Kiss - CREATURES OF THE(LP) ((Vinyl))

Kiss: Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar); Gene Simmons (vocals, bass); Ace Frehley (guitar); Eric Carr (drums).
Additional personnel: Vinnie Vincent (guitar).
Producers: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Michael James Jackson.
Recorded at The Record Plant, Los Angeles, California. Includes liner notes by Robert Conte.
Digitally remastered by Joseph M. Palmaccio.
On the heels of the unusual MUSIC FROM THE ELDER, Kiss decided to return to their hard rock roots with CREATURES and the result is their heaviest-sounding album to date. Unfortunately, Ace Frehley (frustrated by his diminishing role in the group) departed the band prior to recording. He was replaced by Vinnie Vincent, who contributed some lightning-fast riffs.
From the monstrous drum fill that opens the record, it is clear that the grease painted warriors mean business. The title track is a classic Kiss number with a "take no prisoners" punch. "Rock And Roll Hell" is a tale of a musician's excessive lifestyle (loosely based on Frehley). "I Love It Loud" is a Kiss anthem for the ages, with a pounding drumbeat and a sing-along chorus that had 200,000 Brazilians screaming in unison on the CREATURES tour. "I Still Love You" is a powerful, emotional ballad featuring Eric Carr on bass. "War Machine" closes the album and is Gene Simmons at his ferocious best, a killer track that leaves the listener spent at its completion. CREATURES shows a focused Kiss, a straight-up hard rock record that takes the listener through a riveting journey.

• RSD Release Date: n/a
• Genre: Pop