Guitars, Riffs, And A Little Bit Of Aussie Heat: RICK SCHNEIDER On Polaris And Knotfest

Interview by Angela Croudace
Polaris is heading to Knotfest, and if you’re not already pumped, you should be. The Aussie metal juggernauts are ready to tear it up alongside some of the biggest names in heavy music. HEAVY had the chance to chat with guitarist Rick Schneider about what it’s like to be part of the iconic line up, what’s in store for fans, and what’s next for the band.
When asked about joining Knotfest, Rick’s reaction was simple and pure: “To be part of Knotfest, Slipknot’s playing, that’s kind of the pinnacle thing. Everyone is stoked on that. As soon as we got the offer, it was like, all right, well, we'll make that work.” For a band like Polaris, joining such a legendary festival line up feels like both a milestone and a natural step in their meteoric rise.
Rick revealed that, while they didn’t throw a huge party when they got the news, there was an undeniable sense of excitement among the band. “It's always nice to play at home, especially after a long time away. Every time we come back, it feels like a homecoming,” he said, speaking to the deep connection they have with their Australian fans.
As for what fans can expect at the festival, Rick promised a balanced set that’ll appeal to both new listeners and die-hard supporters alike. “We’re definitely playing the new singles, but we’re also making sure to keep it heavy and include some classics, like Lucid,” he shared, adding, “We have ample time, so it should be a good one.”
When asked about his favourite song to perform live, Rick didn’t hesitate: “Probably Hypermania. It's got heaps of energy, and it’s one of those songs where everything fits into shape—less stress, big payoff.”
And while it might surprise some, Rick admitted he’s not the band’s biggest Slipknot fan: "I'm the least Slipknot fan out of the guys," he laughed, but he still recognizes the sheer energy of playing such a huge festival.
As for advice to aspiring Aussie bands? Rick keeps it real: “Social media is everything these days. You never know what platform might take off. Just get your music out there in every way you can.”
Catch Polaris and more at Knotfest Australia 2025. It's going to be a metal lover’s dream, and with Rick's focus on delivering a killer performance, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one for the books!


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