeping, emotive sound that transcends traditional metal, merging nostalgic elements with modern alt-rock. Collaborating across borders, POLAR SEA’s tracks are mixed by Stefan Boman, known for his work with Opeth and Ghost, at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, and mastered by John Webber at AIR Studios in London. Their musical creations are polished, cinematic, and infused with a timeless sense of power and emotion. This global collaboration is not just a technical achievement but also a symbolic unity of ideas, much like their upcoming EP ‘Bridges Burn’, which is dedicated to the tragic division between Russia and Ukraine. With a growing list of radio coverage from stations like Amazing Radio, Common Sense, and Swedish Radio P4, POLAR SEA has quickly gained momentum, earning a solid place in the global independent rock and metal scenes.
“Cold White Sea” by POLAR SEA is a chilling, immersive anthem that transports listeners to the windswept, icy shores of the Arctic. Inspired by the bleak history of the White Sea and Anatoly’s own personal experiences in its shadow, this track echoes with the haunting beauty of frozen landscapes and the weight of human tragedy. With its soaring guitars, evocative vocals, and sweeping melodies, “Cold White Sea” masterfully blends the best of melancholic metal and cinematic alt-rock, creating a sound as vast and unforgiving as the ocean it’s named after.
POLAR SEA’s “Cold White Sea” is a haunting journey through a soundscape that feels almost alive in its chilling intensity. From the very first notes, the track creates an atmosphere so thick and enveloping, it feels as though the cold, misty air of its namesake is seeping through the speakers. The opening is deceptive, lulling you into an almost meditative state with reverberating echoes that swirl and hover like ghosts. The sound, layered with strings, creates a foreboding yet ethereal melody, as if you’ve just stepped into a dark, enchanted world. The chills that come with those first moments are not just metaphorical; they linger on the skin, as if the cold of the White Sea is right there in the room.
Then the voice enters, it comes from the depths, a thick, gloomy presence rising like a shadow. The voice feels less like a performance and more like a narrative, a storyteller unraveling a tale of dark beauty. The lyrics mirror the haunting instrumental backdrop, elevating the eerie feel of the track. There’s something cinematic about the way the vocals intertwine with the echoes, as if they are characters within this dark, frozen landscape. The voice, rough around the edges, carries the weight of the philosophical and historical undertones of the song, making the listener feel as if they are hearing a lament or a warning from the other side of time.
Then, the unexpected happens. At the 0:27 mark, there’s a shift—subtle at first, but soon transforming into something that completely changes the song’s complexion. The drums tiptoe in with gentle precision, the guitars, once whispering, start to assert themselves, and the strings, previously haunting, become melodic. The song begins to evolve, as if waking from a frozen slumber. The change is gradual but unmistakable—a transformation from cold, eerie melancholy into a forceful, determined rhythm that drives forward with intensity. What had been a chilling reverie becomes an epic rock explosion, and it’s absolutely electrifying.
The transition is flawless. The guitars take center stage, their riffs cutting through the fog like flashes of lightning in a storm. The drums, previously soft, become the heartbeat of the track, steady but powerful, driving the energy forward with an unmistakable groove. The reverberations that once created an eerie stillness now blend perfectly with the rest of the instruments, amplifying the sense of momentum. POLAR SEA expertly balances melody with heaviness, creating a sound that is as emotionally stirring as it is sonically rich. One of the most remarkable aspects of “Cold White Sea” is how the vocals rise to meet the intensity of the instrumentation.
As the song builds, the voice becomes sharper, crisper, and more commanding. There’s a clarity now that wasn’t present at the beginning, as if the haze has lifted and the emotion can finally soar free. The voice doesn’t just follow the rhythm—it leads it, soaring above the guitars and drums like a force of nature. The interplay between the vocals and the instruments is pure rock brilliance, with each element enhancing the other. The vocal layering is another standout feature of the track. The background and highlight vocals add depth and texture, giving the song an even greater emotional range. These layers create a sense of vastness, as though the song is echoing through the empty, frozen wilderness that inspired it.
The harmonies aren’t overpowering, but they enrich the sound, making the lead vocal line feel even more powerful by contrast. It’s a subtle but masterful touch that elevates the entire track. The guitar riffs in this song are nothing short of surreal. They feel both raw and meticulously crafted, with each note placed for maximum impact. The riffs are what give the song its energy, its sense of forward momentum. They carry a weight and intensity that feels both heavy and liberating, like the moment you break through the ice after being trapped beneath the surface. This is rock at its finest—melodic, heavy, and utterly absorbing. The guitars don’t just accompany the track; they drive it, shaping the sound and giving it direction.
As the song progresses, the intensity remains, but it never feels repetitive or overwhelming. Instead, “Cold White Sea” is a masterclass in consistency, with the rhythm holding steady even as the dynamics shift and evolve. The transitions are seamless, the progression is natural, and the energy never falters. POLAR SEA has created something special here—a song that feels vast and cinematic, but never loses its emotional core. This is music that demands attention, pulling you in deeper with every listen.
The haunting melody, powerful voices, and stunning instrumentation of “Cold White Sea” create a spellbinding combination. The music of POLAR SEA evokes a profoundly felt and thought-provoking experience while also perfectly capturing the icy, ethereal beauty of its namesake. In today’s rock and metal scene, the tune stands out for its flawless blend of sorrow and intensity, smooth transitions, and layered vocals and instrumentation. Not merely for its sound but also for the sensation it provides, this song creates a lasting impression and will be played again and again by listeners.
For more information about POLAR SEA, click on the icons below.
