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Sonic Boom

by Kiss

Released: October 06, 2009

Hard rock, heavy metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

Both Thayer and Singer contribute lead vocals on the album, showcasing the band's evolving lineup. "Sonic Boom" is the nineteenth studio album by the iconic rock band KISS, released on October 6, 2009. The purpose of Sonic Boom, as stated by Stanley, was not just to remind fans of their presence but to demonstrate that they could still compete with contemporary rock acts.

Inside the Recording

This marked KISS's first album in 11 years, recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, and produced by Paul Stanley, with Greg Collins as co-producer.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album was exclusively distributed in the US…

The album was exclusively distributed in the US and Canada by Wal-Mart, packaged as a three-disc set that included the album itself, a re-recorded greatest hits album titled Kiss Klassics (previously released only in Japan), and a six-song live DVD from their April 2009 concert in Buenos Aires.

The album introduces new lead guitarist Tommy Thayer…

The album introduces new lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and features drummer Eric Singer, who returned to the band in 2004.

The album was released as a digipak, complete…

The album was released as a digipak, complete with a 20-page booklet, and was available in a limited edition 180-gram vinyl in five colors.

To promote the album, KISS embarked on a…

To promote the album, KISS embarked on a fan-driven North American tour, along with international shows, including a headline performance at the Rock am Ring festival in Germany in 2010.

The cover artwork was created by artist Michael…

The cover artwork was created by artist Michael Doret, who previously worked on KISS's 1976 album Rock and Roll Over.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Modern Day Delilah

The lead single, "Modern Day Delilah," was announced on the band's official website and released to radio on August 19, 2009.

Never Enough

"Never Enough" was also released as a radio single in June 2010, although it did not make it into the setlist for the 2010 summer tour.

Say Yeah

Other singles from the album included "Say Yeah," which was added to the live shows during the Sonic Boom Tour and later announced as the next single.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Kiss - Sonic Boom

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Then

Reception

The single peaked at #50 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart and was included in the setlist for the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour and The Hottest Show on Earth Tour. It hit #1 on a Russian radio chart in early 2010.

Now

Legacy

Overall, Sonic Boom serves as a testament to KISS's enduring legacy and ability to evolve, attracting both longtime fans and new listeners in the rock scene.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Sonic Boom" is the nineteenth studio album by the iconic rock band KISS, released on October 6, 2009. This marked KISS's first album in 11 years, recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, and produced by Paul Stanley, with Greg Collins as co-producer. The album introduces new lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and features drummer Eric Singer, who returned to the band in 2004. Both Thayer and Singer contribute lead vocals on the album, showcasing the band's evolving lineup.

The purpose of Sonic Boom, as stated by Stanley, was not just to remind fans of their presence but to demonstrate that they could still compete with contemporary rock acts. To promote the album, KISS embarked on a fan-driven North American tour, along with international shows, including a headline performance at the Rock am Ring festival in Germany in 2010.

The cover artwork was created by artist Michael Doret, who previously worked on KISS's 1976 album Rock and Roll Over. The album was exclusively distributed in the US and Canada by Wal-Mart, packaged as a three-disc set that included the album itself, a re-recorded greatest hits album titled Kiss Klassics (previously released only in Japan), and a six-song live DVD from their April 2009 concert in Buenos Aires.

The album was released as a digipak, complete with a 20-page booklet, and was available in a limited edition 180-gram vinyl in five colors. The lead single, "Modern Day Delilah," was announced on the band's official website and released to radio on August 19, 2009. This marked KISS's first single release in 11 years, following "You Wanted the Best" in 1998.

The music video for "Modern Day Delilah" premiered online on December 9, 2009, and featured visually striking scenes of oversized band members in Detroit. The single peaked at #50 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart and was included in the setlist for the Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour and The Hottest Show on Earth Tour.

Other singles from the album included "Say Yeah," which was added to the live shows during the Sonic Boom Tour and later announced as the next single. It hit #1 on a Russian radio chart in early 2010. "Never Enough" was also released as a radio single in June 2010, although it did not make it into the setlist for the 2010 summer tour.

Overall, Sonic Boom serves as a testament to KISS's enduring legacy and ability to evolve, attracting both longtime fans and new listeners in the rock scene.