There are some Metal artists that have the knack of knowing which buttons to push when it comes to yours truly. I have been a sucker for everything that is melodic in Metal, but with that said, there is the equal heavier than thou riff or the larger than life chorus that could roll my eyes or headbang myself useless. Enough about me, and onwards to the gates of JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR's brand new album, "Stand Your Ground", newly signed to High Roller Records. It has been eight years since the previous "Land Of The Dead", which introduced yet another ex-MANOWAR member that took involvement in Mr. Starr's ongoing project, Kenny "Rhino" Earl, and of course the rest of the band's strong lineup. This time there are no new introductions just the true form of Metal music to lead.

According to Starr, "Stand Your Ground" could have been a fortune maker in late 80s, its essence is so strong that it should ranked as one of the best albums in the last two decades. I can confirm for sure that from what just heard on this release, Starr's personal notion isn't really far from reality. BURNING STARR put a fist for a fight, a strong straightforward Metal at heart album that doesn't surrender to any form of trend, just playing it honest and with force. There is a tight combination of everything that promoted Heavy Metal, in the era when Starr started his project upon his exit from VIRGIN STEELE. Heavy Metal by the book. Even the album's sound production is much closer to being out of the 80s in contrast to the surrounding productions going on nowadays.

Whether the traditional riffs that cross the wits of British Metal along with the development of the genre in the US back in the 80s, mighty solos that aren't busy on too much techniques just pure to the bone, a terrific singer that passion drips from his voice and a pounding rhythm section that is heavily tight, everything is under a neat package. "Stand Your Ground" seemed to me like a determined Jack Starr, an old school artist that stands his ground without even considering to surrender to the evolutionary versions that have been molesting Metal music.

"Will you be the hero...?" asks the awesome vocalist Todd Michael Hall, which has been mesmerising my brains as the front of RIOT V. "Hero" coming in as the album's strongest number, an 80s Heavy Metal hit that should enter the charts. Hook-laden music, fast paced beats and riffs, like a battle cry in the night. "The Enemy" joins the fun with yet a tremendous vocal performance, another memorable Metal scorcher with metallic melodies at the wheel. Converging within the eleven minutes, the title song "Stand Your Ground" is a clarity of Starr's vision since day one. Under its wing, this epos conjured nearly all the aspects that traditional Metal has to offer. The clock might overheat due to the length, yet time froze, lost its meaning while playing this one. Quite versatile work. Here are a few additional songs that must be listened to:  the album's balladry "Worlds Apart", IRON MAIDEN vain riffery within "The Sky Is Falling" and the burning conviction with another 80s shrapnel "Stronger Than Steel".

It is fortunate for us that there are artists and bands such as Jack Starr that have been standing their ground, not letting anything trip them in their journeys to fulfill themselves in such a direction that they desire. Be sure to pick up a copy and let the 80s flow through you.