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JACK STARR
Out Of The Darkness Part II
Bravewords Records

If you're a faithful reader of my infrequent reviews (and I thank you very much if you are) you'll notice that I usually do mostly Old Skool bands, or bands that I'm at least familiar with. I try to stick with that rule as I don't really think it's fair to try and review someone's life work that I'm just not into musically. And even those I am familiar with, I still do a little research on, just to make sure I haven't missed something. When it comes to today's recipient, I definitely did learn a few things. That being one JACK STARR. Now if you're just a passing rock fan, I'll forgive you if you've not heard of Mr. STARR. But for those well versed in the Metal underground, you will no doubt know a few of Jack's exploits, but maybe not all. So let's dig in, shall we?

I first heard of Jack back in the formative years of U.S. Metal, as he was playing guitar for VIRGIN STEELE. Their self-titled debut came out way back in 1982, and was one of the earliest albums from our country's fledgling scene. As I've stated on numerous occasions, it was very exciting to stumble across new bands back then, and you bought it sight unseen or unheard. You took that shot hoping it was going to kick your ass. While VIRGIN STEELE didn't hit you between the eyes like early bands MANOWAR, RIOT, Y&T, or THE RODS, they played an epic style of Metal that was really unique. Other than MANILLA ROAD & WARLORD, these bands were the only ones from the U.S. that I can remember back then playing that style of Metal. Jack stayed through 1983 with VIRGIN STEELE before leaving for pastures anew. But that was just the beginning for Jack.

Here's where my research really surprised me. I have so many albums from the 80's that Jack played on that I had no idea because he went by fake names (I'm assuming it was because of contract issues with other labels) thus avoiding any problems, but also any credit. He played with PHANTOM LORD (the self-titled album in '85 and Evil Never Sleeps in '86), DEVIL CHILDE (also from '85), and also Joe Hasselvander's LADY KILLER (another '85 release). He also guested (finally using his own name) on the THRASHER release on Combat Records, with Dan Spitz of ANTHRAX, Billy Sheehan of TALAS, Dan Beehler from EXCITER, and H-Town's own James Rivera from HELSTAR, and the late, great Rhett Forrester from RIOT among others. Which brings us to Jack's solo career. His 1st solo outing, with the aforementioned Mr. Forrester on vocals, was 1984's Out Of The Darkness, which set the bar in motion for Jack's career to really take off. He changed the name to JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR, and released an album every year until going back to just his name in 1990. Then it fluctuated between those two entities till coming full circle in 2025 with his latest release Out Of The Darkness Part II.

The band lineup for the new opus has Rhino, ex-MANOWAR on drums, Giles Lavery, who is the new singer for ALCATRAZZ along with being a partner on Jack's new record label, Gene Cooper on Bass, and joining Jack on lead guitar is Eric Juris, who also joins Giles in the newest incarnation of the epic U.S. Metal guardians WARLORD. See what I mean about everything being a full circle thing?

The CD itself is 10 songs plus 2 bonus tracks, and clocks in at a little over an hour. And like a good album should, it never rests on a singular style of Metal, but surgically ebbs and flows much like life itself. You have the metallic gallop of opener "Hand of Doom", the power chords of "Into the Pit", the uptempo "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes", the 80's tinged "Sahara Winds", and the middle eastern flavor of epic "Soulkeeper". And my personal fave, "Tonight We Ride"! Hell yeah! There's also a couple of guest appearances, those being Mark Zonder, drummer from WARLORD and keyboardist Jimmy Waldo from ALCATRAZZ and underappreciated band NEW ENGLAND (Love their first self titled album from 1979, produced by KISS's Paul Stanley no less).

While nothing earth shattering, this is a quality Metal album with an authentic 80's kinda vibe. At least for me. And don't for a second take that as an insult or a knock on the production or playing. Crisp production, stellar musicianship and an album that should appeal to Metalheads of all ages. Knock back a few cold ones, throw your fist in the air and come Out Of The Darkness. Play loudly!

This new label, Bravewords Records, has never released anything on Vinyl. And I don't see that changing now. No Bueno.

4.0 Out Of 5.0 Skulls☠️☠️☠️☠️