5 Stars
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Vardis was a band that will always be associated with the new wave of British Heavy Metal from the early eighties. This gave us Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, both of whom adapted to survive. Vardis went straight down the line playing their brand of heavy boogie rock—a band for the purists. There are some comparisons between sixties boogie merchants Savoy Brown and Vardis, only Vardis was two tons heavier. But put in front of an audience, both of these bands can blow up a storm.
Vardis came together in 1978 as a power trio. Featuring Steve Zodiac on vocals and lead guitar, Zodiac’s guitar work was as speedy as one of his heroes, Alvin Lee, whilst his vocals contained heartfelt emotion. Alan Selway on bass and Phil Medley on drums provided the rhythm. Together they were one of the hardest rockin’ bands to hit any stage, releasing three well-received albums. They also played the Heavy Metal Barn Dance with Motorhead and Saxon, then a year later, the Heavy Metal Holocaust with Ozzy Osbourne and Motorhead. Continuous touring followed, with their popularity steadily rising.
But things reached a head in 1986 with treacherous, corrupt management and publishing companies. Steve Zodiac was from the North of England and a man not to be messed with. Basically, he took all the suits to court, beat them at their own game whilst getting all the rights to Vardis back with him, but then walked away from the music scene for thirty years.
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But there was still an audience there, and finally the desire rekindled.
In 2016 a new album, Red Eye, was released. It didn’t disappoint. Harder – faster – heavier than ever before, Vardis were back.
Tragically after its completion, bassist Terry Horbury was admitted to hospital and soon taken from us. But before his death, he had clearly said that Vardis should continue. Roly Bailey came in on bass, joining Zodiac and long-time drummer Joe Clancy. The Vardis train was unstoppable this time! Cue a worldwide pandemic.
But here we have a recording of the band playing London’s 100 Club to celebrate 40 years of Vardis.
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This whole record rocks like an avalanche. The band is tighter than the English Rugby front row. The Vardis sound is based on the glory days of yore with plenty of metal, hard rock, boogie and even a touch of glam rock, but somehow defying logic in remaining contemporary. All shredding guitar, locked tight rhythms, battering its way into your brain—a headbangers delight.
The song titles give you a very clear idea of where Vardis is going. Try ‘100 mph (I Won’t Go To Hell),’ ‘Head Of The Nail,’ ‘Dirty Money,’ and ‘Jolly Roger.’ After two hours of solid rocking, the band had come to the final song, ‘Living Out Of Touch.’ Doors and anchor have been blown off and the band careens down the stage as possessed souls, taking the audience with them. The touches of humor are a welcome addition, too. Never wise to take yourself too seriously, but wearing your heart on your sleeve.
There may be a bit more girth to Vardis these days. But their passion is still evident for all to see and hear. Hopefully, the second coming will keep on and on.
Written by Mott the Dog whilst doing too much head-bangin’ for a canine on the Darkside of Pattaya.
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Do not try that with the lead guitarist of Vardis.
