Ideally, the role of the critic is to approach the subject from a place of impartiality, to examine its relative merits and flaws, and to offer and render an honest and unbiased review for the edification of the audience.
Right up front, I feel I should let you know that this ain’t gonna be that. Continue reading
John 5 is a renowned guitarist who has graced many well-known musical acts with his unique playing skills including Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, and Rob Zombie. As a solo artist with his own band, John 5 and the Creatures, In the vein of Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, and others who sit upon similar thrones, 5 takes on the role of guitar aficionado, or “shredder” with the confidence and (seemingly) the greatest of ease. His latest album, Invasion, is out now via 60 Cycle Hum Records. Continue reading
Ace Frehley
Spaceman
Entertainment One
No matter the status of his endlessly fluctuating relationship with his former bandmates/business partners, and no matter who’s stage left working his suit and wearing his makeup, Ace Frehley will always be the lead guitar player for KISS. One of the most influential axemen in rock and roll history (haters and naysayers be damned), Frehley has spent a large swath of the sixteen-plus years since his last public appearance with the band firmly cementing his reputation as the once-and-forever Space Ace, touring and releasing a string of albums that show off his singular talents and find inspiration in his formidable legacy. His newest release, Spaceman, plays up the KISS connections and corollaries more than any other project in his solo catalog, which should give longtime fans and followers plenty to sink their teeth into.
Kiss
KISS fans, you’re going to want to sit down for this one. There’s a chance that one of the most influential rock bands on the planet is about to say goodbye. Rumors abound in the world of metal that KISS is planning to do their last tour ever, and it might be happening in 2019. Continue reading
Gene Simmons, the legendary fire-breathing bassist from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers KISS has finally announced some of the specifics on his long-awaited solo box set, ‘The Vault.’
In a promotional video released today, Simmons details the lavish box, which he claims to have put three years’ work into. The 10-CD, 150-song set contains material spanning fifty years (back to when Gene was only fourteen), including many KISS classics in their embryonic form. The packaging (which the video warns may differ from the final product) resembles a small safe on wheels, and will contain not only the discs but a full-color book packed with photos from Simmons’ personal archives and stories behind the songs, an exclusive Gene Simmons action figure, an “In Gene We Trust” medallion, and a “very special surprise” (the accompanying video shows Gene going through boxes of one of a kind memorabilia in a massive warehouse).
Perhaps the most outlandish thing about ‘The Vault,’ though, is its method of distribution. Rather than go through traditional channels, ‘The Vault’ will be personally delivered to customers by Gene Simmons himself.
GeneSimmonsVault.com still bears a “Coming Soon” message. There’s no word yet on pricing.
You can check out the promo video here.
