Out of the Darkness (Into the Fire)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the hard-hitting track "Out of the Darkness (Into the Fire)" from Moxy's self-titled debut album! This song, a fan favorite, showcases the raw energy of Canadian hard rock, driven by a sledgehammer riff that some liken to the doom-laden vibes of Black Sabbath’s early work. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the recording sessions: the album, including this track, featured legendary guitarist Tommy Bolin, who laid down most of the solos, including the fiery one in "Out of the Darkness." Bolin, fresh from the James Gang and soon to join Deep Purple, was brought in after a studio disagreement led to Moxy’s own Earl Johnson being briefly sidelined. Despite Bolin’s iconic contribution, he downplayed his role, making his presence on this track a hidden gem for fans. On Moxy’s official Facebook, fans still rave about the song’s intense lyrics, which paint a tale of love, control, and breaking free, resonating with the band’s gritty, no-nonsense style.

Another tidbit from the airwaves: "Out of the Darkness" was a staple in Texas, thanks to DJ Joe Anthony, the "Godfather of Rock" at KISS-FM in San Antonio. His relentless spins in the mid-1970s helped make the song a regional anthem, with its lust-and-desire-fueled chorus igniting crowds. A reviewer on Rate Your Music called it a “hidden gem” of the 1970s, comparing its melodic yet heavy vibe to early Rush, a sentiment echoed by Zoo Freaks who’ve shared old concert stories in the Moxy Fans Facebook group. The song’s enduring appeal is clear in Texas, where it remains in rotation on classic rock stations, as noted in a band interview where a DJ recalled the track pushing station needles “into the red.” Its raw power made it a perfect fit for Moxy’s live shows, where the band’s energy was said to rival the likes of Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin.

Let’s rewind to how Moxy got their start. Formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1974, the band rose from the ashes of Leigh Ashford, a group that included singer Douglas “Buzz” Shearman, guitarist Earl Johnson, drummer Bill Wade, and bassist Terry Juric. These guys were seasoned players, with Shearman having crooned as a teen in Sherman & Peabody, and Johnson cutting his teeth with King Biscuit Boy. They adopted the name Moxy, aiming for a harder, blues-infused rock sound, and hit the Canadian bar circuit hard. By 1975, they’d landed a deal with Polydor and headed to New York to record their debut, where fate brought Tommy Bolin into the mix. Buddy Caine joined as a second guitarist post-recording, solidifying their lineup. Their relentless touring and radio support, especially in markets like Ontario, Chicago, and Texas, turned them into a headline act by 1977, opening for giants like AC/DC and Black Sabbath. The band’s bio on Last.fm highlights their reputation as a “no-nonsense, to-the-bones rock band,” a vibe that still draws fans to their music today.

Stay connected with Moxy and their legacy! Check out their official website at moxy.rocks for the latest news and merch. Follow them on Facebook for updates and fan interactions, and hit up their Instagram for throwback pics and more. On X, they share quick hits of rock nostalgia. For diehard Zoo Freaks, join the Moxy Fans Facebook group to swap stories and rare finds. While there’s no official fan website, sites like ClassicRockHistory.com offer deep dives into Moxy’s discography, perfect for discovering more about tracks like "Out of the Darkness." Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!