Vardis
Vigilante

May 2014
Released: 2014, Hoplite Records
Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewer: Celtic Bob

VIGILANTE is a reissue of the 1986 album by Vardis. This release is remastered and the first time the album has appeared on CD. Along with that importance it is also the end of the NWOBHM era. Some purists say it ended a few year prior but after listening to this album you may believe otherwise.



Back in 1986 the digital age was in full swing and the analogue one was dying. Vardis recorded VIGILANTE on tape and issued it on LP as they parted ways. Some 27 years later the tape was unearthed and still in great shape. The band reunited and for many of us this is our first ‘real’ introduction to Vardis.



Listening to this album for the first time I thought it was a new album with a classic NWOBHM sound. I had only heard a couple of Vardis tunes prior on compilation albums so I knew what to expect. This sounded fresh and alive, not dated in any way. Everything about this release is near perfect. All the instruments are well mixed and the vocals are where they should be. It is on tracks like “Learn How To Shoot Straight” and “All The Worlds Eyes” that really shine from the new mastering. They sound perfect, and are fantastic songs to boot.



If you are a fan of the NWOBHM then you need this disc in your collection. It is an excellent album that ranks up there with early Maiden and Def Leppard. One of the greatest re-issues of the year.