Kiss Asylum CD

ASYLUM was Kiss' first LP with guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Kiss: Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar); Bruce Kulick (guitar); Gene Simmons (bass); Eric Carr (drums).
Principally recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Robert V. Conte.
Digitally remastered by Joseph M. Palmaccio (Sterling Sound, New York, New York).
Personnel: Paul Stanley, Bruce Kulick (guitar); Eric Carr (drums).
Audio Mixer: Dave Wittman.
Audio Remasterer: Joseph M. Palmaccio.
Liner Note Author: Robert V. Conte.
Recording information: Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY; Right Track Studios, New York, NY.
Photographer: Bernard Vidal.
By 1985, Kiss was a shadow of its former self. Gone was the raw rock of their not so distant past, as well as their memorable, "heavy Beatles" songwriting. In its place was a sound that was too similar to other pop-metal bands at the time, as well as unimaginative, predictable songs, as evidenced on Asylum. The album marked the appearance of Kiss' fourth guitarist in four years, Bruce Kulick -- brother of Bob Kulick, who played as a session guitarist on Alive II, Killers, and Paul Stanley's 1978 solo album -- who had replaced Mark St. John on the 1984-1985 Animalize tour. Besides the popular video/single "Tears Are Falling," Asylum is chock-full of nondescript fluff ("I'm Alive," "Trial by Fire," "Secretly Cruel," "Love's a Deadly Weapon," etc.). Although the band again treads on Spinal Tap territory with "Uh! All Night," several tracks could have benefited greatly from a heavier sound, such as "King of the Mountain," "Any Way You Slice It," and "Who Wants to Be Lonely." Although it attained platinum status, Stanley and Gene Simmons would rightfully dismiss Asylum later on. ~ Greg Prato
Sonically, Kiss retained their revitalized roar throughout Asylum, turning in a tough, but supple performance that would have been more impressive if the songs were stronger. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Following the departure of Ace Frehley in 1982, a revolving door of lead guitarists began which concluded with Bruce Kulick, whose tenure in the group lasted longer than Ace's. Bruce had played with a younger, harder edged Michael Bolton and his style of speedy yet emotive playing fit right in with Kiss' style.
Produced by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, ASYLUM retains the raw power of the previous 80's Kiss records, yet also contains a pop element that those records did not. The music is tight, and lyrically, well, if sex sells, then Kiss cashed in. While "King of the Mountain" and "I'm Alive" continue Paul Stanley's knack for penning upbeat, positive songs about living life to the fullest and "Trial By Fire" also shows Gene's determined outlook on life, much of the record focuses on the band's sexual exploits. While Paul and Gene never professed to be Rodgers and Hammerstein, they do know how to write a fun rock album. With much party music included, crank this album as you enter Kiss' asylum.