KISS Drummer On New Album: 'No Ballads, No Slow Songs, No Filler'

KISS drummer Eric Singer has issued the following update via the band's official web site:

"You wanted the best?

"Well, the wait is almost over...

"I have been hearing KISS fans say for a longtime that 'All's we want is NEW KISS music'... Well, sometimes wishes do come true!

"Last December, Paul [Stanley, guitar/vocals] called me up saying he wanted to make a new KISS record. He seemed very keen and was very specific about the approach to our latest endeavors. He basically said he wanted us to make a KISS record and music in the purest sense. Meaning no outside writers, the BAND plays on everything, and we use vintage equipment.

"Guess what? The end result is everything I could have hoped for.

"I have to say this has been the most fun and pleasure making a record I have ever been involved in. The chemistry and overall vibe really made for such a great atmosphere and the playing, sounds and songs just really capture what KISS is all about. Classic rock & roll.

"As we were working up song ideas, everyone was very in tune and conscious of our goals at all times. Gene [Simmons, bass/vocals] and Paul would retrace their steps from the past and focused on paying tribute to their roots of the early styles of classic KISS by paying close attention to the way they sang and the sounds of the instruments.

"The camaraderie between everyone and especially Gene and Paul really made it easy for all to bring the best out of each other.

"Paul took the reigns and headed up the project like the leader that he has been for over 35 years but, this time with a renewed, inspired and very patient style (he is a great dad after all). He really knew what he wanted from each of us individually and collectively.

"We did the 11 new songs in small batches by getting into a rehearsal studio first to work up ideas. We then would move to the recording studio. The recordings would entail all of us playing 'live' together in the room. As we captured each performance, we would then add extra guitar parts and usually put a guide vocal on the track so we could live with it for a few days and make sure the tempos and vibe was right.

"By the way, we used NO click tracks on this record I am proud to say. We really went for capturing the live feel and essence of each song. And, Paul, Gene, Tommy [Thayer, guitar] and myself are the only musicians playing these songs. A true band effort and performance!

"As for the songs? Well, no ballads, no slow songs, no filler... The band really has come full circle. Just pure straight-ahead rock and roll that has all the elements that made you love KISS from day one. Everyone sings lead on a song (Tommy and myself) and even trade off vocal lines and parts throughout the record.

"Believe me, the wait IS over and well worth it!

"I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it...