There aren't very many good live music venues in Thailand that focus on international music. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of very talented Thai musicians who focus (as one would expect) primarily on Thai music. However, for a foreigner it is difficult for us to really enjoy something we have never heard before and listen to lyrics that we don't understand. Places that focus on metal are even more rare. So I was delighted to find out that this place focused on metal but i had my doubts before going there last night.
I arrived before the band was playing and i have to say that other than the music playing, i wasn't terribly impressed with the place. It seemed for a dive bar to be really pushing the limits of cleanliness. I don't expect much in these sorts of places but it was a bit scary and the bathrooms had no sink.
I stuck with it though and it wasn't long until the band started up even though there were very few people there. They started off with some Nirvana and classic Alice in Chains - which are two of my all time favorite bands so this was very pleasing to me. Later the band would play other favorites of mine including Rage Against the Machine, Pantera, classic Metallica from the Master of Puppets album, and even a bit of Slipknot and System of a Down.
The drinks are also very cheap here for a tourist area. I don't expect many people to know what a Sangsom set is, but to be able to get it for 300 Baht (sign says 250 but hasn't been changed in years) is a very good deal. Large beers being 120 Baht is also lower-than-expected for a live music venue. There is also no cover(door) charge to get in.
this video doesn't do it justice, nor did i film this.. the sound levels were MUCH louder than my phone's pathetic mic can handle... credit to Anny Blueberry for the vid
I have been to maybe a dozen bars since I arrived here in Chiang Mai and this is by far the most fun i have had in a night out. The crowd and staff were really friendly as I have always said that metal fans, despite having the most aggressive-sounding music in the world are normally the most docile and kind music fans on the planet.
location and other information including GPS
204/5 ถนน ราชภาคินัย ตำบล ศรีภูมิ อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50200
204/5 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200
No phone number available
Open 7 days a week from 7pm to 1am (last call at midnight)
I don't know if tasteem actually wants bar reviews but I'm giving it anyway. There was no food available there and I would be very hesitant to order it if it was :)