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American guitarist Jack Starr has been part of the Metal scene since the early 80s when he helped found Virgin Steele. After playing on the first two Virgin Steele albums he moved on to his own band, the on again-off again Jack Starr's Burning Starr, as well as other, less metallic projects. Burning Starr is on again with their latest album, Land of the Dead.

From the first chords of the title track that opens Land of the Dead, you know you are in for a 80s Traditional Metal treat. Starr's superlative guitar work is supported by Ned Meloni's massive bass lines and the excellent vocals of Todd Michael Hall. His clear voice is mainly mid-to-high in range and his screams ring like a bell. The music on Land of the Dead is mid-tempo, for the most part, proving that you don't need to play at light speed to make good Power Metal. Songs like "Land of the Dead" and "Daughter of Darkness" have catchy choruses that you'll be singing for hours. The first half of Land of the Dead is a bit stronger overall than the second half, but there are some fist-pumping anthems like "When Blood and Steel Collide" to be found deep on the album.

Riot's Thundersteel, minus the double-kick drums, is the prime reference but there are also similarities with early Manowar and even the first few Dio albums, making Land of the Dead a must for Traditional Metal fans. It is hardly original but that hardly matters when the riffs are this good.