I too am a huge KISS fan and they were my first band I got into. It took 2 spins to "get it". I realize its because I hold them to a high standard and don't go in a relax and listen. But this is a huge album and a great follow up to Sonic Boom. The reason why no KISS fan lists albums after Creatures (one of my Top 5) as greats is because Gene was hollywood and his songs "just showed up" while Paul kept it alive. I also the love the old school trade off vocals. And I think the only thing that could have made it better is a Paul ballad or 2 to break the intensity