KISS - "Monster".....Tommy, My Apologies

I have often dogged this current incarnation of the band; mainly for their attempt to copy and rehash the past with a older and different band than the one we all cherish from back in the 70's.  My biggest beef has been with Thayer's early attempts to copy Ace's style and harmonics in his playing.  He is not Ace Frehley, no one except Ace is, so past attempts have always fallen short.  Here Thayer channels Ace's influences and morphs them into his own style.  The result, some of the best guitar solos on any Kiss records since the 70's.  C'mon admit it, who didn't play air guitar to "Strutter" as a teen.  So my apologies for past criticisms, all is forgiven.  No need for a track to track detailing. If the lead guitar solos and riffs on a Kiss record rock, you know the rest of the album will follow. But I will add the song writing and lyrics on this album are surprisingly "good" and even somewhat "adult". A real rock record with a tinge of heavy metal for good measure. I think of a slicker "Creatures Of The Night" with actual guitar solos.  So if you really miss Ace, and consider the band without him a fraud, you need to give this album a chance. Pleasantly surprised and rockin' out!
Rating? 8/10