There has been plenty of excitement surrounding local band “Vektor” since the last update in The Times.

Fountain Hills members Blake Anderson, David DiSanto and Frank Chin along with Phoenician Erik Nelson have been traveling the world playing their progressive thrash metal sound.

This has included everywhere from home base Philadelphia, Scion shows in Memphis and other venues, to West Hollywood’s famous Whisky a Go-Go, Europe and now Asia.

International blogs and reviews describe Vektor with acclamation and phrases like “serious talent,” “the best night of my life,” “incredibly fast and inventive” and “awe-inspiring.”

Vektor is signed with Earache records, one of the largest labels in metal. Their appearance in Clisson, France’s annual festival this summer was alongside such bands as ZZ Top, Twisted Sister, Def Leppard and Kiss.

Fans chanted them, autograph-seekers stood in line to meet them and local media and talk shows featured them.

Yet the band members continue to be “unexpectedly down to earth” (of course…they have great parents!).

Vektor recently headlined in Tokyo, playing two nights for Japanese Assault Fest 13, and will continue working on their next CD when they get back to the U.S.

Frank and Blake have also joined other musicians to form Bonzai, a rock band with dimensions of diverse styles. They recently debuted in Philly and are creating an album.

Vektor and Bonzai are on Facebook, with interviews, posters and more at various sites. No word on when they will play Arizona next, but Frank Chin is definitely coming home to the Hills for Christmas.