Jack Starr | Out Of The Darkness Part II | BraveWords Records

 

Jack Starr is a veteran American heavy metal guitarist best known for his work with Virgin Steele and his own long-running project, Burning Starr. Emerging in the early 1980s with a melodic yet forceful guitar style rooted in traditional heavy metal, blues, and classical influences, Starr quickly became a notable figure in the American underground. His solo debut, "Out Of The Darkness," in 1984 stood apart for its blend of melodic finesse and metal grit, aided by contributions from notable musicians including Rhett Forrester of Riot.

More than four decades into his career, Starr now returns with "Out Of The Darkness Part II", a direct sequel to that foundational 1984 solo album. It features a powerful lineup: Giles Lavery (vocals), Eric Juris (guitar), Gene Cooper (bass), and Rhino (drums), known for his stint in Manowar. The album is released under BraveWords Records and aims to recapture the essence of old-school heavy metal while staying relevant in modern terms.

"Out Of The Darkness Part II" continues Jack Starr’s dedication to traditional heavy metal with melodic guitar harmonies, galloping rhythms, and anthemic vocals. The production is sharp and modern but doesn’t obscure the classic songwriting approach, giving the material a clear, focused presentation without artificial gloss.

From the beginning, the album carries forward the spirit of 1980s power-infused metal. There is a strong emphasis on melody, but it never undercuts the aggressive nature of the music. Guitar harmonies, solo breaks, and riff constructions feel like direct descendants of the early Burning Starr days. Starr's playing is fluid and passionate throughout, blending tight riffing with soaring leads, often weaving together a nostalgic yet energized atmosphere.

Vocals from Giles Lavery fit naturally into this style, with a delivery that balances grit and operatic flair. He avoids excess dramatics while still keeping the vocal lines theatrical and driving. His voice plays off Starr’s lead guitar in a way that echoes older Riot and Savatage traditions without directly mimicking them.

The pacing of the album shifts between intense mid-tempo tracks, quick-charging anthems, and slower, more atmospheric moments. That variety doesn’t feel disjointed; rather, it follows a logical progression that mirrors the arc of classic metal albums from the 1980s. The inclusion of multiple solos and dual guitar sections never feels bloated or self-indulgent, keeping most songs concise despite the technical displays.

Lyrically, the album moves through themes familiar to epic and fantasy-inspired heavy metal, but it avoids excess abstraction. Songs retain their accessibility and focus, relying more on strong choruses and muscular riffs than on excessive conceptualism. The rhythm section deserves mention as well. Rhino on drums provides a solid backbone pacing with no overplaying, while Gene Cooper's bass fills in the lower register with purpose. Eric Juris offers well-matched secondary guitar work that complements Starr’s playing without attempting to overtake it.

Ultimately, "Out Of The Darkness Part II" is not a reinvention but a continuation—an album crafted with clarity of purpose and reverence for tradition. It is rooted in the sound that Starr helped define but does not come across as dated or forced. It speaks directly to fans of traditional heavy metal who value strong songwriting, skilled playing, and no-nonsense execution.

Score: 8.0