CD Review: KISS Unleash "Monster" Riffs On New Album

Legendary rock band Kiss have finally released their 20th album, "Monster" on October 9. This album features some of their heaviest riffs and strongest songs since their 1997 album, "Revenge." The new album was produced by Paul Stanley and follows the success of their last album, "Sonic Boom" and comes out hot on the heels of their most recent concert collaboration with Motley Crue.

The new album starts off strong with the first single, "Hell Or Hallelujah." The song ranks as one of Kiss' anthems about never giving up. The song "Wall of Sound" features Gene Simmons on lead vocals and is one of the hardest rocking songs on the album. The drums are thunderous and the guitars are blazing on "Shout Mercy" as Kiss try to bring a bit of their seventies magic into the mix. The evilness of "The Devil Is Me" perfectly fits Simmons' demon demnor and also features some of Tommy Thayer's best guitar work. Kiss are known for leaving their sexual innuendo imprints all over their albums and they don't disappoint with "Take Me Down Below" as Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley trade verses. The album closes with Stanley leading the way with on the arena-sized rocker "Last Chance" as drummer Eric Singer quickens the pace to the big finish.

Kiss will be hitting South America in November. They recently appeared on the 50th Live On Letterman Webcast and Good Morning America. For more information on Kiss' new album, "Monster" please visit kissonline.com.