Kiss "Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions" (Mercury)
1.5 stars

With the reunion of Kiss' original lineup in full flight -- and make-up -- the group kisses off its last incarnation with the unceremonious release of the last album by the lineup that included guitarist Bruce Kulick and drummer Eric Singer. It's a departure for Kiss, a heavier sound that hews toward the darker sonic territory mined by modern metal faves such as Alice in Chains and Metallica. Kiss' aim is too clear, however, and "Carnival of Souls" has a wanna-be, derivative quality that runs counter to Kiss' usual quest for originality.