What a GREAT album. Stop with the comparisons with other bands!!! When those pretenders are interviewed and asked their influences they always mention KISS. So it is no wonder that people say COS sounds like Alice in Chain et al. They just got the musical time line wrong. KISS started it and all the others try to carry the torch. COS would definitely burn their hands. I have followed KISS since I was 8 years old (1974) and have bought and cherished each album as soon as it came out (even unmasked and dynasty). That love fest aside I really must say that the guys surprised me. VERY GOOD album. I just wish we could hear some of these live. My personal favorites are "Childhood's End" and "Seduction of the Innocent". Okay here is the review.

1) Hate - Wish I could figure what they are saying at the beginning of the song under the music. Very strong opening to an album that the mainstream press don't seem to like.

2) Rain - Different sound for Paul. Kind of slows down the pace of the album a bit. Very heavy bass. Not my favorite.

3) Master & Slave - Who can't get going with that opening bass part. Interesting bridge guitar work. Subdued but a nice break to a killer song. Great scream from Paul in this song.

4) Childhood's End - Nice semi soaring guitar in the beginning. Really sets the tone for the rest of the song. People have said that the chorus is weak. SCREW THEM!!! Just because it rhymes and fits a nice hook they discount the whole song. Use this test. When you got done listening to the song did you want to know more of the story? I did. Pretty good indication of good storytelling which is what all songwriters strive for. Excellent job Gene and Bruce. The children's choir is a nice touch. Reminiscent of "Destroyer"

5) I will be there - Nice sentiment Paul. It is refreshing to see a star writing something for their kid. That said, this song is a little sappy. But what song written for a persons child isn't? Take a listen to John Lennon's song "Beautiful Boy" and some of the same criticism could be applied. Not my favorite song.

6) Jungle - Deadly bass riff. Not many people can pull of a song like this without it sounding contrived. Creditable choice for the first single. Lets people know that KISS will not be pigeonholed into a particular musical style.

7) In My Head - Gene down and dirty. Good to get back to your roots. I can just see Gene singing the song, stomping across the stage, stopping and giving the crowd a look to stop the blood cold in their veins. This song reaches critical mass and keeps going. Scary.

8) It Never Goes Away - Great vocal work. Nice use of echo on Paul's voice.

9) Seduction of the Innocent - In my opinion the single best song on the album. Gene once again shows what it means to be the smartest person in rock music. Very interesting groove going on this song. The only thin missing was Ravi Shankar. Love the hook in the chorus. Driving down the road it is not unusual for me to play this song over and over again. I think this should have been the first single.

10) I Confess - I expect to see fog creeping from my speakers every time this song starts. Somber beginning. Once again Paul and Gene show why KISS has always had memorable songs. Their voices are perfectly suited to accentuate and counter each other.

11) In the Mirror - Jam session from hell. Great groove. This song is almost a dance tune. This song is what "I Was Made For Lovin' You" wishes it was. Solid rhythm provided by Gene and Eric.

12) I Walk Alone - Took me awhile to figure out who was singing. Once I realized it was Bruce it made me wonder what could have been. His voice sounds a lot like what you would get if you crossed Gene's voice with Ace's. Bruce's voice melds well with Paul's in the chorus. The background music during the guitar solo (I know how can there be background music during a solo? You know what I mean) sounds a lot like they recorded a guitar part and then played it back backwards. Great sound. This song definitely grows on you.

I play hockey goal tender and use the music I play on the way to games to get in the proper state of mind. This is the absolute perfect album for that purpose. By the time I get to the rink I'm definitely in a "kill them all" mindset. Best album in years.