Kiss News

by Melanie Falina / Chicago Metal Music Examiner

It's been more than a decade since KISS' last studio album. Eleven years is a decent chunk of time on most scales - but for KISS fans this has seemed an eternity.

Recent solo albums by both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley helped to ease the pain somewhat, but then also had some KISS fans wondering, 'Well, why not a new KISS album?'

When KISS announced they were to begin working on a new album excitement spread like wildfire through the KISS Army, but there were those who skeptically held the stance that they'd believe it when they saw it - or, in this case, heard it.

Well the wait, the wondering, and the disbelieving is about to come to an end on October 6. Produced by KISS' own Paul Stanley, Sonic Boom is on its way.

The most recent musical products we've had from these guys were Paul Stanley's solo release Live To Win and Gene Simmons' solo album A**h*le. Stanley's was emotion, Simmons' was fun - and now with Sonic Boom those influences bond and yet include so much more.

Sonic Boom is a sexy album packed with good quality songs that insight repeat listening. It's a great blend of old KISS, modern KISS, and even - - - dare it be said? - Some brand spanking new KISS sounds as well.

KISS, in their 35 years, has gone on an amazing journey and has a rich, full history. And some KISS fans are devoted, almost cult-like followers, but then there are some who will vehemently dislike any new release simply because it's not a repeat of Destroyer or KISS (the 1974 self-titled debut release). No one can make everyone happy, but Sonic Boom delivers the goods that most KISS fans will receive quite warmly.by Melanie Falina / Chicago Metal Music Examiner

It's been more than a decade since KISS' last studio album. Eleven years is a decent chunk of time on most scales - but for KISS fans this has seemed an eternity.

Recent solo albums by both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley helped to ease the pain somewhat, but then also had some KISS fans wondering, 'Well, why not a new KISS album?'

When KISS announced they were to begin working on a new album excitement spread like wildfire through the KISS Army, but there were those who skeptically held the stance that they'd believe it when they saw it - or, in this case, heard it.

Well the wait, the wondering, and the disbelieving is about to come to an end on October 6. Produced by KISS' own Paul Stanley, Sonic Boom is on its way.

The most recent musical products we've had from these guys were Paul Stanley's solo release Live To Win and Gene Simmons' solo album A**h*le. Stanley's was emotion, Simmons' was fun - and now with Sonic Boom those influences bond and yet include so much more.

Sonic Boom is a sexy album packed with good quality songs that insight repeat listening. It's a great blend of old KISS, modern KISS, and even - - - dare it be said? - Some brand spanking new KISS sounds as well.

KISS, in their 35 years, has gone on an amazing journey and has a rich, full history. And some KISS fans are devoted, almost cult-like followers, but then there are some who will vehemently dislike any new release simply because it's not a repeat of Destroyer or KISS (the 1974 self-titled debut release). No one can make everyone happy, but Sonic Boom delivers the goods that most KISS fans will receive quite warmly.

"Modern Day Delilah" - the only song thus far available to the public - it can be heard on KISS' Official Website. Paul Stanley takes the vocal reigns on this one. "Modern Day Delilah is bold and brassy, a great rock tune with a heady groove and exciting guitar solo. This song is simply infectious, and was the perfect choice as the album's first release.

"Russian Roulette" - features Gene Simmons on vocals and has got a bass line that is sexy and gritty. Simmons' vocals are clear and naughty and the chorus is catchy. With the driving rhythms in "Russian Roulette" it's a great song to strip to if you're so inclined.

"Never Enough" - hands the lead vocals duties back over to Stanley. This is the quintessential rock anthem song. Total KISS, total Paul Stanley, total feel-good, and nothing but good feelings with an aggressive guitar solo.

"Yes I know (Nobody's Perfect)" - a classic 70's KISS sound and classic Gene Simmons feel to it. Nice groove.

"Stand" - a little unexpected. "Stand" is catchy but showcases a different style from the other songs on the album.

"Hot And Cold" - is a whimsical and upbeat tune that is perfect for Gene Simmons.

"All For The Glory" - features vocals by drummer Eric Singer and is one of the highlights of this album. Singer's slightly raspy and rocking vocals accentuate this song really well.

"Danger Us" - a fun play on words for this Paul Stanley lead song. "Danger Us" has got a solid rhythm throughout and nice guitar work.

"I'm An Animal" - a larger than life, big rock and roll sound. Perfect for 'the Demon.' If this song was a person no one would mess with it.

"When Lightning Strikes" - is guitarist Tommy Thayer's vocal contribution and another highlight of the disc. "When Lightning Strikes" has got a sultry groove and Thayer is authoritative in his vocal style.

And "Say Yeah" - with a big rock sound and great harmonies. This is one of those songs that will pleasantly haunt you after just the first listen.

Sonic Boom will be available exclusively at Walmart (stores and online) and Sam's Club in the U.S. and Canada. The album package is a 3-disc set that will include - in addition to Sonic Boom's 11 new songs - Kiss Klassics - a 15-track, re-recorded greatest hits CD, a live concert DVD that was recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina earlier this year, and a 20-page booklet.

The countdown continues but we're almost ready for take-off.

By PATRICK MALONEY, SUN MEDIA

The KISS Army mobilized an especially dedicated battalion to downtown London Saturday morning.

Hundreds of fans lined up outside the John Labatt Centre - including some who stood in line for nearly 12 hours - to get tickets to the legendary rock group's long-awaited return to London next month.

Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. - and first in line was 44-year-old stock broker Cristina Parker, who arrived outside the JLC at 11:30 p.m. Friday.

"Well, it's KISS," she said, when asked what motivates that kind of commitment. "I've seen them 20 or 30 times.

"I've been part of the KISS army since I was 12 years old. (Singer/guitarist) Paul Stanley was my first crush - Starchild, I love him."By PATRICK MALONEY, SUN MEDIA

The KISS Army mobilized an especially dedicated battalion to downtown London Saturday morning.

Hundreds of fans lined up outside the John Labatt Centre - including some who stood in line for nearly 12 hours - to get tickets to the legendary rock group's long-awaited return to London next month.

Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. - and first in line was 44-year-old stock broker Cristina Parker, who arrived outside the JLC at 11:30 p.m. Friday.

"Well, it's KISS," she said, when asked what motivates that kind of commitment. "I've seen them 20 or 30 times.

"I've been part of the KISS army since I was 12 years old. (Singer/guitarist) Paul Stanley was my first crush - Starchild, I love him."

Though the skies threatened the kind of weather that would wash the facepaint right off their rock heroes, Parker was among about a half-dozen people who spent the night in line.

By the time the box office opened, there were nearly 100 fans waiting for tickets to what they figure is KISS's first London appearance in nearly 20 years.

April Tuffin, 45, and her 18-year-old son, David, arrived at about 1 a.m. She wanted to make sure they got good seats to her boy's first KISS experience.

For James Edwards, 49, it's easy to explain the dedication that brought him out in the dead of night, hours before tickets were available.

His first ever concert, he says, was in August 1977, when KISS played London Gardens with Cheap Trick as the opening act.

He's seen them several times since, but beyond the live show it's the respect the band shows its fans that keeps him coming back.

He was blown away, he says, when he met the band years ago and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley signed posters and a guitar for him.

"I said 'thanks for your time' and they said 'no, thank you for your years of support.' How many bands would say that?"

The Canadian tour that stops in London Sept. 29 did meet some controversy earlier this week when Oshawa, which won an online contest to get the band to play there, appeared to be left off the itinerary.

Simmons later said Oshawa was always in their plans and the band hoped to surprise the city with a late announcement. They are slated to play the Toronto suburb Oct. 7.

Casablanca Records, the label whose roster included Kiss, Angel, Parliament, Donna Summer and The Village People, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Come inside to hear what Paul Stanley has to say about the legendary company...

Casablanca was formed in 1973 by Neil Bogart, but didn't release its first full-length album until Kiss's debut on February 18, 1974.

Speaking exclusively to Classic Rock, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley reflected on the years Kiss spent as probably the most important band on Casablanca's roster.

Classic Rock: It's Casablanca's 35th birthday this year. Do you mourn the demise of the iconic record company?

Paul Stanley: "I mourn the demise of iconic record companies because they nurtured bands and nurtured artists. When record companies were run by people who loved music they stood behind the acts. It wasn't unusual for a record company to expect two or three albums to come out before artist would break. That was the dedication they had, because they loved the music. The days of that are over and long gone.Casablanca Records, the label whose roster included Kiss, Angel, Parliament, Donna Summer and The Village People, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Come inside to hear what Paul Stanley has to say about the legendary company...

Casablanca was formed in 1973 by Neil Bogart, but didn't release its first full-length album until Kiss's debut on February 18, 1974.

Speaking exclusively to Classic Rock, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley reflected on the years Kiss spent as probably the most important band on Casablanca's roster.

Classic Rock: It's Casablanca's 35th birthday this year. Do you mourn the demise of the iconic record company?

Paul Stanley: "I mourn the demise of iconic record companies because they nurtured bands and nurtured artists. When record companies were run by people who loved music they stood behind the acts. It wasn't unusual for a record company to expect two or three albums to come out before artist would break. That was the dedication they had, because they loved the music. The days of that are over and long gone.

"Casablanca, I must say, was a double-edged sword. Neil Bogart's philosophy was... well, let me put it this way, he didn't care if it ruined your career as long as you got a hit single as soon as possible - and I wasn't part of that school. Neil was P.T. Barnum, which worked to a certain extent, but it also tended to hurt whatever credibility you might have, because of the way your records were being sold.

"But again, the great record companies stood behind their acts and nowadays you're just a number. If you don't sell enough of your first album, you're out of the door. That's a shame, and that coupled with music piracy makes it pretty difficult for anybody who wants to make a career in music these days."

Kiss's new album, Sonic Boom, is coming out via Loud & Proud/Roadrunner in the UK and Europe. The release date is October 5.

Stanley said: "Success comes from a winning team, and Roadrunner is the perfect partner for Kiss in terms of understanding what this album is and also having a great track record of success."