Vader
October 15th, 2004
Poznan, Poland
Club Eskulap
review and pics by Lyza McEntire

LINKS:
metalblade.com

Several bands played . Lost Soul, Ceti and ……one other that I couldn’t possibly read from the all access pass I hung around my sore neck. Lost Soul was particularly good. Yet another smashing good metal band that blasted everyone’s eardrums clean out of their skull. I tried getting a good view to take some pictures but was unsuccessful due to the massive amoeba looking blob of thrashing bodies in front of me. The hours passed, and the music kept getting better as the night went on. And once Vader took to the stage, the mood changed

There was about half an hour for me to get my shit straight and ear wax cleaned out of the way. In the meantime, I met a lot of interesting people. One in particular I’d like to mention. His name is Norbert. And he is a blacksmith and a personal friend of Peter, lead singer from Vader.

Anyway… A very rare choice of trade these days. He has an incredible talent making exact replicas from the past. He was one of the first people in Poland to actually have the courage to express his artistic urges in making Viking swords and weaving techniques from that era. He also spends his creative time doing many other things such as cast iron creations for windows (which are incredibly beautiful to see). Fire places and basically, everything I’d love to have in my home. He is a ticket to the past and for sure, many of you will be interested in visiting his website. Take a look, and judge for yourself.

And I came to find out that he has a fancy towards the S&M world. Since this show, he has sent to me a CD Rom with interesting pictures of his work. His work consists of the “ancient” bondage ideas and puts them to good use into our modern world for all of us perverted little demons to enjoy. Heeeeeeheehe. Some strange boxes with iron and leather to stand bent completely over with your hands almost at your ankles.. And latched into a box. It’s hard to describe. Maybe some pictures will shed the light. Interested ? Just check out his website. And… enjoy !
If you want to email Norbert, you can reach him at: artfabryka@o2.pl
His website is: fabrykart.republika.pl

Another person I met on this night is from a band called Acid Drinkers ..one of the members was there on this night…he is named Alex (Olas). I haven’t had the pleasure to listen to them as of yet. But they will play next month and I’ll be sure to review their show for all of you fiends. They are very well known here in Poland. A former member of this band is now a member of one of the largest church choirs in Poland. A far cry from the hardcore music of his earlier days. I wonder… did he change his career for the money or because he had a vision from God…. I’ll have to look into that. Poland is a VERY religious country. I am sure it had something to do with his change of heart. Or perhaps I am completely off track here.

And then came Vader. Once the intro music started… I knew it was time to bulldoze my way towards the stage. Luckily I had an all access pass which allowed me right on stage without having to battle the fans’ blood, sweat and tears during the show. Anyway… The intro music was creepy and it felt like something real bad was going to happen. The crowd grew silent and awaited anxiously for the show to begin. The perfect way to start any show.

by one, they came out onto the stage and stood perfectly still while the others did the same. And once Peter took his place… he announced to the audience in Polish “Poznan…. The demon has arrived”. The band members were all dressed in black. And with the red stage lights blaring upon us all and smoke slowly caressing you into a deep fog… it gave me a great first impression of the band. Vader has a special stage presence that I can only describe as being unique in the sense that they have such a strong hold on their audience.

They completely blew me out of the water ! And when they played "Dark Transmission", that ‘s when all hell was let loose upon Klub Eskulap. My deepest regrets to the owner of the Club. Guys, it was great ! The audience went wild. Europeans are crazy metal heads !

Peter sported priest attire which I thought was fitting for the moment. The guitarist Mauser and bass player Noby were so nice and apologetic to the fact that Peter couldn’t do the interview. But regardless… I appreciated being able to hang out with them briefly. It was strange seeing the new drummer Daray with the band. New faces are sometimes hard to accept. But I was pleasantly surprised to hear just how talented he was. But honestly he’s just too laid back and somehow doesn’t fit the part. Daray… forgive me sweetheart ! Daray plays in another band called Pyorrhoea. And he definitely has his place in this band. Check them out at pyorrhoea.org.

As for the original drummer, he is still going through therapy and practicing many hours to strengthen his wrists again. It’s been about a year since his “near death” accident. While working on their album at the studio, he went to get a cup of coffee and while going down a flight of very steep and dangerous steps, he somehow tripped and fell. Slicing open both wrists. Now …as a sailor at heart… always have one hand for the boat and one for yourself at all times.. rain, sleet, snow or shine. Life’s a delicate risk. Even the most simple of tasks can become ones fatal warning. We all wish him a speedy return to the band ! Life can take some real fucked up turns ! Enjoy the Fruits of Labor…. Before the devil takes it all away in a New York minute !

And so this review comes to a bitter end. Just know that the show was great ! And I look forward to the next time they come to Poland to shred us all to pieces ! Vader is a definite recommendation to see live. So if you hear any news of their touring your neck of the woods… be sure to take the time out to see them because they truly are worth it !

I want to thank Mariusz for his hospitality and Jack for the great conversation. But for now…I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Did I mention that Mauser the guitarist, has a striking resemblance to Greg Christian formerly of Testament (and currently of Havochate...visit havochate.net)! I couldn’t stop looking at him because of it. Everyone has their personal doppleganger in this world. And I found Greg’s.