The Kiss of Death: A Sikk Tribute to Kiss (CD, Aug-1999, Dwell Ministries)

Album Features
UPC:	027297101821
Format:	CD
Release Year:	1999
Record Label:	Dwell Ministries
Genre:	Death Metal, Heavy Metal

Track Listing
1. Rocket Ride - From the Depths
2. Deuce - Hostile Intent
3. God of Thunder - Blood Coven
4. Strutter - Shallows of the Mundane
5. Goin' Blind - Hate Theory
6. War Machine - Acheron
7. Oath, The - Equinox
8. Cold Gin - Crematorium
9. Strange Ways - Vile
10. I Love It Loud - Tchort
11. Detroit Rock City - Debauchery
12. Shout It Out Loud - Scary German Guy

Details
Distributor:	Ryko Distribution
Recording Type:	Studio
Recording Mode:	Stereo
SPAR Code:	n/a

Album Notes
There are two basic types of tribute albums. The first kind gathers generally well-known artists to cover songs by an important influence (or to reinterpret that artist's music in their own style). The second kind is generally put out by smaller labels hoping to generate revenue by using the influential artist's name recognition to sell a set of cover tunes by an agglomeration of obscure, often faceless acts, perhaps with one or two of the label's flagship artists sprinkled in. Like many other tribute albums on the Dwell label, Kiss of Death: A Sikk Tribute to Kiss falls under the latter category. There are a couple of mildly recognizable names (former Emperor bassist Tchort does "I Love It Loud"), but for the most part, these are run-of-the-mill death metal outfits playing songs that don't really fit their style. There's nothing inherently wrong with reinterpreting Kiss tunes that way -- in fact, it's a rather interesting idea that could produce some good music -- but far too often, the results here don't sound like a fusion of death metal's menacing intensity with Kiss' party-hearty, glammed-up hedonism; they just sound mismatched (for example, it's difficult to buy Hostile Intent's version of "Deuce," in which the lead singer delivers the line "baby, ain't you feelin' good" in an angry, painful-sounding bellow). Fans wanting a Kiss tribute album are better off sticking with Kiss My Ass. ~ Steve Huey