KISS to release first studio album since 1998...

[Steelmaker]

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Kiss has reversed course and decided to hit the studio next year to record its first new album since 1998's "Psycho Circus."

"It's going to be very much a vintage, classic, '70s KISS album without much regard to what's happened since then; it's back to the roots," said singer/guitarist Paul Stanley, who will produce the album.

He told askmen.com in a recent interview that the band planned to hit the studio shortly.

In recent years, bassist Gene Simmons has been vocal about his lack of enthusiasm about making a new album, which he attributes to the state of the business.

"The record industry is in such a mess," he told Billboard last year. "There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music. How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free?"

It's unknown how Kiss will distribute the album, which will feature original members Stanley and Simmons alongside guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.

"Psycho Circus," a Mercury Records release nominally featuring original members Peter Criss on drums and Ace Frehley on guitar, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, but quickly slid down the chart.

Following its 35th anniversary tour, which primarily played Europe this summer, Kiss is expected to hit North America at some point in 2009

I don't mind the fact that Eric Singer is recording on this instead of Peter Criss. Peter's drumming skills have deteriorated to the point to where he would be a liability to the band. However to not have orginal guitarist Ace Frehley on album is a crying shame!

[tntkain]

Kiss sound like a bunch of old guys. We went and saw them in concert a few years ago and they were highly disappointing. They need to hang it up. Gene Simmons was trying to be all sexy and the girls wanted nothing to do with his old man tongue, it was really pretty sad

[Beta Man]

Gene Simmons wants more money???? There's a shock! He's be Who--oooooorin' himself out for a long time now.

[Stillhouse]

They should've called it quits after the original reunion tour.

[hc666]

I don't like how Tommy and Eric wear the original make-up. They should have come up with new characters.

I have VIP tickets to see them in Halifax on July 18th. Better be good!

[Mxr5150]

I still think Paul Stanley sounds good, even now.

[PH3AR]

Hopefully they will be good there getting up their in years so u never know

[hc666]

Off to see Kiss tonight in Halifax!

Rock N Roll all night... well until I get tired around mid-nite lol

Better be a good show!!! Or I willbe after Gene for my VIP money i shelled out!

[rebfandan]

I'm pretty impressed that Paul Stanley has been able to keep his vocal chops up after all these years. Probably still worth going to just to see them once, although it's not the same four.

[Forrestandjen07]

Hopefully it wotn be worthless crap like Guns N rosses long awaited Studio release

[Galley]

Originally Posted by Forrestandjen07

Hopefully it wotn be worthless crap like Guns N rosses long awaited Studio release

Though it was nothing more than an Axl Rose solo album, Chinese Democracy was a very good album nonetheless.

[Forrestandjen07]

Originally Posted by Galley

Though it was nothing more than an Axl Rose solo album, Chinese Democracy was a very good album nonetheless.

No Chinsese democracy was horrible

[Psychonaut]

Although I've never really been a fan, I did see them back in '96 and they put on an amazing show. I don't care that they are putting out a new album because I don't expect much from it and I don't like that it's not the original four. It's like GnR having a different guitarist that wears a top hat.