Originally published by L.S. Media. October 7th 2009.

Big, brash, over the top, completely superb and unmistakably Kiss. The new album released this week by the fathers of rock theatre is the cunningly titled Sonic Boom and not one track on the album is delivered in any type of off hand sluggish way, this is an album that does what is says on the cover.

Sonic Boom is the first studio album from Kiss in over a decade and has two of the mainstays of the Kiss phenomenon plying their trade upon in, notably Paul Stanley and the giant of theatrics Gene Simmons. They are joined for this new venture by Eric Singer who had previously played with the band as far back in 1991 when he replaced the then recently deceased Eric Carr and Tommy Thayer who had previously played on Kiss’s last album Psycho Circus.

Under Paul Stanley’s watchful eye the production of the new album sounds clear and a joy to listen to and is, production wise, on a par with 1979’s  album.

Songs wise, there are the usual Kiss references and unsubtle innuendo which all the Kiss fans secretly crave, this is in evidence on the Gene Simmons/ Paul Stanley track Never Enough which you can’t help wondering if it a dig or homage to Gene’s alleged prowess between the sheets.

Don’t go expecting anything new when you hear the album, as it follows a tried and tested format by the band, big guitars, fantastic drums by Eric Singer and bucket loads of energy for which a lot of bands in their youth don’t possess.

There isn’t a bad song on the album and should enjoy the same success that Kiss have enjoyed with the remainder of their extensive back catalogue.

Ian D. Hall