Gene Simmons - 'Asshole' (Sanctuary) Released 17/05/04

Asshole is a fantastic combination of dirty rock, sweet anthems and political accusation from the ex-KISS legend. The self produced record Asshole spreads itself over musical genres that Simmons has been playing around with for the last 30 years. The outcome is a slightly schizophrenic but biographical and eclectic solo album.

‘Sweet and Dirty Love’ opens the album and is reminiscent of KISS in their hey day, full of screeching guitars and growls from Simmons, lyrics like ‘I can’t control myself, I’m about to lose my head, can’t get enough sweet and dirty love’ reminding the listener of Simmons reputation for being a lady killer and tongue waggler (see album cover for further evidence). Another KISS throw back is politically incorrect ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’, which opens with furious guitars and features quotes from the 10 commandments.

The most memorable track has to be the cover version of the Prodigy’s ‘Firestarter’ in which Simmons growls his way through the already famous lyrics, featuring the guitar genius of Dave Navarro. In a massive contrast to its predecessors, ‘Waiting for the Morning light’ is a power ballad written with Bob Dylan, a piano based track, there is not a sniff of a guitar, instead we are treated to Simmons performing Beach Boy harmonies with a voice that could put a baby to sleep.

In fact there are a number of enviable collaborations on this album, including contributions from the like of Bob Dylan, Bob Kulick and Frank Zappa which all add to the mixed bag this album is.

The star of this album however is the title track. ‘Asshole’, a flawless exposition of Simmons personality, his growling ‘have a go vocals’ speak to everyone who has ever pissed this man off no doubt. Chorus led lines like ‘how does it feel, to be a real asshole? You’re such a creep, you look like a sheep, asshole!’

Simmons has the experience to be able to amalgamate these various styles of music in order to create this reflective masterpiece that will be loved by KISS fans and new fans alike.