Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Polish death metal legends VADER have recently finished touring Asia. Drummer James Stewart has issued the tour diary for Day 12 and 13, read below:

Day 12: Thailand (15.07):

We had a pleasantly uneventful flight into Thailand. No problems with turbulence and we were offered water at regular intervals. Straight through immigration and baggage reclaim and into a van headed straight for the hotel. Because we were flying late the next day, sightseeing could wait so as soon as we got to the hotel we slept. Then we got up and ate something then back to sleep before a late soundcheck.

As usual the setup and soundcheck took fucking forever. The drum kit was very nice but set up in a strange configuration so I had to pack it down and build it from scratch and Daniel had to spend a very long time messing with PA and monitors to get any noise at all. Never mind, the local crew were very accommodating and helped us make it happen.

We were the only band on the bill- no support acts and due to the lack of a backstage we had to hide at the side of the stage while the crowd were let into the venue. Oh well, the show itself was the hottest gig I’ve ever played at in my life. No escape from the unfathomable sweatiness. The crowd were fucking crazy and really hungry for metal so we obliged. Then, after a quick pack down, we had an open-air meet and greet. So you know how the Singapore meet and greet was super-organised and really easy? This wasn’t. At all. As soon as we sat down they descended. It was really nice to meet everyone but it was completely overwhelming! With all that done, time for a quick drink to a tour well done and then bed time.

Day 13: Day off in Bangkok (16.07):

We were in the lobby at 10am sharp to meet our tour guide, Sylvia. I say 10am sharp, it was more like 10:26am sharp by the time me, Spider and Daniel had gathered. We had to be back at the hotel 13:00 to pack up and make sure that we were ready for our journey back to Europe so there wasn’t much time.

Honestly, I can’t remember the names of the places that we went to because we were so rushed to see anything but what we did manage to see was beautiful. Except the river. We saw a couple of really amazing temples, some small local markets and rode in a small taxi with a name I can’t spell (Tuktu or something). Never will I go in one of those things ever again. I enjoy being alive too much.

Then back to the hotel to pack and to relax before our flight back to Poland. There hasn’t been a country on this tour that I haven’t enjoyed. Every single one has something to love, whether it’s the attitude to life in Korea, the general awesomeness of Japan, the grandeur of China, Hong Kong and Singapore or the downright craziness of Thailand. I will really miss these places but reality is calling. We have a lot of awesome shows coming up on our home continent over this year and a new album to promote. I really hope we will come back again with more songs from Tibi et Igni. Until next time Asia! You awesome bastard!

Also check out VADER Tour Diary from Seoul HERE, from Nagoya HERE, from Tokyo HERE, Beijing HERE, Hong Kong HERE. and Singapore HERE.

More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/vader – http://www.vader.pl

VADER in Bangkok