Kingcrimsonprog I was a little bit skeptical going into this album, the band had talked about going back to their 1970s style, they had talked about producing it to sound like a classic record, they had talked about using old guitars and amps. Still, in all honesty, I didn't think they'd be able to recapture the feel of their 70s output, or if they did, it would be a sad nostalgia fest that wouldn't be good, despite being the style that I wanted.

Luckily, Sonic Boom is a great album. The band have managed to do the impossible and create an album in 2009 that is both fresh, relevant and also containing a classic 70s feel. The thing is, despite the style and the production, the songs are just plain good again, and that is what makes the difference. It could've sounded like the glory days and still been a collection of poor songs, but it good in and of itself.

Its been two years that I've lived with this, and still I keep coming back so this isn't hype, not release day excitement. Sonic Boom is just a great album, with enduring quality. Full of good songs like the explosive single 'Modern Day Delilah,' the Thayer featuring 'When Lightning Strikes,' and the furiously catchy 'All For The Glory.'

Like all the best Kiss albums, the album mixes a good ratio of Stanely to Simmons vocals, and Thayer even gets about as much of a slot as Ace would've back in the day. This, mixed with the fact that there are no guest writers, no over-sweet ballads and just a solid collection of vital, enjoyable rock music help Sonic Boom honestly be one of the best Kiss albums. How many bands from the 70s, in all honesty, can actually say that an album they made these days is as good as something from their hey day ? Not many.

Sonic Boom is a seriously good album and you should definitely overcome your cynicism and give it a try, you won't forget it.

AtomicCrimsonRush After the disappointing "Psycho Circus" I was delighted that Kiss were back in force with this latest release. There are the obligatory Gene Simmons tracks with 'Modern Day Delilah' and 'Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)' which are very well sung by Simmons and have an infectious rock groove and soe great lead guiatr work from Thayer.

'All for the Glory' is anthemic and memorable, in the same way as 'Shout it out Loud' sticks in the memory.

The tracks are all driven by Stanley's rhythm guitar and he sings as good as ever, since his latest solo album; the guy just never falters with those rock pipes of his! the album really delivers full blown rock and it is loud and fun.

The second disc is a bunch of 'KISS Klassics' that every Kiss fan would own. Still, this is awesome for those new to Kiss. Al the treasures are here: Deuce, Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, Love Gun, I Was Made for Lovin' You, I Love It Loud, Forever, Black Diamond, and of course the famous anthem Rock and Roll All Nite. It is great to hear these in this compliation, although I have heard these countless times on the actual albums.

The real treat for me was the bonus DVD filmed live in Buenos Aires. This is a fantastic recent live performance with a snippet of this concert featuring Deuce,Hotter Than Hell, C'mon and Love Me, Watchin' You, 100,000 Years and Rock and Roll All Nite. The crowd are so enthusiastic that in between the concerts the crowd are chanting like a Soccer crowd "Woooahhhhhhhhh Wooooooooooaaaaahhhhh". Stanley tells them they have got a lot to get through so he requests they tone it down, but they just keep chanting! In the end he just gives in and says "Louder!" I have never seen such an entusuastic crowd. they sing all the lyrics too and hum the music.

This is a great package to grab hold of. Highly recomended for Kiss addicts everywhere. The hottest band in the world!