Kiss – ëƵMonsterëƵ
As ghosts, ghouls and goblins prepare to roam the grounds for Halloween, it seems only fitting that an album called ëƵMonsterëƵ is on my mind.
My favorite costumed rock legends return with their 20th album and the follow-up to 2009ëƵs comeback release ëƵSonic Boom.ëƵ ëƵMonsterëƵ possesses the quintessential Kiss sound and is perhaps the bandëƵs best release since 1977ëƵs ëƵLove Gun.ëƵ
While the core of Kiss has changed, the seasoned rockers offer an explosive collection of anthems filled with fist-pumping choruses, fiery guitar riffs and thunderous bass lines that are delivered with swagger and attitude.
Gone are original drummer Peter Criss and lead guitarist Ace Frehley, replaced by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer respectively.
Led by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, ëƵMonsterëƵ is only the second release featuring the new lineup that has played together over the last eight years.
The albumëƵs first single, ëƵHell or Hallelujah,ëƵ is fueled by StanleyëƵs electrifying and charismatic vocals and ThayerëƵs rousing guitar riffs and spirited solos. ëƵWall of SoundëƵ follows with a thumping bass and fervent guitar riff mindful of ëƵHelter Skelter.ëƵ
Thayer takes the lead on the self-penned ëƵOutta This WorldëƵ with its Leslie West guitar riffs and infectious chorus. One of the big surprises comes when Singer fronts the party anthem ëƵAll for the Love of Rock & Roll.ëƵ The underrated singer produces a Bad Company sound in the piece.
ëƵMonsterëƵ was produced by Stanley and all the tracks were written as a collective effort by the entire band. After nearly 40 years of making memorable music and delivering stunning live performances, Kiss proves that there is still plenty left in the tank to sustain the bandëƵs success for many years to come.
ëƵOpen the door and let the night come crawling in,ëƵ sings Stanley on the closer ëƵLast Chance.ëƵ Once invited in, ëƵMonsterëƵ is a beast of an album, offering tricks as well as treats. Happy Halloween!
I need to give a ëƵshout outëƵ to Agnes Soom of Uniontown as she attended a recent performance of singer Engelbert Humperdinck. Soom said the 76-year-old crooner was in fine form and delighted the crowd with a stirring set of hits that made for a memorable evening.