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!