I'm new to kissasylum, but I've been a KISS fan since "Detroit Rock City". I've seen every KISS lineup in concert starting with "Dynasty" at MSG and most recently on New Year's Eve at The Meadowlands- a total of 19 shows. I got the shit beat out of me when I sat in the front row and caught Paul's smashed guitar on the "Animalize" tour. You could probably guess that I own multiple copies of every release, that I have the "Unmasked" poster hanging on my wall, and that when I was 11 I broke that little paper "Love Gun" within an hour of pulling it out of the LP. To make a long story short, I know KISS so well that I could tell who wrote each song on this album just by reading the song titles ( I was wrong once- sorry Bruce).

Like I said, I've only been online a short while, but after checking out kissasylum I had to get involved. First, I love KISS and their fans. That said, I'd like to hear everyone stop complaining that KISS is trying to sound like this band and that band, and that KISS has sold out. Gene credits the Beatles as his strongest musical influence, and if you go back and compare their early stuff with "Let it Be" it would seem obvious that great bands evolve, or at least stay current if they're going to stay around for very long. As for selling out, it is my belief that every band that has ever had a major studio release has sold out. Good for them, I say. People seem to forget that Rock'n'Roll is a business after all; and I think Gene has quite a knack for this business (God knows how much money I've given him).

Overall, I think this is their strongest album since "Creatures". It's clear that they were playing as a band again, and really allowing Bruce to stretch out a little. They also seem to have left behind the raunchy innuendo that I've grown so accustomed to ("Lemme be your king bee/ I want your hornet's nest"), you know, the songs that make your girlfriend say, "you actually like these guys?" So, here's the rundown, but I gotta warn you; sometimes I can be a little too critical. Gimme ­ tough ­ love!

Hate ­ Gene knows how to get down and heavy, and when he puts his mind to it, you can't stop him. A strong opener, like "Unholy", but no cheating on the vocals this time. Beavis would definitely think this song rules.

Rain ­ Probably the heaviest Paul song ever. No kitsch, no schmaltz, no "look at my hairy chest" posing for the ladies. Paul is Angry with a Capital A. I love this song.

Master & Slave ­ What's the bottom line? That this is easily the best song on the album. The beat grabs you and doesn't let go, even through the offbeat bridge ( I didn't know KISS could play something that wasn't in 4/4). KISS really deserve a hit with this one.

Childhood's End ­ It seems a lot of people like this song. To me, this song tries too hard to be poignant and tragic, but just ends up being overwrought and maudlin. Plus, the fade-out lasts about two choruses too long.

I Will Be There ­ Paul's "Battle of Evermore". I think it must have been something he needed to get out of his system after "Unplugged". Points for sincerity and hummability, though. The ending is a little abrupt. He could've fleshed it out a little more.

The Jungle ­ By this point, I realize that this is the album I always knew KISS could make if they wanted to. Everything about this song is solid, and its got a real groove. I can't remember the last time a KISS album made me move the way this one does, and is Paul amazing, or what? It kills my voice trying to sing this in the car. Eric really shines on the extended instrumental, which unfortunately got cut off when I heard this song on the radio (the radio?! They don't play KISS on the radio in New York!)

Seduction Of The Innocent ­ Who invited George Harrison to the session? Not a bad song, but unexpected. Kinda breaks the continuity of the album.

It Never Ends ­ I know what you mean. The rotary speaker effect never ends, either. Can Paul really sing for that long without taking a breath? Every time I try it, I feel like I'm gonna pass out

In My Head ­ Sometimes Gene scares me. Scares me 'til I find myself giggling. Profoundly disturbing and relentless, but very cool.

You Confess ­ Every KISS album, even the weaker ones, has at least one song that really kicks ass. For this album, the opposite is true. This song reminds me of some of Gene's early Wicked Lester tunes, but with a modern patch job. I don't hate it (I don't really hate any KISS songs­ not even the crap on Side 1 of "Hot in the Shade"), but I don't love it either. Sometimes, I just skip it.

In The Mirror ­ Somebody must've lit a fire under Paul's ass for this album­ not one stinker in the whole bunch, although Side 2 doesn't really stand up to the knockout strength of Side 1

I Walk Alone ­ Well, it was about time they let Bruce try one, or was it? Intriguing tune, but less than stellar vocals until Gene & Paul help out at the end. Plus, doesn't Bruce know that backward drums are very hard to play live?

Outromental ­ I got really excited; its been a long time since the last instrumental. Unfortunately, it fades out before it really gets going.

So there. I hope I wasn't too rough, but I think I'm allowed. After all, I was a KISS fan when it wasn't cool to be a KISS fan, and they've never let me down­ I wanted the best, and I got it­ except for "Strutter '78" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard". Let me know what you think; I enjoy shooting the breeze about The Hottest Band in the World.