Ryan Siew was a renowned Australian guitarist best known as a member of the metalcore band Polaris. His musical talents and contributions made him one of the most respected figures in the modern metal scene. As of 2025, Ryan Siew’s net worth was estimated to be $2 million, accumulated from his career as a guitarist, songwriter, and performer. His sudden passing in 2023 left a deep void in the hearts of his fans and fellow musicians.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Siew was born on February 25, 1997, in Sydney, Australia. He grew up in a supportive and well-settled family that encouraged his creative interests from a young age. He developed a deep passion for music, especially the guitar, around the age of 12. This early spark of interest soon turned into a lifelong journey that shaped his entire career.
By the age of 14, Ryan had already started experimenting with guitar techniques and learning various genres. He admired the works of heavy metal legends like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet for My Valentine, and Trivium, who significantly influenced his playing style.
Musical Journey with Polaris
Ryan Siew’s career took off when he joined Polaris, a rising Australian metalcore band, in 2012. At just 15 years old, Ryan brought a fresh and electrifying energy to the band. His technical precision, melodic sensibilities, and emotional depth helped shape Polaris’s unique sound.
In 2013, the band released their debut EP Dichotomy, which featured the song Equilibrium, co-written by Ryan. This EP introduced the band to a broader audience and marked the beginning of a successful journey.
Following the success of Dichotomy, Ryan contributed to some of Polaris’s most iconic releases:
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The Guilt and the Grief (2016)
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The Mortal Coil (2017)
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The Death of Me (2020)
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Fatalism (2023)
His guitar work on tracks like Remedy, Masochist, Lucid, and Inhumane was praised for its emotional range and intricate detailing.
Musical Skills and Instruments
While Ryan was best known for his guitar skills, he was also a multi-instrumentalist. He learned to play the piano and drums, which he occasionally incorporated into his compositions and live performances. His knowledge of multiple instruments allowed him to bring a richer sound to Polaris’s recordings and gave him an edge in the industry.
Ryan was not only a performer but also a songwriter and lyricist. His lyrical contributions, especially in Polaris’s more introspective tracks, were appreciated for their emotional depth and poetic quality.
Personal Life and Relationships
Ryan Siew was a private individual when it came to his personal life. However, it is known that he married Nicola Bulle, a mortgage advisor, in 2020. Unfortunately, the couple separated the same year and later filed for divorce.
Despite the difficulties in his personal life, Ryan remained focused on his music career, pouring his heart and emotions into every performance and composition.
Ryan Siew’s Death
Tragically, Ryan Siew passed away on June 19, 2023, at the young age of 26. The band Polaris confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, stating:
“Ryan was kind and clever, funny and brave and creative and talented beyond all measure.”
His death came as a shock to the global metal community. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and bands around the world. Many highlighted his exceptional talent and the positive energy he brought to every stage he graced.
The exact cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, but the loss of such a young and talented artist left an irreplaceable gap in the world of music.
Ryan Siew Net Worth
As of 2025, Ryan Siew’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. This wealth came primarily from:
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Album sales with Polaris
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Concert and tour earnings
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Merchandise and licensing
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Songwriting and lyrical contributions
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Music royalties from streaming platforms
Ryan’s work continues to generate revenue posthumously through album sales and digital platforms, where Polaris fans continue to celebrate his musical legacy.
Net Worth Growth
Here is a table showing the growth of Ryan Siew’s net worth over the years:
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $1.2 million |
| 2019 | $1.5 million |
| 2020 | $1.4 million |
| 2021 | $1.6 million |
| 2022 | $1.8 million |
| 2023 | $2.0 million |
| 2025 | $2.0 million (Posthumous) |
Notable Songs by Ryan Siew
Here are some of the most iconic songs featuring Ryan Siew’s guitar performances:
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Remedy – The Mortal Coil (2017)
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Masochist – The Death of Me (2020)
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Inhumane – Fatalism (2023)
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Lucid – The Death of Me (2020)
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Equilibrium – Dichotomy (2013)
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Psychosocial (Slipknot Cover) – Released during live performances
These songs are still celebrated by fans and stand as a testament to his creativity and musical genius.
Education
Ryan attended a local high school in Sydney. Alongside his regular studies, he pursued music education, focusing on guitar and music theory. His education in music was largely self-driven, with a lot of learning done through practice, tutorials, and deep engagement with the works of other musicians.
Legacy
Even though Ryan Siew’s life was cut short, his impact on modern metal and guitar music was significant. He was known not only for his skill but for the emotional expression in his music. His influence continues through his bandmates, who have kept his memory alive by continuing to perform and release music with his contributions.
His fans continue to listen to his music, share his performances, and remember him as an artist who gave everything to his craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Ryan Siew’s net worth at the time of his death?
Ryan Siew’s net worth was approximately $2 million at the time of his death in 2023.
2. How did Ryan Siew die?
Ryan Siew passed away on June 19, 2023, at the age of 26. The cause of his death was not made public.
3. What band did Ryan Siew play in?
He was the lead guitarist for the Australian metalcore band Polaris.
4. When did Ryan Siew join Polaris?
Ryan joined Polaris in 2012, when he was just 15 years old.
5. Was Ryan Siew married?
Yes, Ryan married Nicola Bulle in 2020. However, they separated and later divorced the same year.
6. What are some famous songs by Ryan Siew?
Some of his well-known tracks include Remedy, Masochist, Inhumane, and Lucid.
7. Was Ryan Siew involved in songwriting?
Yes, Ryan contributed as both a guitarist and lyricist for many Polaris songs.
8. Where was Ryan Siew from?
He was born and raised in Sydney, Australia.
9. What instruments did Ryan Siew play?
In addition to the guitar, Ryan also played piano and drums.
10. What is Ryan Siew’s legacy?
Ryan is remembered as a brilliant and passionate musician whose work continues to inspire new artists and listeners around the world.
