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2 KISS To Release Sonic Boom October 6th!
KISS and Walmart announced today that SONIC BOOM—the bands highly anticipated CD, and its first new material in 11 years—will be sold in the U.S. and Canada exclusively at Walmart and Sams Club retail locations beginning October 6. SONIC BOOM, produced by the bands Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the bands recent, record-breaking KISS ALIVE 35 South American tour. The CD set will retail for $12, with pre-orders starting in September on Walmart.com.
KISS’ Gene Simmons says, “SONIC BOOM” may be the best new record we’ve done since Destroyer! It is Rock And Roll Over meets Love Gun. The worlds biggest retailer had better get ready for the hottest band in the world and hire more cashiers before October 6th!
Stanley continues, “Through all of the albums that are considered our classics, we tried to always find ways to give our fans extras that went beyond just the music. Besides our making the best KISS album in decades, Walmart has made it possible for us to include a bonus CD with 15 of our most famous songs and an additional live DVD, shot during our recent concert in Buenos Aires. So in every sense, SONIC BOOM is the ultimate return to classic KISS form. You wanted the best, you got the best!”
In celebration of the albums release, KISS announced today a special KISS ALIVE 35 show at Detroit Rock City’s legendary concert venue, Cobo Arena, on September 25. This historic structure, which is slated for closure, has hosted KISS concerts on numerous occasions, not the least of which was the series of shows that were recorded to become the KISS ALIVE! album. Tracks made famous on KISS ALIVE!—including “Rock and Roll All Nite”, “Deuce”, “Black Diamond”, and “Hotter Than Hell”—are well represented on the greatest hits disc included with SONIC BOOM. The Detroit show, which will live another 35 years in KISStory, features opening act Buckcherry and goes on sale to the public at 5 pm EDT on August 21 at Ticketmaster.com.
Walmart, one of Americas largest music retailers, is finalizing its exciting plans now for its in-store and online destinations for KISS fans surrounding the launch of the new album and tour, and will host various KISS products in addition to their music in its stores this fall. More details on Walmart KISS activity, announcements regarding album pre-sales, sweepstakes and KISS appearances will be shared shortly.
4 U.D.O – Dominator (2009)
U.D.O is back with their twelfth studio album, Dominator. This new disc might just be their best one yet.
While I agree that Udo Dirkschneider’s vocals might be an acquired taste, I have loved his voice ever since his early days with Accept. It is hard for me to believe at 57 years old, Udo can still manage to sing at such a high level. On Dominator, he is on top of his game, and vocals are razor sharp.
There are a couple of songs on Dominator that I didn’t care for. “Heavy Metal Heaven” and “Devil’s Rendezvous” just didn’t do it for me. “Devil’s Rendezvous” is a little more poppy than I would expect from U.D.O. The rest of the disc is pretty damn good.
“The Bogeyman” has a slow intro, that led me to believe that this song would plod along, and be a fairly boring track to start off this CD. That is not the case at all. “The Bogeyman” kicks into gear quickly and instantly got me headbanging and singing “He is the Bogeyman”.
“Dominator” is an absolutely killer title cut. This is one of my favorite metal songs of 2009! The guitars of Kaufmann and Gianola are pretty awesome on this tune.
“Black and White” and “Infected” are two more heavy rocking cuts back to back. I was already familiar with “Infected” from the U.D.O. EP that came out earlier this year. If you didn’t grab that EP, this is your second chance to grab the tune “Infected”. Both “Black and White” and “Infected” are awesome cuts on this disc.
“Doom Ride” is a pretty catchy number that seems to get better with each listen. You will find yourself singing Doooooooooom Ride in no time.
“Stillness of Time” is a mid tempo cut that does a good job breaking up the pace of Dominator. At times, I think this song leans more towards Whitesnake than Accept. This song adds in keyboards with some über cool riffing from Kaufman. About midway through the song has some awesome Spanish guitar, before moving back to the classic style riffing. This song is probably as radio friendly as you will ever hear U.D.O. get, and I am ok with that. This is a great tune!
DO NOT drive while listening to the song “Speed Demon”. You will get a speeding ticket. This high octane rocker will have you putting your foot to the floor. If you foot isn’t slammed down on the accelerator, it will be tapping to keep up with the high speed beats of this tune. This is another great head banger!
“Whispers In The Dark” is one of the slower tunes on this CD, but the music is great. This is a piano based number with a moody feel to it. Udo pulls this one off, and it is a really cool closer for Dominator.
For you U.S. fans, you are going to have to wait until October 6th, to purchase a copy of Dominator, but I think it will be worth the wait! This is a disc will appeal to both Accept and U.D.O. fans. I like it a lot, and I think you will too!
If you can’t wait until October, you can score a copy of the import CD, from CD Inzane at this link.
For more information on U.D.O., check out the band’s myspace page or the U.D.O. website.
Rating: 
Track Listing:
01. The Bogeyman
02. Dominator
03. Black And White
04. Infected
05. Heavy Metal Heaven
06. Doom Ride
07. Stillness Of Time
08. Devil’s Rendezvous
09. Speed Demon
10. Whispers In The Dark
UDO is:
Udo Dirkschneider – Vocals
Stefan Kaufmann – Guitar
Igor Gianola – Guitar
Fitty Wienhold – Bass
Francesco Jovino – Drums
1 New Video – Cheap Trick – Sick Man of Europe
Check out Cheap Trick’s brand new video, “Sick Man of Europe”. This song is on the band’s brand new CD, The Latest. Get it here!!
