Kiss Revenge CD

REVENGE, released a year after the death of drummer Eric Carr from cancer, includes "Carr Jam 1981," a Carr drum solo from 1981.
Kiss: Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar); Gene Simmons (vocals, bass); Eric Singer (vocals, drums); Bruce Kulick (guitar).
Additional personnel: Eric Carr (drums).
Engineers include: Chris Steinmetz, Niko Bolas, George Tutko.
Despite coming off a monster ballad with Hot in the Shade's Michael Bolton-penned "Forever," Kiss was plagued by financial instability due to Simmons and Stanley's extravagance; worse, drummer Eric Carr succumbed to cancer in November 1991. But even with the grunge movement in full effect, Kiss was luckily recognized as a major influence on everyone from Trent Reznor to Lenny Kravitz -- their '70s legacy intact despite the band's often dubious choices in the '80s. And even though they, too, were on the brink of commercial extinction, being savvy businessmen first and foremost, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley fully understood the lay of the land. Not only did they need to make a definitive record, they needed to completely re-invent themselves, visually and sonically. The first step was to secure hard rock veteran Eric Singer to fill Carr's shoes; next, the band rekindled its relationship with producer Bob Ezrin. Again, never ones to ignore lucrative business opportunities, Simmons and Stanley swallowed their pride and rejoined forces with former bandmate Vinnie Vincent. Together, they co-wrote Revenge's three centerpieces -- "Unholy," "I Just Wanna," and "Heart of Chrome." Bringing Vincent back to the Kiss fold ultimately proves to be the album's coup de grāce. Some of the cuts are excellent, delivered with conviction and panache, but for all the hype, the album is also tainted with filler. On the up tip, Ezrin's mongo-enormous production galvanizes the Kiss sound, making it fresh again. The band's promotional efforts would help propel the album's first-week sales sky high, culminating with a Top Ten Billboard chart entry, but indifference once again plagued the ensuing arena tour. ~ John Franck
This is definitely the heaviest Kiss album since 1984's ANIMALIZE. Realizing his film appearances and outside projects were detrimental to the band, Gene Simmons was focused and full of conviction on this record. Kiss picked producer Bob Ezrin, who helmed their best selling (DESTROYER) and worst selling (THE ELDER) albums. It was a wise choice, as REVENGE is sweet for a band that teetered off course for a few years.
"Unholy" is vintage Gene Simmons and was the first single. "Take It Off" is Paul Stanley's tribute to strip clubs, while "Spit" is an ode to voluptuous women around the globe. "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You II" is an excellent cover of the Argent tune that makes for a great concert anthem. "Every Time I Look At You" is a wonderfully melodic acoustic ballad complete with violins. The album's closer is "Carr Jam 1981," an instrumental written by drummer Eric Carr. Bob Ezrin discovered the track in the vaults after Carr's death, and the piece was shortened in length so the drum solo became the featured section. Bruce Kulick's lead guitar was dubbed over Ace Frehley's, and the rest was left intact. It's a blazing track and a fitting homage to a talented musician.Q (6/92, p.95) - 3 Stars - Good - "...spikier and weightier than accepted Kiss style..."
Musician (7/92, p.98) - "...the best Kiss album in over a decade....what sets this album apart is its spirit, a gut-level commitment that brings out the best in every song..."