Review Summary: A tasty sequel of New York traditional heavy metal
What happens when Jack Starr’s early Virgin Steele, Battle Hymns-era Manowar, and half of the current Warlord come together? Out of the Darkness Part II is born—taking us back to the tough yet sweet New York of the '80s to enjoy some real steel!
The sequel to Jack Starr’s legendary album is as traditional as a slice of New York pizza from Joe’s. This amazing guitarist never forgets the art of crafting a catchy tune, with melodies that instantly stick in your head. At the same time, Out of the Darkness Part II carries the spirit of modern adventure, avoiding the trap of sterile nostalgia for a bygone era.
The ten compositions—plus two bonus tracks—are a masterclass in early melodic heavy metal, brought to life by a small dream team: Giles Lavery and Eric Juris from Warlord on vocals and guitars, Rhino from Manowar on drums, alongside Jack Starr himself and Gene Cooper on bass. And let’s not forget the special guest appearances from Mark Zonder and Jimmy Waldo, also of Warlord. This is a top-tier lineup—undeniably a winning team.
To fully appreciate this album, you need to look into your heart and rediscover everything that made you fall in love with this music in the first place—perhaps something you’ve forgotten after countless hours of listening. The journey begins, as always, with a good melody. Not cheesy—on the contrary, it’s unruly, playful, and fills you with confidence and carefreeness. Now go listen to the stirring “Endless Night” and step out for a beer. Take that first step—maybe a great night awaits you out there, with the soundtrack of “Underneath the Velvet Sky,” a ballad for the brokenhearted.
But your blood is boiling like it did back then, and you're craving a dark anthem to scream along with—“Hand of Doom” is made for you. Barbaric, monolithic, and devastating, it opens the album with force, immediately silencing any doubts about the passion and quality of Out of the Darkness Part II.
The adventure continues with the more melodic, Eastern-tinged “Sahara Winds,” where—like a modern Indiana Jones—you wander through the endless desert of today’s releases in search of an album… a diamond. You’ll find yourself raising your fist once again with the epic “Soulkeeper,” just as you did to all the great songs that nurtured your love for heavy metal. Pure pleasure, all the way through.
Jack Starr’s masterful guitar work is ever-present, yet never overbearing—a true testament to his skill. Every note, every shift in Out of the Darkness serves a higher purpose: the creation of songs built to withstand endless replays. With clear nods to the past and his warm, melodic signature sound, Starr shows how a seasoned artist can bring all his mastery into the present, lighting the way back to great heavy metal. Put on “Into the Pit” near the end to experience the perfect blend of tradition, modern sound, and unexpected twists.
Everyone involved gives their best—but it would be a sin not to highlight the stellar performance of Giles Lavery, who colors the entire album with a rich and expressive voice that challenges, and at times surpasses, his own work with Warlord. Jack Starr’s harder, more streetwise, carefree, and romantic style draws out a raw, rock ’n’ roll edge in Giles that perfectly complements the songs and elevates the entire album. The live-ready anthem “Rise Up” calls for a sharp and commanding vocal presence—and Giles delivers with full force.
Albums like Out of the Darkness Part II find you when you least expect them—like an old friend you haven’t seen in years. They bring back memories of the good old days, while also giving you hope for what’s still to come. This is traditional heavy metal for romantic souls, crafted by the great Jack Starr.
Honestly, that last sentence might have been enough from the beginning.
