JACK STARR – Out of The Darkness Part II (2025) *HQ*

Pioneer U.S. Metal guitarist JACK STARR joins forces with Warlord / Alcatrazz vocalist Giles Lavery to unleash the sequel to Jack’s legendary 1984 solo debut album “Out Of The Darkness.
Almost four decades after that cult LP, the recording of “Out Of The Darkness II” finally crystallized. Jack previously said about the album, “This is the album I always hoped I would make, one that would be filled with power and glory but also melodic and passionate at the same time. This is the sequel to my 1984 album Out Of The Darkness, and it truly is a worthy successor that I believe will be embraced with the same affection that greeted the original. So yes, Out Of The Darkness Part II is here – Keep the metal burning.”
Rounding out the lineup is Gene Cooper on bass, ex- Manowar drummer Rhino, and newly appointed Warlord shredder Eric Juris on second guitar. Also featured on the album are guest appearances by Mark Zonder (Warlord, ex-Fates Warning) on drums and the awesome Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz, New England, Warlord) on keyboards.
With “Out Of The Darkness Part II”, Jack Starr returns with a fiery call to arms, blending classic Hard Rock / American Metal grit with a timeless message of freedom and resistance. It’s a record that channels decades of passion, struggle, and triumph into a bold new chapter.

From the very beginning, with “Hand Of Doom,” we hear uncompromising heavy metal. Lavery’s voice fits perfectly this type of classic stuff – he born to do this. And the rhythmic “Endless Night” continues to rock hard with both guitarists delivering impressive melodic riffs, including strong guitar solos. The chorus is catchy and invites you to sing along. “Into The Pit” is even more anthemic, midpaced and with calmer vocals.
“Underneath The Velvet Sky” is a beautiful, metal ballad showcasing Starr’s good taste for melodies.

A favorite here is “Tonight We Ride”, pure ’80s street anthem, pure U.S. Metal as it should be done. “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes” is speedy, the “Sahara Winds” adds groove for a more hard rock waves. On “The Greater Good” former Manowar drummer Rhino (Kenny Earl Edwards) in particular drives his colleagues forward, a punchy metallic song.
“Soulkeeper” is an epic blend of ballad and metal anthem, and concludes the regular album. The bonus tracks include “Savage At The Gate” and “The Lesson.” Two strong rockin’ songs by no means inferior in quality to the album’s ten regular tracks.

Starr shines on guitar and the all-star ensemble supporting the master on this album has done a fantastic job. “Out of the Darkness Part II” is a very good traditional U.S. Metal / Hard Rock album with many timelessly kick ass songs, very well recorded and executed with passion.
Highly Recommended

01 – Hand of Doom
02 – Endless Night
03 – Into the Pit
04 – Rise Up
05 – Underneath the Velvet Sky
06 – Tonight we Ride
07 – The Night has a Thousand Eyes
08 – Sahara Winds
09 – The Greater Good
10 – Soulkeeper
11 – Savage at the Gate (Bonus Track)
12 – The Lesson (Bonus Track)

Giles Lavery – Vocals (Warlord, Alcatrazz)
Jack Starr – Lead Guitar
Eric Juris – Lead Guitar (Warlord)
Gene Cooper – Bass
Rhino – Drums (ex-Manowar)
Guests:
Mark Zonder – Drums (Warlord, ex-Fates Warning)
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards (Alcatrazz, Warlord, New England)

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