Jack Starr – Out of the Darkness Part II

Jack Starr
Out of the Darkness Part II
Label: BraveWords Records
Out: April 25^th, 2025
Playing time: 01:01:06

Jack Starr has been active in the Rock and Metal scene since 1981. In that year, he founded the Heavy Metal band Virgin Steele, in which he played guitar until 1984. Since then, he has mainly been on the road with his solo projects, including Jack Starr (since 1984). The debut album ‘Out of the Darkness’ was released in 1984 and since then the project has released further albums more or less regularly. Most recently ‘Escape from the Night’ (2021). This year, the band has come full circle from their debut with their sixth studio album ‘Out of the Darkness Part II’.

Right from the start, we hear uncompromising Heavy Metal with ‘Hand Of Doom’. Giles Lavery’s voice fits perfectly with this. Sometimes he sings in higher pitch ranges. And the rhythmic ‘Endless Night’ continues in the same vein. Both guitarists deliver a respectable performance. Also, with strong guitar solos. The refrain is catchy and invites you to sing along. ‘Into The Pit’ is even more rhythmic. The riffs encourage headbanging. The vocals sound a little harsher, but still melodic. The tempo picks up again a little with ‘Rise Up’. ‘Underneath The Velvet Sky’ is a beautiful and anthemic ballad. Did we just talk about anthemic? ‘Tonight We Ride’ is a genuine Metal anthem. Again, with a great guitar solo. ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’ then drifts a little into high-speed realms. ‘Sahara Winds’ is the next Metal anthem. The riffs stomp along majestically and are accompanied by rhythmic drumming. And the tempo picks up again on ‘The Greater Good’. Ex-Manowar drummer Rhino (aka Kenny Earl Edwards) in particular drives his colleagues on here. ‘Soulkeeper’ is another mixture of ballad and Metal anthem. And forms the conclusion of the regular album. ‘Savage At The Gate’ and “The Lesson” follow as bonus tracks. Two strong Rock songs that are by no means worse than the ten regular songs on the album.

The all-star ensemble that supports the Maestro on this album has done a great job. ‘Out of the Darkness Part II’ is a very good Metal album with many timelessly beautiful songs. It’s fun to listen to it over and over again.

Jack Starr – Rise Up: https://youtu.be/rzVr9kXZ28A?si=tO9w-OenO5-O9zcW

Lineup:

Giles Lavery – Vocals (Warlord / Alcatrazz)
Jack Starr – Lead Guitar
Eric Juris – Lead Guitar (Warlord)
Gene Cooper – Bass
Rhino – Drums (Ex Manowar)

Track list:

• Hand Of Doom
• Endless Night
• Into The Pit
• Rise Up
• Underneath The Velvet Sky
• Tonight We Ride
• The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
• Sahara Winds
• The Greater Good
• Soulkeeper
• Savage At The Gate (Bonus Track)
• The Lesson (Bonus Track)