Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS, Volume 3 by KISS (2006)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS, Volume 3 is the first compilation to feature exclusively the 1990s output from Kiss. The album was released on November 21, 2006.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Mercury Records


20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS, Volume 3 is the first compilation to feature exclusively the 1990s output from Kiss. The album was released on November 21, 2006.

Album: Asylum by KISS (1985)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Asylum is the 13th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. It features the debut of lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, who played on KISS' Animalize LP (Ghost guitarist for Lonely Is The Hunter), and filled in for guitarist Mark St. John (Mark Norton) for their European and American Animalize tour, and officially replaced Mark St. John in December, 1984. He was the band's third lead guitarist since the departure of Ace Frehley in late 1982. The new lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Carr, and Kulick would last for six years until Carr's death in November 1991.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Asylum is the 13th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. It features the debut of lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, who played on KISS' Animalize LP (Ghost guitarist for Lonely Is The Hunter), and filled in for guitarist Mark St. John (Mark Norton) for their European and American Animalize tour, and officially replaced Mark St. John in December, 1984. He was the band's third lead guitarist since the departure of Ace Frehley in late 1982. The new lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Carr, and Kulick would last for six years until Carr's death in November 1991.

Album: Greatest KISS by KISS (1996)
Genre: Heavy Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: Greatest Kiss is a greatest hits album by American hard rock band Kiss. It was released in 1997 on Mercury Records. 

Along with You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!, this album was issued to coincide with the group's 1996–97 Alive/Worldwide Tour. The US version covers only selected hits from 1974 to 1980, with an exclusive live version of "Shout It Out Loud"; the non-US releases include the band's 1992 hit "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You II."

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Heavy Metal, Epic, 1990s, Compilation, Mercury Records


Greatest Kiss is a greatest hits album by American hard rock band Kiss. It was released in 1997 on Mercury Records. 

Along with You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!!, this album was issued to coincide with the group's 1996–97 Alive/Worldwide Tour. The US version covers only selected hits from 1974 to 1980, with an exclusive live version of "Shout It Out Loud"; the non-US releases include the band's 1992 hit "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You II."

Album: Love Gun by KISS (1977)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Love Gun is the sixth studio album by American hard rock band Kiss. Love Gun is notable for being the first Kiss album to feature a lead vocal performance from Ace Frehley. This marks the first album for the group to feature lead vocal performances from all four band members. It was also the last studio album to feature the entire original lineup of Kiss on every track, as drummer Peter Criss was replaced by session drummer Anton Fig for most of 1979's Dynasty.
A cardboard "Love Gun" (assembly required) was included inside the album, along with a Kiss merchandise order form. Before Love Gun was completed, a Gallup poll indicated that Kiss was the most popular band in the US, beating Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and the Eagles. On August 25–26, 1977, Kiss recorded two shows at the LA Forum to be used as live material for their next release Alive II.
The album cover was painted by fantasy artist Ken Kelly, who previously did the cover for 1976's Destroyer.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1000000. Available on Discogs marketplace


Love Gun is the sixth studio album by American hard rock band Kiss. Love Gun is notable for being the first Kiss album to feature a lead vocal performance from Ace Frehley. This marks the first album for the group to feature lead vocal performances from all four band members. It was also the last studio album to feature the entire original lineup of Kiss on every track, as drummer Peter Criss was replaced by session drummer Anton Fig for most of 1979's Dynasty.
A cardboard "Love Gun" (assembly required) was included inside the album, along with a Kiss merchandise order form. Before Love Gun was completed, a Gallup poll indicated that Kiss was the most popular band in the US, beating Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and the Eagles. On August 25–26, 1977, Kiss recorded two shows at the LA Forum to be used as live material for their next release Alive II.
The album cover was painted by fantasy artist Ken Kelly, who previously did the cover for 1976's Destroyer.

Album: Lick It Up by KISS (1983)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Lick It Up is the 11th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. On the day of the album's release, Kiss appeared on MTV without their trademark makeup. It was the first public appearance without makeup by Kiss since the very early days of the band. The title track remains a regular staple in on the band's live performances, having been played over nine-hundred times as of September 2012, but the rest of the album is rarely played live.
Lick It Up built upon the harder sound Kiss had displayed on 1982's Creatures of the Night. But while Creatures of the Night was a commercial disappointment for Kiss, Lick It Up sold much better. It was certified gold on December 22, 1983, the first Kiss album to achieve certification since 1980's Unmasked. This is partially attributable to the increased publicity the band received after their unmasking.[citation needed]
"Lick It Up" and "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" were released as singles from the album. They were accompanied by a pair of similarly themed, tongue-in-cheek videos featuring the band (along with many scantily clad women) in desolate, post-apocalyptic settings. This is the first Kiss album that lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent officially contributed to. He unofficially contributed to Creatures of the Night. Also for the first time, Vincent appeared on the cover art for the album, whereas Ace Frehley had appeared on the Creatures of the Night cover, despite having already left the band and not being involved in the recording of the album.
Vincent was not legally a member of the band. Due partly to disputes over what his role in the band and his pay would be (some reports indicated that Vincent had asked for, and was flatly denied, a percentage of the band's gross profits), Vincent never signed any contract making his employment official. These disputes, along with a growing attitude by Vincent that he was solely responsible for the resurgence of Kiss, would lead to him leaving the band (or being fired, depending on the source) after the European leg of the Lick It Up tour.
With the band unable to secure a replacement guitarist on such short notice, Vincent was enticed to return for the American leg of the tour. However, his refusal to sign his contract continued to be a sore point. A major rift developed between Vincent and the rest of the band over his guitar solos. What were supposed 5-8 minute solos timed to finish on a cue so that Paul Stanley could introduce the next song, suddenly expanded in some instances leaving the rest of the band impatiently waiting on stage for Vincent to finish.
At an LA Forum show in January 1984 Vincent continued playing despite Stanley's cueing him to finish the solo. The two nearly came to blows in the dressing room afterward, with Stanley accusing Vincent of showing him up and Vincent accusing the other three members of ruining his solo and trying to hold him back as a performer. They were separated by Eric Carr and Gene Simmons and a couple of roadies who tried to keep the peace. At a March show in Quebec, Canada, as the band prepared to close out their set, Vincent broke into an impromptu solo, leaving the other band members standing onstage with nothing to do. Vincent left (or was fired for a second time, depending on the source) shortly after. This time the break was permanent.
Although according to Simmons and Stanley, Vinnie Vincent was never "officially" a member of the band, he appears on the cover and is credited in the liner notes as the band's lead guitarist. If Vinnie Vincent was officially the lead guitarist, Lick It Up would be to date one of two Kiss albums in which every song is credited to only band members with no outside writers or no cover songs, the other being 2009's Sonic Boom.
"All Hell's Breakin' Loose" is one of three songs in the history of the band in which all four (current at the time) members share song-writing credit, the others being "Love Theme From Kiss" and "Back To The Stone Age". In an interview for KISSology 2, Paul Stanley made the statement that, "People were now listening with their eyes rather than their ears. Mainly, because Creatures of the Night was arguably a better album than Lick It Up." He also made the statement that "The only reason why I think people bought Lick It Up more than Creatures of the Night was because we had no make-up on. That was the only reason."

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Lick It Up is the 11th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. On the day of the album's release, Kiss appeared on MTV without their trademark makeup. It was the first public appearance without makeup by Kiss since the very early days of the band. The title track remains a regular staple in on the band's live performances, having been played over nine-hundred times as of September 2012, but the rest of the album is rarely played live.
Lick It Up built upon the harder sound Kiss had displayed on 1982's Creatures of the Night. But while Creatures of the Night was a commercial disappointment for Kiss, Lick It Up sold much better. It was certified gold on December 22, 1983, the first Kiss album to achieve certification since 1980's Unmasked. This is partially attributable to the increased publicity the band received after their unmasking.[citation needed]
"Lick It Up" and "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" were released as singles from the album. They were accompanied by a pair of similarly themed, tongue-in-cheek videos featuring the band (along with many scantily clad women) in desolate, post-apocalyptic settings. This is the first Kiss album that lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent officially contributed to. He unofficially contributed to Creatures of the Night. Also for the first time, Vincent appeared on the cover art for the album, whereas Ace Frehley had appeared on the Creatures of the Night cover, despite having already left the band and not being involved in the recording of the album.
Vincent was not legally a member of the band. Due partly to disputes over what his role in the band and his pay would be (some reports indicated that Vincent had asked for, and was flatly denied, a percentage of the band's gross profits), Vincent never signed any contract making his employment official. These disputes, along with a growing attitude by Vincent that he was solely responsible for the resurgence of Kiss, would lead to him leaving the band (or being fired, depending on the source) after the European leg of the Lick It Up tour.
With the band unable to secure a replacement guitarist on such short notice, Vincent was enticed to return for the American leg of the tour. However, his refusal to sign his contract continued to be a sore point. A major rift developed between Vincent and the rest of the band over his guitar solos. What were supposed 5-8 minute solos timed to finish on a cue so that Paul Stanley could introduce the next song, suddenly expanded in some instances leaving the rest of the band impatiently waiting on stage for Vincent to finish.
At an LA Forum show in January 1984 Vincent continued playing despite Stanley's cueing him to finish the solo. The two nearly came to blows in the dressing room afterward, with Stanley accusing Vincent of showing him up and Vincent accusing the other three members of ruining his solo and trying to hold him back as a performer. They were separated by Eric Carr and Gene Simmons and a couple of roadies who tried to keep the peace. At a March show in Quebec, Canada, as the band prepared to close out their set, Vincent broke into an impromptu solo, leaving the other band members standing onstage with nothing to do. Vincent left (or was fired for a second time, depending on the source) shortly after. This time the break was permanent.
Although according to Simmons and Stanley, Vinnie Vincent was never "officially" a member of the band, he appears on the cover and is credited in the liner notes as the band's lead guitarist. If Vinnie Vincent was officially the lead guitarist, Lick It Up would be to date one of two Kiss albums in which every song is credited to only band members with no outside writers or no cover songs, the other being 2009's Sonic Boom.
"All Hell's Breakin' Loose" is one of three songs in the history of the band in which all four (current at the time) members share song-writing credit, the others being "Love Theme From Kiss" and "Back To The Stone Age". In an interview for KISSology 2, Paul Stanley made the statement that, "People were now listening with their eyes rather than their ears. Mainly, because Creatures of the Night was arguably a better album than Lick It Up." He also made the statement that "The only reason why I think people bought Lick It Up more than Creatures of the Night was because we had no make-up on. That was the only reason."

Album: Jigoku-Retsuden by KISS (2008)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: Jigoku-Retsuden (地獄烈伝, which translates to "Intense Transmission from Hell"), also known as Kiss Best - Kissology and Kiss Klassics, was a limited-edition CD/DVD set released in 2008 by the band Kiss, exclusively in Japan. The CD portion of the bundle included 15 re-recorded classic Kiss tracks by the 2008 band line-up (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer).
The DVD portion of the bundle is concert footage from a 1977 performance at Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The CD was re-released by Kiss as part of a digipack deluxe edition of their album Sonic Boom along with concert footage from the Alive 35 Tour on October 6, 2009.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Mercury Records


Jigoku-Retsuden (地獄烈伝, which translates to "Intense Transmission from Hell"), also known as Kiss Best - Kissology and Kiss Klassics, was a limited-edition CD/DVD set released in 2008 by the band Kiss, exclusively in Japan. The CD portion of the bundle included 15 re-recorded classic Kiss tracks by the 2008 band line-up (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer).
The DVD portion of the bundle is concert footage from a 1977 performance at Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The CD was re-released by Kiss as part of a digipack deluxe edition of their album Sonic Boom along with concert footage from the Alive 35 Tour on October 6, 2009.

Album: Symphony: Alive IV by KISS (2003)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Live

Description: Kiss Symphony: Alive IV is a 2003 live album from the American rock band Kiss, performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). The arrangements were made by David Campbell, who also conducted the MSO. It is the group's fourth album in the Alive series and first release under Kiss Records and Sanctuary Records.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Live, Mercury Records


Kiss Symphony: Alive IV is a 2003 live album from the American rock band Kiss, performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). The arrangements were made by David Campbell, who also conducted the MSO. It is the group's fourth album in the Alive series and first release under Kiss Records and Sanctuary Records.

Album: Kiss by KISS (1974)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Kiss is the debut album by American rock band Kiss, released on February 18, 1974. Much of the material on the album was written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, as members of their pre-Kiss band Wicked Lester. Simmons estimated that the entire process of recording and mixing took three weeks, while co-producer Richie Wise has stated it took just thirteen days.

The album was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, which was owned by the company that owned Buddah Records. Neil Bogart, founder of Casablanca Records, was an executive at Buddah prior to forming Casablanca. Casablanca Records held a party at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles to celebrate the West Coast release of Kiss (February 18) and to introduce the record company to the press and other record industry executives.

In keeping with the Casablanca theme, the party included palm trees and a Humphrey Bogart lookalike. Kiss performed their usual loud and bombastic stage show, which turned Warner Bros. Records (Casablanca's record distributor) against the group. Soon after the show, Warner Bros. Records contacted Neil Bogart and threatened to end their deal with Casablanca if Kiss did not remove their makeup. With manager Bill Aucoin's backing, Kiss refused. Shortly after the release of Kiss, Warner Bros. released Casablanca from their contract.
The album's cover showed the group positioned against a black background in a pose visually reminiscent of The Beatles' With the Beatles album (Peter Criss stated that this was the visual effect the band was looking for). Ironically, Gene Simmons has stated that "Meet The Beatles" was a big inspiration to him. Three of the four band members applied their own makeup for the album cover photo, as they usually did, but Criss' makeup was applied by a professional, whose work came out looking quite a bit different from the look Criss had established, and to which he would return immediately afterward. Ace Frehley, wanting to impress the other members of Kiss, dyed his hair with silver spray paint. Not only did it not come out for several weeks, but Frehley suffered an allergic reaction to the silver in it (as can be seen in his later makeup around the eyes).According to Criss, photographer Joel Brodsky thought Kiss were literally clowns, and wanted to place balloons behind the group for the shoot. Brodsky denied this, chalking it up to imagination. As this was also the first album for the group, and they had only been together in face paint for a couple of years, they still had yet to perfect the look they would come to be known for later on, as evidenced in Simmons' rough appearance of the demon makeup, while noticeable as his, is not in the definitive form he has become known for since.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Rating score: 2. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Kiss is the debut album by American rock band Kiss, released on February 18, 1974. Much of the material on the album was written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, as members of their pre-Kiss band Wicked Lester. Simmons estimated that the entire process of recording and mixing took three weeks, while co-producer Richie Wise has stated it took just thirteen days.

The album was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, which was owned by the company that owned Buddah Records. Neil Bogart, founder of Casablanca Records, was an executive at Buddah prior to forming Casablanca. Casablanca Records held a party at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles to celebrate the West Coast release of Kiss (February 18) and to introduce the record company to the press and other record industry executives.

In keeping with the Casablanca theme, the party included palm trees and a Humphrey Bogart lookalike. Kiss performed their usual loud and bombastic stage show, which turned Warner Bros. Records (Casablanca's record distributor) against the group. Soon after the show, Warner Bros. Records contacted Neil Bogart and threatened to end their deal with Casablanca if Kiss did not remove their makeup. With manager Bill Aucoin's backing, Kiss refused. Shortly after the release of Kiss, Warner Bros. released Casablanca from their contract.
The album's cover showed the group positioned against a black background in a pose visually reminiscent of The Beatles' With the Beatles album (Peter Criss stated that this was the visual effect the band was looking for). Ironically, Gene Simmons has stated that "Meet The Beatles" was a big inspiration to him. Three of the four band members applied their own makeup for the album cover photo, as they usually did, but Criss' makeup was applied by a professional, whose work came out looking quite a bit different from the look Criss had established, and to which he would return immediately afterward. Ace Frehley, wanting to impress the other members of Kiss, dyed his hair with silver spray paint. Not only did it not come out for several weeks, but Frehley suffered an allergic reaction to the silver in it (as can be seen in his later makeup around the eyes).According to Criss, photographer Joel Brodsky thought Kiss were literally clowns, and wanted to place balloons behind the group for the shoot. Brodsky denied this, chalking it up to imagination. As this was also the first album for the group, and they had only been together in face paint for a couple of years, they still had yet to perfect the look they would come to be known for later on, as evidenced in Simmons' rough appearance of the demon makeup, while noticeable as his, is not in the definitive form he has become known for since.

Album: Dynasty by KISS (1979)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Dynasty is the seventh studio album by American rock band Kiss. It was produced by Vini Poncia and released on Casablanca Records on May 23, 1979. Dynasty marked the first time that the original four members of Kiss did not all appear together for the entire album. In later interviews, the band admitted that they started to listen to outsiders about what direction the music should go around the time of Dynasty.
The album and the following tour, were billed as the "Return of Kiss". Kiss had not released a studio album since 1977's Love Gun. Instead, Kiss released their second live album and each member had recorded eponymous solo albums, which were simultaneously released on September 18, 1978.
After pre-production and rehearsals were completed, Vini Poncia (who had produced Peter Criss), decided that Criss' drumming was substandard, an opinion shared by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Criss by this time hindered by injuries suffered to his hands in a 1978 car accident. Kiss hired South African-born studio drummer Anton Fig, who played on Ace Frehley, to play on the Dynasty sessions. With the exception of his song, "Dirty Livin'", Peter Criss does not appear on the album, and he would not perform on another Kiss album until 1998's Psycho Circus. Anton Fig was again hired to replace Criss during recording sessions for the following album Unmasked. Eric Carr was hired as Criss' replacement before the tour for the album began.
Ace Frehley, who himself would depart the band about 18 months later, sings three songs on Dynasty, "Hard Times", "Save Your Love" and a cover of the Rolling Stones song "2000 Man". Although he had frequently sung backing vocals and had written the Kiss classics "Cold Gin" and "Parasite", Frehley had only debuted as a lead singer on his song "Shock Me" on Love Gun because he lacked confidence in his ability as a lead singer.
Paul Stanley's "I Was Made for Lovin' You" was a concerted effort to write a hit song in the vein of disco music, which was popular at the time. It was one of their biggest singles ever, peaking at #11 on the American singles chart. He also sang "Sure Know Something" and "Magic Touch". In contrast, Gene Simmons sings lead vocals on only two songs, "Charisma" and "X-Ray Eyes". The album cover is actually a collage of photos taken from the photo session, and not a group shot as it appears. Giorgio Moroder was originally scheduled to produce Dynasty. Escape from Hell was the subtitle of Dynasty's Japanese release.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1200000. Rating score: 6. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Dynasty is the seventh studio album by American rock band Kiss. It was produced by Vini Poncia and released on Casablanca Records on May 23, 1979. Dynasty marked the first time that the original four members of Kiss did not all appear together for the entire album. In later interviews, the band admitted that they started to listen to outsiders about what direction the music should go around the time of Dynasty.
The album and the following tour, were billed as the "Return of Kiss". Kiss had not released a studio album since 1977's Love Gun. Instead, Kiss released their second live album and each member had recorded eponymous solo albums, which were simultaneously released on September 18, 1978.
After pre-production and rehearsals were completed, Vini Poncia (who had produced Peter Criss), decided that Criss' drumming was substandard, an opinion shared by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Criss by this time hindered by injuries suffered to his hands in a 1978 car accident. Kiss hired South African-born studio drummer Anton Fig, who played on Ace Frehley, to play on the Dynasty sessions. With the exception of his song, "Dirty Livin'", Peter Criss does not appear on the album, and he would not perform on another Kiss album until 1998's Psycho Circus. Anton Fig was again hired to replace Criss during recording sessions for the following album Unmasked. Eric Carr was hired as Criss' replacement before the tour for the album began.
Ace Frehley, who himself would depart the band about 18 months later, sings three songs on Dynasty, "Hard Times", "Save Your Love" and a cover of the Rolling Stones song "2000 Man". Although he had frequently sung backing vocals and had written the Kiss classics "Cold Gin" and "Parasite", Frehley had only debuted as a lead singer on his song "Shock Me" on Love Gun because he lacked confidence in his ability as a lead singer.
Paul Stanley's "I Was Made for Lovin' You" was a concerted effort to write a hit song in the vein of disco music, which was popular at the time. It was one of their biggest singles ever, peaking at #11 on the American singles chart. He also sang "Sure Know Something" and "Magic Touch". In contrast, Gene Simmons sings lead vocals on only two songs, "Charisma" and "X-Ray Eyes". The album cover is actually a collage of photos taken from the photo session, and not a group shot as it appears. Giorgio Moroder was originally scheduled to produce Dynasty. Escape from Hell was the subtitle of Dynasty's Japanese release.

Album: Monster by KISS (2012)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Monster is the 20th studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on October 9, 2012. It was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA and The Nook in Studio City, Los Angeles. Monster was produced by Paul Stanley and co-produced by Greg Collins, as was 2009's Sonic Boom.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2010s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Monster is the 20th studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on October 9, 2012. It was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA and The Nook in Studio City, Los Angeles. Monster was produced by Paul Stanley and co-produced by Greg Collins, as was 2009's Sonic Boom.

Album: You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best! by KISS (1996)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! is a Live hits album released by American hard rock band Kiss. The album was issued to coincide with the group's 1996–97 Alive/Worldwide Tour. All of the songs on the album are live versions. Most were taken from Alive! or Alive II but four recordings had been previously unreleased. The liner notes report the tracks are outtakes from Alive! and Alive II-era recordings. The final track is an interview of the reunited group conducted by Jay Leno.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Compilation, Mercury Records


You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! is a Live hits album released by American hard rock band Kiss. The album was issued to coincide with the group's 1996–97 Alive/Worldwide Tour. All of the songs on the album are live versions. Most were taken from Alive! or Alive II but four recordings had been previously unreleased. The liner notes report the tracks are outtakes from Alive! and Alive II-era recordings. The final track is an interview of the reunited group conducted by Jay Leno.

Album: Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions by KISS (1997)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions is the 17th studio album from the rock band Kiss. Recorded and slated for release in late 1995/early 1996, Kiss cancelled its release when they embarked on the reunion tour with the original lineup. Fans located and circulated bootleg copies in fairly large numbers and Kiss finally released the album in 1997. The last track, "I Walk Alone", was the only lead vocal performance on a Kiss album by guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Two former members of Black 'N Blue co-wrote songs on this album; vocalist Jaime St. James co-wrote "In My Head", and guitarist and future Kiss member Tommy Thayer collaborated on "Childhood's End". Before Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley reunited with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, they recorded Carnival of Souls with guitarist Kulick and drummer Eric Singer. Once the reunion took off, Carnival of Souls was shelved.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions is the 17th studio album from the rock band Kiss. Recorded and slated for release in late 1995/early 1996, Kiss cancelled its release when they embarked on the reunion tour with the original lineup. Fans located and circulated bootleg copies in fairly large numbers and Kiss finally released the album in 1997. The last track, "I Walk Alone", was the only lead vocal performance on a Kiss album by guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Two former members of Black 'N Blue co-wrote songs on this album; vocalist Jaime St. James co-wrote "In My Head", and guitarist and future Kiss member Tommy Thayer collaborated on "Childhood's End". Before Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley reunited with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, they recorded Carnival of Souls with guitarist Kulick and drummer Eric Singer. Once the reunion took off, Carnival of Souls was shelved.

Album: Psycho Circus by KISS (1998)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Psycho Circus is the 18th studio album by American rock band Kiss. The album features the original four members back together and in full make-up. Some pressings featured a lenticular cover that alternates between a black Kiss logo and the album title with pictures of a clown and the band members, while the Japan initial first pressing featured a pop-up cover which had 3 foam spring-loaded panels of a clown face and 2 others with band members faces that popped out when the doors were opened. The track "You Wanted the Best" is the only Kiss song in which lead vocals are shared by the entire lineup.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 500900. Available on Discogs marketplace


Psycho Circus is the 18th studio album by American rock band Kiss. The album features the original four members back together and in full make-up. Some pressings featured a lenticular cover that alternates between a black Kiss logo and the album title with pictures of a clown and the band members, while the Japan initial first pressing featured a pop-up cover which had 3 foam spring-loaded panels of a clown face and 2 others with band members faces that popped out when the doors were opened. The track "You Wanted the Best" is the only Kiss song in which lead vocals are shared by the entire lineup.

Album: MTV Unplugged by KISS (1996)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Live

Description: Kiss Unplugged is an MTV Unplugged album by American rock band Kiss. On August 9, 1995, the band performed on MTV Unplugged in what is considered to be the beginning of the Kiss Reunion Tour. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons contacted former members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley and invited them to participate in the event. Fan reaction to Criss and Frehley at the Unplugged show was so positive that, in 1996, the original lineup of Kiss reunited, with all four original members together for the first time since 1980.
It marked the only time the original lineup performed publicly without their trademark makeup, and was also the only time Frehley and Criss shared a stage with Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick. It was the first time Singer had part of a lead vocal on an album (shared with Criss on "Nothin' to Lose"). On March 12, 1996, the concert was released on CD, and on the Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 DVD set, which was released December 18, 2007. This included the original DVD release of the concert plus five previously unreleased songs: "Hard Luck Woman" (with Stanley on vocals), "Heaven's on Fire", "Spit", "C'mon and Love Me", and the infamous country version of "God of Thunder". The LP version of the album includes a poster and some were pressed on yellow marbled vinyl.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Live, Mercury Records


Kiss Unplugged is an MTV Unplugged album by American rock band Kiss. On August 9, 1995, the band performed on MTV Unplugged in what is considered to be the beginning of the Kiss Reunion Tour. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons contacted former members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley and invited them to participate in the event. Fan reaction to Criss and Frehley at the Unplugged show was so positive that, in 1996, the original lineup of Kiss reunited, with all four original members together for the first time since 1980.
It marked the only time the original lineup performed publicly without their trademark makeup, and was also the only time Frehley and Criss shared a stage with Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick. It was the first time Singer had part of a lead vocal on an album (shared with Criss on "Nothin' to Lose"). On March 12, 1996, the concert was released on CD, and on the Kissology Volume Three: 1992–2000 DVD set, which was released December 18, 2007. This included the original DVD release of the concert plus five previously unreleased songs: "Hard Luck Woman" (with Stanley on vocals), "Heaven's on Fire", "Spit", "C'mon and Love Me", and the infamous country version of "God of Thunder". The LP version of the album includes a poster and some were pressed on yellow marbled vinyl.

Album: Alive III by KISS (1993)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Live

Description: Though it was recorded on the tour following the band's strongest album in a decade (Revenge), Alive III in no way measures up to its legendary live predecessors. In fact, only hardcore Kiss fanatics will need to hear updated versions of "Detroit Rock City," "Deuce," and "Rock and Roll All Nite," or throwaway renditions of rare '80s highlights such as "Lick It Up" and "Heaven's on Fire." An excellent version of the band's disco hit "I Was Made for Lovin' You" aside, the few highlights include "Domino," "I Still Love You," and "I Love It Loud." Ironically, this album did mark the end of an era for Kiss, which resurrected its classic lineup and makeup for a hugely successful tour soon after. 

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Live, Mercury Records


Though it was recorded on the tour following the band's strongest album in a decade (Revenge), Alive III in no way measures up to its legendary live predecessors. In fact, only hardcore Kiss fanatics will need to hear updated versions of "Detroit Rock City," "Deuce," and "Rock and Roll All Nite," or throwaway renditions of rare '80s highlights such as "Lick It Up" and "Heaven's on Fire." An excellent version of the band's disco hit "I Was Made for Lovin' You" aside, the few highlights include "Domino," "I Still Love You," and "I Love It Loud." Ironically, this album did mark the end of an era for Kiss, which resurrected its classic lineup and makeup for a hugely successful tour soon after. 

Album: Smashes, Thrashes & Hits by KISS (1988)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Phonogram
Format: Compilation

Description: Smashes, Thrashes & Hits is a greatest hits album by the American hard rock band Kiss. It was the third hits album overall but the second album released by the band in the United States (Killers was not released in the United States originally). Of the 15 songs on the album, two were new compositions and three were released after the band's unmasking in 1983. The remaining ten were all released during the band's years in makeup.
The two new songs on Smashes, Thrashes & Hits were "Let's Put The X In Sex" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard," which feature a similar polished production style as 1987's Crazy Nights. They were both produced and co-written by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, and were accompanied by videos that received moderate airplay on MTV. Nearly all of the songs recorded by the band's original lineup were altered in one way or another. "Beth," was re-recorded with lead vocals by drummer Eric Carr, who had replaced the original drummer Peter Criss in 1980. It was Carr's first lead vocal on a Kiss album.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Compilation, Phonogram


Smashes, Thrashes & Hits is a greatest hits album by the American hard rock band Kiss. It was the third hits album overall but the second album released by the band in the United States (Killers was not released in the United States originally). Of the 15 songs on the album, two were new compositions and three were released after the band's unmasking in 1983. The remaining ten were all released during the band's years in makeup.
The two new songs on Smashes, Thrashes & Hits were "Let's Put The X In Sex" and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard," which feature a similar polished production style as 1987's Crazy Nights. They were both produced and co-written by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, and were accompanied by videos that received moderate airplay on MTV. Nearly all of the songs recorded by the band's original lineup were altered in one way or another. "Beth," was re-recorded with lead vocals by drummer Eric Carr, who had replaced the original drummer Peter Criss in 1980. It was Carr's first lead vocal on a Kiss album.

Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS, Volume 2 by KISS (2004)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS, Volume 2 is the only Kiss compilation album to cover their material from the 1980s. It compiles the period from late 1982–89, skipping material from 1980's Unmasked and 1981's Music from "The Elder".

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS, Volume 2 is the only Kiss compilation album to cover their material from the 1980s. It compiles the period from late 1982–89, skipping material from 1980's Unmasked and 1981's Music from "The Elder".

Album: Sonic Boom by KISS (2009)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Sonic Boom is the 19th studio album and the first in 11 years from the rock band Kiss, released on October 6, 2009. The album was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA and produced by Paul Stanley and co-produced by Greg Collins. The album was the first to be released under the new line up consisting of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. Stanley said about the album, "The purpose of this album isn't to let people know that we're still around - it's to let people know we can still knock out anybody who's out there!".
A fan routed North American tour promoted the album along with international shows throughout 2010, which included the band headlining the Rock am Ring festival in Germany. The cover artwork was created by artist Michael Doret who has worked with Kiss previously to create the cover of their 1976 album Rock and Roll Over. Wal-Mart is the exclusive distributor of the album in the US and Canada, selling it as a three disc package including the album, Kiss Klassics (a completely re-recorded greatest hits album exclusively released in Japan as Jigoku-Retsuden), and a six song live DVD recorded April 5, 2009 in Buenos Aires, Argentina as part of the South American leg of the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour.
The album was sold as a digipak including a 20 page booklet. The album's first single was announced on the band's official website to be "Modern Day Delilah". The album was also released on limited edition 180 gram vinyl and was pressed into five colors (red, green, black, blue and purple) with 1000 copies pressed of each. "Modern Day Delilah" was announced and released as the lead single from Sonic Boom on August 19, 2009 to radio. It was Kiss' first single release in 11 years, the last being "You Wanted the Best" released in 1998. Due to early previews of the album, the song gained positive feedback from both critics and fans, and has been compared to the band's '70s work.
The music video for "Modern Day Delilah" leaked online on the first days of December and was officially released on December 9, 2009 and premiered on Yahoo!. The video is topped and tailed by footage of giant sized members of Kiss walking through Detroit. The video went on to top UK music video channel Scuzz's "Most Rockin: Viewer Request Show" chart on December 3, 2009. The single was released as downloadable content for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero on November 19, 2009 along with the singles "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and "Lick It Up". Modern Day Delilah peaked at #50 on the Billboard Rock songs chart. The song was used for their opening song for the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour and The Hottest Show on Earth Tour.
"Say Yeah" was added to the shows on the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour roughly halfway through the fifth leg. Later on, it was mentioned during Kiss' Facebook concert broadcast that "Say Yeah" was going to be the next single off Sonic Boom. On December 5, it was announced that the single would be released to radios on December 8. The single was released on the second week of January 2010 in Argentina. "Say Yeah" also hit #1 on February 5, 2010 on a Russian Radio Chart after debuting at #11. "Never Enough" was released as the next radio single from Sonic Boom in early June 2010 and was mentioned on KISSonline.com. The song was not incorporated into the band's setlist on its 2010 Summer Tour of the US and Canada.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 294000. Available on Discogs marketplace


Sonic Boom is the 19th studio album and the first in 11 years from the rock band Kiss, released on October 6, 2009. The album was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA and produced by Paul Stanley and co-produced by Greg Collins. The album was the first to be released under the new line up consisting of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. Stanley said about the album, "The purpose of this album isn't to let people know that we're still around - it's to let people know we can still knock out anybody who's out there!".
A fan routed North American tour promoted the album along with international shows throughout 2010, which included the band headlining the Rock am Ring festival in Germany. The cover artwork was created by artist Michael Doret who has worked with Kiss previously to create the cover of their 1976 album Rock and Roll Over. Wal-Mart is the exclusive distributor of the album in the US and Canada, selling it as a three disc package including the album, Kiss Klassics (a completely re-recorded greatest hits album exclusively released in Japan as Jigoku-Retsuden), and a six song live DVD recorded April 5, 2009 in Buenos Aires, Argentina as part of the South American leg of the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour.
The album was sold as a digipak including a 20 page booklet. The album's first single was announced on the band's official website to be "Modern Day Delilah". The album was also released on limited edition 180 gram vinyl and was pressed into five colors (red, green, black, blue and purple) with 1000 copies pressed of each. "Modern Day Delilah" was announced and released as the lead single from Sonic Boom on August 19, 2009 to radio. It was Kiss' first single release in 11 years, the last being "You Wanted the Best" released in 1998. Due to early previews of the album, the song gained positive feedback from both critics and fans, and has been compared to the band's '70s work.
The music video for "Modern Day Delilah" leaked online on the first days of December and was officially released on December 9, 2009 and premiered on Yahoo!. The video is topped and tailed by footage of giant sized members of Kiss walking through Detroit. The video went on to top UK music video channel Scuzz's "Most Rockin: Viewer Request Show" chart on December 3, 2009. The single was released as downloadable content for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero on November 19, 2009 along with the singles "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and "Lick It Up". Modern Day Delilah peaked at #50 on the Billboard Rock songs chart. The song was used for their opening song for the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour and The Hottest Show on Earth Tour.
"Say Yeah" was added to the shows on the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour roughly halfway through the fifth leg. Later on, it was mentioned during Kiss' Facebook concert broadcast that "Say Yeah" was going to be the next single off Sonic Boom. On December 5, it was announced that the single would be released to radios on December 8. The single was released on the second week of January 2010 in Argentina. "Say Yeah" also hit #1 on February 5, 2010 on a Russian Radio Chart after debuting at #11. "Never Enough" was released as the next radio single from Sonic Boom in early June 2010 and was mentioned on KISSonline.com. The song was not incorporated into the band's setlist on its 2010 Summer Tour of the US and Canada.

Album: Animalize by KISS (1984)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Animalize is the 12th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. Gene Simmons was pursuing a career in acting at the time and Paul Stanley was primarily in charge of the production and direction of Animalize. The album marked the only appearance by lead guitarist Mark St. John, who replaced Vinnie Vincent in April 1984. St. John stated that when recording the record, he had utilized his Rockman gear, and that heavy equalization was used to take the "Boston" sound out of the recording.[citation needed]
St-John was forced to leave Kiss during the subsequent tour after being diagnosed with Reiter's Syndrome. By November 1984 he was out of the band, the third lead guitarist to exit the band in two years. When asked what 'Animalize' meant, Stanley said that people were starting to become more like computers - and that "making music by pressing buttons" was no fun.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1125000. Available on Discogs marketplace


Animalize is the 12th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. Gene Simmons was pursuing a career in acting at the time and Paul Stanley was primarily in charge of the production and direction of Animalize. The album marked the only appearance by lead guitarist Mark St. John, who replaced Vinnie Vincent in April 1984. St. John stated that when recording the record, he had utilized his Rockman gear, and that heavy equalization was used to take the "Boston" sound out of the recording.[citation needed]
St-John was forced to leave Kiss during the subsequent tour after being diagnosed with Reiter's Syndrome. By November 1984 he was out of the band, the third lead guitarist to exit the band in two years. When asked what 'Animalize' meant, Stanley said that people were starting to become more like computers - and that "making music by pressing buttons" was no fun.

Album: Alive: The Millennium Concert by KISS (2006)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Live

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Live, Mercury Records


Album: Hotter Than Hell by KISS (1974)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Hotter Than Hell is the second studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on October 22, 1974. It was certified Gold on June 23, 1977, having shipped 500,000 copies. The album was re-released in 1997 in a remastered version. It peaked on the charts at #100, without the benefit of a hit single. Many of the album's songs are live staples for the band, including "Got to Choose", "Parasite", "Hotter Than Hell", "Let Me Go, Rock & Roll", and "Watchin' You".

The production team of Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, who had produced the group's first album, was chosen for the follow-up. Since the pair had relocated to Los Angeles, Kiss moved there to work with them. The band who are all from New York, immediately developed a dislike for their new surroundings. Paul Stanley's guitar was stolen on his first day in Los Angeles. The working title for the album was The Harder They Come. Although the album featured three songs penned by lead guitarist Ace Frehley, he did not sing lead vocals on any of them; his lack of confidence in his singing abilities at the time led to lead vocal duties for "Parasite" and "Strange Ways" going to Gene Simmons and Peter Criss, respectively. Frehley's guitar solo on "Strange Ways" has been referred to as one of his best.

The album is well known for its striking cover. The front featured Japanese manga-influenced artwork, and the back cover showed individual band shots taken by Norman Seeff at a wild party, and a composite of all four band members' makeup designs.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Hotter Than Hell is the second studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on October 22, 1974. It was certified Gold on June 23, 1977, having shipped 500,000 copies. The album was re-released in 1997 in a remastered version. It peaked on the charts at #100, without the benefit of a hit single. Many of the album's songs are live staples for the band, including "Got to Choose", "Parasite", "Hotter Than Hell", "Let Me Go, Rock & Roll", and "Watchin' You".

The production team of Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, who had produced the group's first album, was chosen for the follow-up. Since the pair had relocated to Los Angeles, Kiss moved there to work with them. The band who are all from New York, immediately developed a dislike for their new surroundings. Paul Stanley's guitar was stolen on his first day in Los Angeles. The working title for the album was The Harder They Come. Although the album featured three songs penned by lead guitarist Ace Frehley, he did not sing lead vocals on any of them; his lack of confidence in his singing abilities at the time led to lead vocal duties for "Parasite" and "Strange Ways" going to Gene Simmons and Peter Criss, respectively. Frehley's guitar solo on "Strange Ways" has been referred to as one of his best.

The album is well known for its striking cover. The front featured Japanese manga-influenced artwork, and the back cover showed individual band shots taken by Norman Seeff at a wild party, and a composite of all four band members' makeup designs.

Album: Killers by KISS (1982)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Compilation

Description: Killers is the second compilation album by American hard rock group Kiss. The album was released only outside the United States, but quickly became available as an import. Of the twelve songs on Killers, four were new compositions recorded specifically for the album. These new songs were recorded at the behest of Phonogram Records, in response to the commercial failure of 1981's Music from "The Elder".

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Compilation, Casablanca Records


Killers is the second compilation album by American hard rock group Kiss. The album was released only outside the United States, but quickly became available as an import. Of the twelve songs on Killers, four were new compositions recorded specifically for the album. These new songs were recorded at the behest of Phonogram Records, in response to the commercial failure of 1981's Music from "The Elder".

Album: The Best of Solo-Albums by KISS (1978)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Compilation, Casablanca Records


Album: Greatest Hits by KISS (1997)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Compilation, Mercury Records


Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of KISS by KISS (2003)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss released by Universal Music as part of their 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection series, is an album that collects early material by the American rock band Kiss from 1974 to 1979.
This collection was later re-released in 2010 as Icon, as part of Universal Music's Icon series. This album has been certified Gold, the band's 30th gold album.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kiss released by Universal Music as part of their 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection series, is an album that collects early material by the American rock band Kiss from 1974 to 1979.
This collection was later re-released in 2010 as Icon, as part of Universal Music's Icon series. This album has been certified Gold, the band's 30th gold album.

Album: KISSWORLD: The Best of KISS by KISS (2017)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Format: Compilation

Description: “KISSWORLD – The Best OF KISS” brings 20 of their best loved tracks together on one album. Iconic fan favourites such as “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”, “Rock And Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City” alongside top 5 UK chart hits “Crazy Crazy Nights” and “God Gave Rock ‘N’ To You II” on one huge collection.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2010s, Compilation

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes


“KISSWORLD – The Best OF KISS” brings 20 of their best loved tracks together on one album. Iconic fan favourites such as “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”, “Rock And Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City” alongside top 5 UK chart hits “Crazy Crazy Nights” and “God Gave Rock ‘N’ To You II” on one huge collection.

Album: Ikons by KISS (2008)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: Ikons (stylized as IKONS) is a four-CD box set compilation album featuring material recorded by the American hard rock band Kiss. It was released in 2008 by Universal Music Group.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Mercury Records


Ikons (stylized as IKONS) is a four-CD box set compilation album featuring material recorded by the American hard rock band Kiss. It was released in 2008 by Universal Music Group.

Album: Dressed to Kill by KISS (1975)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Dressed to Kill is the third studio album by American hard rock band Kiss, released in 1975. It was produced by Casablanca Records president Neil Bogart, as the financial situation of the label at the time did not allow the hiring of a professional producer.
Dressed to Kill was re-released in 1997 in a remastered version. Possibly due to the short length of the album, original vinyl versions had long pauses between each track to create the illusion that the sides were longer than they were. Each side ran just 15 minutes, and some of the times of the songs were incorrect on the vinyl versions. For example, "Two Timer" was listed at 2:59 and "Ladies in Waiting" was listed at 2:47.
While the album cover depicts Kiss in business suits, the only member of the band who actually owned one was Peter Criss. The suits worn on the cover by the rest of the band were owned by manager Bill Aucoin. The original vinyl release of the album also had the Kiss logo embossed around the picture.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Dressed to Kill is the third studio album by American hard rock band Kiss, released in 1975. It was produced by Casablanca Records president Neil Bogart, as the financial situation of the label at the time did not allow the hiring of a professional producer.
Dressed to Kill was re-released in 1997 in a remastered version. Possibly due to the short length of the album, original vinyl versions had long pauses between each track to create the illusion that the sides were longer than they were. Each side ran just 15 minutes, and some of the times of the songs were incorrect on the vinyl versions. For example, "Two Timer" was listed at 2:59 and "Ladies in Waiting" was listed at 2:47.
While the album cover depicts Kiss in business suits, the only member of the band who actually owned one was Peter Criss. The suits worn on the cover by the rest of the band were owned by manager Bill Aucoin. The original vinyl release of the album also had the Kiss logo embossed around the picture.

Album: Rock and Roll Over by KISS (1976)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Rock and Roll Over is the fifth studio album by Kiss. The album was recorded at the Star Theatre, and in order to get the proper drum sound, Peter Criss recorded the drum tracks in a bathroom, communicating via video-link with the rest of the band. Criss's vocals are featured on the tracks "Baby Driver" and "Hard Luck Woman". Paul Stanley, who originally wanted the latter song to be sung by Rod Stewart, gave it to Criss, after Gene Simmons insisted Criss sing the song instead.
Although "Hard Luck Woman" did not equal the success of "Beth", it did become another Top 20 single for the group. "Calling Dr. Love" would go on to become a concert staple, being played on just about every tour since the album's release. The cover artwork was created by artist Michael Doret who worked with Kiss again on their 2009 album Sonic Boom.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 1000000. Available on Discogs marketplace


Rock and Roll Over is the fifth studio album by Kiss. The album was recorded at the Star Theatre, and in order to get the proper drum sound, Peter Criss recorded the drum tracks in a bathroom, communicating via video-link with the rest of the band. Criss's vocals are featured on the tracks "Baby Driver" and "Hard Luck Woman". Paul Stanley, who originally wanted the latter song to be sung by Rod Stewart, gave it to Criss, after Gene Simmons insisted Criss sing the song instead.
Although "Hard Luck Woman" did not equal the success of "Beth", it did become another Top 20 single for the group. "Calling Dr. Love" would go on to become a concert staple, being played on just about every tour since the album's release. The cover artwork was created by artist Michael Doret who worked with Kiss again on their 2009 album Sonic Boom.

Album: The Very Best of Kiss by KISS (2002)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Description: The Very Best of Kiss is a compilation album by the American rock band Kiss. It was released on August 27, 2002. It contains 21 of the most popular Kiss tracks, all previously released.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Compilation, Mercury Records


The Very Best of Kiss is a compilation album by the American rock band Kiss. It was released on August 27, 2002. It contains 21 of the most popular Kiss tracks, all previously released.

Album: Alive! by KISS (1975)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Metal | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Live

Description: Alive! is the first live album, and fourth overall, by American hard rock band Kiss. It is considered to be their breakthrough and a landmark for live albums.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Metal, Epic, 1970s, Live, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Alive! is the first live album, and fourth overall, by American hard rock band Kiss. It is considered to be their breakthrough and a landmark for live albums.

Album: Alive Ⅱ by KISS (1977)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Live

Description: Alive II is the second live album (and eighth overall) by American hard rock/heavy metal band Kiss, released in 1977. The band had released three albums (Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over, and Love Gun) since the previous live outing, the seminal 1975 release Alive!, and the band drew upon the variety of new tracks, with Eddie Kramer producing.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Live, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Alive II is the second live album (and eighth overall) by American hard rock/heavy metal band Kiss, released in 1977. The band had released three albums (Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over, and Love Gun) since the previous live outing, the seminal 1975 release Alive!, and the band drew upon the variety of new tracks, with Eddie Kramer producing.

Album: Unreleased Kisses by KISS
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, Compilation, Mercury Records


Album: Destroyer by KISS (1976)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Destroyer is the fourth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on March 15, 1976 in the US. It was the third successive Kiss album to reach the top 40 in the US, as well as the first to chart in Germany and New Zealand. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976, and platinum on November 11 of the same year, the first Kiss album to achieve platinum.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 500000. Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Destroyer is the fourth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on March 15, 1976 in the US. It was the third successive Kiss album to reach the top 40 in the US, as well as the first to chart in Germany and New Zealand. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976, and platinum on November 11 of the same year, the first Kiss album to achieve platinum.

Album: Unmasked by KISS (1980)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Unmasked is the eighth studio album by American hard rock band Kiss, released in 1980. It was the last studio album to feature the original lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss until the band reunited. Criss actually had no involvement with the recording of the album; Anton Fig (uncredited) played all the drums on the album.
The band filmed a promotional video for "Shandi" with Criss. It was the last time Criss appeared with Kiss until he performed with them at a Kiss Convention on June 17, 1995. In the band's authorized biography, he revealed that he was the last one left in the band's dressing room after filming and broke down crying. A lip-synched German television performance of "Talk to Me" and "She's So European" featured the debut of Eric Carr, who became the band's permanent drummer until his death in 1991. The band would play a concert at the Palladium Theatre in New York to officially introduce Carr as Criss' permanent replacement in the band.
The album features substantial songwriting contributions from Vini Poncia, who had previously been Ringo Starr's post-Beatles songwriting partner. The album marked the first time Kiss had used the contributions of outside songwriters to such a large extent, as all but the two Ace Frehley contributions were written or co-written by someone outside the band.
The album's songs have been largely ignored on live performances, with the exception of "Shandi", which is sometimes played in the band's shows, particularly in Australia (where the song became a top 10 hit in 1980). "Talk to Me" was played in 2001 during the Australian and Japanese concerts of the "Farewell Tour", and has not been performed again since the departure of Frehley.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 550000. Rating score: 10. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Unmasked is the eighth studio album by American hard rock band Kiss, released in 1980. It was the last studio album to feature the original lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss until the band reunited. Criss actually had no involvement with the recording of the album; Anton Fig (uncredited) played all the drums on the album.
The band filmed a promotional video for "Shandi" with Criss. It was the last time Criss appeared with Kiss until he performed with them at a Kiss Convention on June 17, 1995. In the band's authorized biography, he revealed that he was the last one left in the band's dressing room after filming and broke down crying. A lip-synched German television performance of "Talk to Me" and "She's So European" featured the debut of Eric Carr, who became the band's permanent drummer until his death in 1991. The band would play a concert at the Palladium Theatre in New York to officially introduce Carr as Criss' permanent replacement in the band.
The album features substantial songwriting contributions from Vini Poncia, who had previously been Ringo Starr's post-Beatles songwriting partner. The album marked the first time Kiss had used the contributions of outside songwriters to such a large extent, as all but the two Ace Frehley contributions were written or co-written by someone outside the band.
The album's songs have been largely ignored on live performances, with the exception of "Shandi", which is sometimes played in the band's shows, particularly in Australia (where the song became a top 10 hit in 1980). "Talk to Me" was played in 2001 during the Australian and Japanese concerts of the "Farewell Tour", and has not been performed again since the departure of Frehley.

Album: Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 by KISS (2006)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Live

Description: Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 is a collection of live recordings from American hard rock band Kiss. It was released by Universal Music on November 21, 2006. The Millennium Concert (recorded on December 31, 1999 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada) was originally to be released as Alive IV in 2000 but because Kiss' parent label Mercury was swallowed by the Universal/Vivendi merger, Alive IV was shelved.
Universal later agreed to Kiss using Mercury to release what would become The Millennium Concert as Alive IV, but then it was shelved indefinitely and the band would release the Symphony: Alive IV album released on Kiss Records/Sanctuary Records in 2003. The 72-page booklet that comes with the set mistakenly credits songwriting for "Cold Gin" to Paul Stanley instead of Ace Frehley.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 2000s, Live, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Rating score: 10. Based on 1 votes


Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 is a collection of live recordings from American hard rock band Kiss. It was released by Universal Music on November 21, 2006. The Millennium Concert (recorded on December 31, 1999 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada) was originally to be released as Alive IV in 2000 but because Kiss' parent label Mercury was swallowed by the Universal/Vivendi merger, Alive IV was shelved.
Universal later agreed to Kiss using Mercury to release what would become The Millennium Concert as Alive IV, but then it was shelved indefinitely and the band would release the Symphony: Alive IV album released on Kiss Records/Sanctuary Records in 2003. The 72-page booklet that comes with the set mistakenly credits songwriting for "Cold Gin" to Paul Stanley instead of Ace Frehley.

Album: Creatures of the Night by KISS (1982)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Creatures of the Night is the tenth studio album by Kiss. It is the band's last album for Casablanca Records, the only label the group had ever recorded for at that point. The album was dedicated to the memory of Casablanca founder and early Kiss supporter Neil Bogart, who had died of cancer during the recording sessions. It is also the band's last album recorded with Ace Frehley credited as an official member (until 1998's Psycho Circus), and its first album with Vinnie Vincent as the initially uncredited lead guitarist (Vincent would later be credited, but not featured pictorially on the cover, of 1985's reissue of the album).
By the time of Creatures of the Night, Ace Frehley had already departed the band but their contract obligated Kiss to feature him on the album's cover regardless. Frehley had no musical involvement with the recording of the album. This is also the last album in the band's original make-up era before unmasking in 1983.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Sales figures: 600000. Available on Discogs marketplace


Creatures of the Night is the tenth studio album by Kiss. It is the band's last album for Casablanca Records, the only label the group had ever recorded for at that point. The album was dedicated to the memory of Casablanca founder and early Kiss supporter Neil Bogart, who had died of cancer during the recording sessions. It is also the band's last album recorded with Ace Frehley credited as an official member (until 1998's Psycho Circus), and its first album with Vinnie Vincent as the initially uncredited lead guitarist (Vincent would later be credited, but not featured pictorially on the cover, of 1985's reissue of the album).
By the time of Creatures of the Night, Ace Frehley had already departed the band but their contract obligated Kiss to feature him on the album's cover regardless. Frehley had no musical involvement with the recording of the album. This is also the last album in the band's original make-up era before unmasking in 1983.

Album: Double Platinum by KISS (1978)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Compilation

Description: Double Platinum is the first greatest hits album by the American hard rock band Kiss, released in 1978.
Many the songs on Double Platinum were remixed and differ from their original versions: in the case of "Strutter," it was re-recorded with a slight disco beat and dubbed as "Strutter '78." Other songs ("Hard Luck Woman," "Detroit Rock City") had sections completely removed, while the beginning of "Black Diamond" was repeated at the end, fading out at the start of the first verse and giving the song a "wrap around" feel. The overall sound of the album is slightly flat and compressed, to give a similar sound to the varying productions of each track which are taken from the albums between the years 1974 up to 1977.
The Japanese single release of "Strutter '78" includes a different version to that on the album: faster and shorter, with an altered guitar solo, plus a more prominent hi-hat (cymbal) sound throughout.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1970s, Compilation, Casablanca Records


Double Platinum is the first greatest hits album by the American hard rock band Kiss, released in 1978.
Many the songs on Double Platinum were remixed and differ from their original versions: in the case of "Strutter," it was re-recorded with a slight disco beat and dubbed as "Strutter '78." Other songs ("Hard Luck Woman," "Detroit Rock City") had sections completely removed, while the beginning of "Black Diamond" was repeated at the end, fading out at the start of the first verse and giving the song a "wrap around" feel. The overall sound of the album is slightly flat and compressed, to give a similar sound to the varying productions of each track which are taken from the albums between the years 1974 up to 1977.
The Japanese single release of "Strutter '78" includes a different version to that on the album: faster and shorter, with an altered guitar solo, plus a more prominent hi-hat (cymbal) sound throughout.

Album: Music From "The Elder" by KISS (1981)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Casablanca Records
Format: Album

Description: Music from "The Elder" is the ninth studio album released by the American rock band Kiss. Album sales were so poor that Kiss did not embark on a supporting tour for the first time in its eight-year history, opting instead to make a handful of promotional appearances. Music from "The Elder" was the last Kiss album on which Ace Frehley appeared until the 1996 Reunion Tour. Frehley, disgruntled with the band's creative direction and production of Bob Ezrin, stopped actively participating in the Kiss operation by early 1982, and officially quit the group by November that year.
While "A World Without Heroes" was later performed on the band's 1995 MTV Unplugged appearance, the entire album has been largely ignored in live performances. During a 2004 Australia show, the band attempted to perform "I", but Gene Simmons had long forgotten the lyrics. Short performances of "I ", "Mr. Blackwell", and "Just a Boy", were played on the 2011 Kiss Kruise.
Kiss was in the midst of a transitional phase as the 1980s began. Drummer Peter Criss, who was not involved in the recording of 1980's Unmasked, officially left Kiss in May 1980. His replacement Eric Carr was officially introduced in July. The group had recently embarked on a hugely successful tour of Australia and New Zealand (where the group's popularity was at its peak) in November, but the band's commercial fortunes at home were drastically reduced from the 1975-79 era. Due to the lackluster sales of Unmasked, Kiss toured exclusively outside the United States for the first time in their career, except for one concert at the Palladium Theatre in New York. The overseas tours were well-attended, partly because Kiss had rarely ventured abroad and because the more pop-oriented Dynasty and Unmasked albums did better in the European markets than their earlier hard rock albums.
This commercial downturn is attributable to many factors, two of the biggest being the softening of Kiss's image in an effort to appeal to a broader fan base, and the softening of their music. Unmasked was a decidedly more pop-oriented effort than earlier albums, and represented a sales drop-off of 65% from 1979's Dynasty. It also became the first Kiss album to fail to achieve platinum status since 1975's Dressed to Kill. The glut of Kiss merchandising that had cropped up in the late 1970s led to a backlash from fans, who felt that Kiss was then more concerned with making money than with making good music.
In an effort to return to their hard rock roots, Kiss began recording music more akin to the hard rock style that launched them to popularity in the mid-1970s. The fall 1980 issue of the Kiss Army Newsletter hinted at the style the new album was to take — "It will be hard and heavy from start to finish—straight-on rock and roll that will knock your socks off." But at the same time, Simmons, Paul Stanley and creative manager Bill Aucoin felt that just returning to a harder sound was not enough. They believed that only a bold artistic statement would regenerate public interest in Kiss. To that end, they enlisted producer Bob Ezrin to work with the group, who in turn daringly employed members from the American Symphony Orchestra and St. Robert's Choir to record tracks for the album. Ezrin had worked with the group before, producing the group's hit 1976 album Destroyer. He had also co-produced Pink Floyd's landmark 1979 concept album The Wall. Simmons, Stanley and Aucoin felt that Ezrin could help bring their ambitions to fruition.
The original vinyl release was a gatefold sleeve. For the first time, a Kiss album featured no image of the group, let alone the customary front-cover appearance. According to one story, the hand reaching for the door-knocker is not that of Stanley: Aucoin has stated that it belongs to a hand-model, hired for the shoot. However, in 2011 a photo surfaced from the album cover shoot showing a partially naked-faced Stanley with his hand on the door knocker. The door itself belongs to the Park Ave United Methodist church on Park Avenue, New York City. The photo session displayed a change of image: the costumes were more streamlined, especially when compared with the costumes for Unmasked, as were the hairstyles of Stanley and Simmons in particular.
Recording sessions for the album commenced in March 1981. Sessions were held in Toronto, New York City, and Frehley's home recording studio in Wilton, Connecticut. During the recording, Ezrin and Kiss worked in complete secrecy. Ezrin in particular had insisted that he would only communicate with Kiss or Aucoin. No one other than Ezrin and Kiss ever heard the album in progress. Frehley became increasingly frustrated during the sessions, as he disagreed with the band's decision to abandon their original plan to record a straight rock album. Additionally, a number of guitar solos Frehley recorded were not included in the final cut. But as had happened frequently after Criss's departure one year earlier, Frehley was often outvoted 2-1 on band decisions. Carr was not a partner in Kiss as the other three members were, but rather an employee. Frehley also resented what he felt was Simmons and Stanley's domination of the recording sessions.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Casablanca Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Music from "The Elder" is the ninth studio album released by the American rock band Kiss. Album sales were so poor that Kiss did not embark on a supporting tour for the first time in its eight-year history, opting instead to make a handful of promotional appearances. Music from "The Elder" was the last Kiss album on which Ace Frehley appeared until the 1996 Reunion Tour. Frehley, disgruntled with the band's creative direction and production of Bob Ezrin, stopped actively participating in the Kiss operation by early 1982, and officially quit the group by November that year.
While "A World Without Heroes" was later performed on the band's 1995 MTV Unplugged appearance, the entire album has been largely ignored in live performances. During a 2004 Australia show, the band attempted to perform "I", but Gene Simmons had long forgotten the lyrics. Short performances of "I ", "Mr. Blackwell", and "Just a Boy", were played on the 2011 Kiss Kruise.
Kiss was in the midst of a transitional phase as the 1980s began. Drummer Peter Criss, who was not involved in the recording of 1980's Unmasked, officially left Kiss in May 1980. His replacement Eric Carr was officially introduced in July. The group had recently embarked on a hugely successful tour of Australia and New Zealand (where the group's popularity was at its peak) in November, but the band's commercial fortunes at home were drastically reduced from the 1975-79 era. Due to the lackluster sales of Unmasked, Kiss toured exclusively outside the United States for the first time in their career, except for one concert at the Palladium Theatre in New York. The overseas tours were well-attended, partly because Kiss had rarely ventured abroad and because the more pop-oriented Dynasty and Unmasked albums did better in the European markets than their earlier hard rock albums.
This commercial downturn is attributable to many factors, two of the biggest being the softening of Kiss's image in an effort to appeal to a broader fan base, and the softening of their music. Unmasked was a decidedly more pop-oriented effort than earlier albums, and represented a sales drop-off of 65% from 1979's Dynasty. It also became the first Kiss album to fail to achieve platinum status since 1975's Dressed to Kill. The glut of Kiss merchandising that had cropped up in the late 1970s led to a backlash from fans, who felt that Kiss was then more concerned with making money than with making good music.
In an effort to return to their hard rock roots, Kiss began recording music more akin to the hard rock style that launched them to popularity in the mid-1970s. The fall 1980 issue of the Kiss Army Newsletter hinted at the style the new album was to take — "It will be hard and heavy from start to finish—straight-on rock and roll that will knock your socks off." But at the same time, Simmons, Paul Stanley and creative manager Bill Aucoin felt that just returning to a harder sound was not enough. They believed that only a bold artistic statement would regenerate public interest in Kiss. To that end, they enlisted producer Bob Ezrin to work with the group, who in turn daringly employed members from the American Symphony Orchestra and St. Robert's Choir to record tracks for the album. Ezrin had worked with the group before, producing the group's hit 1976 album Destroyer. He had also co-produced Pink Floyd's landmark 1979 concept album The Wall. Simmons, Stanley and Aucoin felt that Ezrin could help bring their ambitions to fruition.
The original vinyl release was a gatefold sleeve. For the first time, a Kiss album featured no image of the group, let alone the customary front-cover appearance. According to one story, the hand reaching for the door-knocker is not that of Stanley: Aucoin has stated that it belongs to a hand-model, hired for the shoot. However, in 2011 a photo surfaced from the album cover shoot showing a partially naked-faced Stanley with his hand on the door knocker. The door itself belongs to the Park Ave United Methodist church on Park Avenue, New York City. The photo session displayed a change of image: the costumes were more streamlined, especially when compared with the costumes for Unmasked, as were the hairstyles of Stanley and Simmons in particular.
Recording sessions for the album commenced in March 1981. Sessions were held in Toronto, New York City, and Frehley's home recording studio in Wilton, Connecticut. During the recording, Ezrin and Kiss worked in complete secrecy. Ezrin in particular had insisted that he would only communicate with Kiss or Aucoin. No one other than Ezrin and Kiss ever heard the album in progress. Frehley became increasingly frustrated during the sessions, as he disagreed with the band's decision to abandon their original plan to record a straight rock album. Additionally, a number of guitar solos Frehley recorded were not included in the final cut. But as had happened frequently after Criss's departure one year earlier, Frehley was often outvoted 2-1 on band decisions. Carr was not a partner in Kiss as the other three members were, but rather an employee. Frehley also resented what he felt was Simmons and Stanley's domination of the recording sessions.

Album: Revenge by KISS (1992)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Revenge is the 16th studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on May 19, 1992. It was the band's first album after the death of long-time drummer Eric Carr in November 1991. Carr was replaced by Eric Singer. It was Kiss' first album since the 1979 Dynasty to reach Top 10 in United States, although it would quickly fall off the charts. The album was a success over the world, reaching the Top 20 in seven other countries. It was certified gold by the RIAA on July 20, 1992.
The album was dedicated to Carr, and the last track ("Carr Jam 1981") was a demo he had recorded soon after joining the group. One modification to the song was the dubbing of Bruce Kulick's guitar over Ace Frehley's, which originally appeared. The main riff of the song was used as the basis for the Frehley's Comet song "Breakout", from the 1987 album Frehley's Comet. "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II" and "Unholy" have remained regular Kiss live staples. "Domino" was performed during the Revenge Tour and Kiss My Ass Tour. "I Just Wanna" and "Take It Off" were only performed during the Revenge Tour, while "Every Time I Look at You" and "Spit" were, along with "Domino", performed during the MTV Unplugged show.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1990s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Revenge is the 16th studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on May 19, 1992. It was the band's first album after the death of long-time drummer Eric Carr in November 1991. Carr was replaced by Eric Singer. It was Kiss' first album since the 1979 Dynasty to reach Top 10 in United States, although it would quickly fall off the charts. The album was a success over the world, reaching the Top 20 in seven other countries. It was certified gold by the RIAA on July 20, 1992.
The album was dedicated to Carr, and the last track ("Carr Jam 1981") was a demo he had recorded soon after joining the group. One modification to the song was the dubbing of Bruce Kulick's guitar over Ace Frehley's, which originally appeared. The main riff of the song was used as the basis for the Frehley's Comet song "Breakout", from the 1987 album Frehley's Comet. "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II" and "Unholy" have remained regular Kiss live staples. "Domino" was performed during the Revenge Tour and Kiss My Ass Tour. "I Just Wanna" and "Take It Off" were only performed during the Revenge Tour, while "Every Time I Look at You" and "Spit" were, along with "Domino", performed during the MTV Unplugged show.

Album: Hot in the Shade by KISS (1989)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Hot in the Shade is the 15th studio album by Kiss, released in 1989. It is the first Kiss studio album since 1981's Music from "The Elder" to feature three members singing lead vocals on the album. It also marked the last Kiss album with drummer Eric Carr before his death in 1991.

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Hot in the Shade is the 15th studio album by Kiss, released in 1989. It is the first Kiss studio album since 1981's Music from "The Elder" to feature three members singing lead vocals on the album. It also marked the last Kiss album with drummer Eric Carr before his death in 1991.

Album: Crazy Nights by KISS (1987)
Genre: Classic Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Epic
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Album

Description: Crazy Nights is the 14th studio album by American rock band Kiss. The album was recorded in June 1987 and released on September 18, 1987 by Mercury and Vertigo in Europe. The album featured keyboards which was another departure in their music style changing from their Lick It Up/Animalize/Asylum heavy metal sound into a light metal sound.
It was re-released in 1998 as part of the Kiss Remasters series and to date is the last Kiss album to have been remastered.
A relatively high number of songs from the album were performed live during its supporting tour, but during and especially immediately following the tour most of those songs were dropped and were never performed again. Only the song "Crazy Crazy Nights" was retained in their setlist for the Hot in the Shade Tour which followed a couple years later, it was dropped after that tour and would not return for nearly 20 years until the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour. This makes the album one of the least represented in the bands' entire catalog over the course of their career in their setlists, behind only their 1981 flop "Music from "The Elder"".

Artist Background: Kiss (often stylized as KISS) is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well known for its members' white and black face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits and pyrotechnics. Counting the 1978 solo albums, Kiss has been awarded 28 gold albums to date, the most of a... Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Classic Rock, Rock/Pop, Epic, 1980s, Album, Mercury Records

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Crazy Nights is the 14th studio album by American rock band Kiss. The album was recorded in June 1987 and released on September 18, 1987 by Mercury and Vertigo in Europe. The album featured keyboards which was another departure in their music style changing from their Lick It Up/Animalize/Asylum heavy metal sound into a light metal sound.
It was re-released in 1998 as part of the Kiss Remasters series and to date is the last Kiss album to have been remastered.
A relatively high number of songs from the album were performed live during its supporting tour, but during and especially immediately following the tour most of those songs were dropped and were never performed again. Only the song "Crazy Crazy Nights" was retained in their setlist for the Hot in the Shade Tour which followed a couple years later, it was dropped after that tour and would not return for nearly 20 years until the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour. This makes the album one of the least represented in the bands' entire catalog over the course of their career in their setlists, behind only their 1981 flop "Music from "The Elder"".

Album: Lick It Up by KISS (1983)
Genre: glam metal
Record Label: Mercury Records
Format: Cassette

Artist Background: Artist from US, known for alternative metal, aor, arena rock, classic rock, disco

Musical Influences: Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent

Related Artists: Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Classic Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: glam metal, 1980s, Cassette, Mercury Records


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