Nothing self-conscious or too referential. Nothing too high concept. When Kiss avoids that, as ‘Monster’ does, they become an irresistible force.

In the run up to Tuesday’s release of Monster, Kiss’ Gene Simmons was asked to name some of the band’s principle influences and the answer — those lovable mop tops of yore? — might surprise some. You May Also Like: No related posts.

The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2 picks up where the first volume left off in Dio’s solo career and features tracks from 1996 onward. It’s an interesting period for me You May Also Like: Dio’s Often-Forgotten ‘Magica’ Recalled Early Ronnie James Dio Triumphs Ronnie James Dio moved into theRead More

The intrigue of compilations like this is when seemingly incongruent artists successfully combine, or when somebody turns a familiar tune inside out.