IMO, "Monster" is a much better album than Sonic Boom and Psycho Circus... in fact I was extremely frustrated with KISS on these two albums I about gave up on them entirely.

However, I find myself listening to "Monster" more and more... the energy of the album is great, sure there are one - maybe two filler tracks (or perhaps filler is a bit strong)...but weaker in comparison. Even the bonus track "Right Here Right Now" is really not bad at all.

For many KISS die hards have a stronger connection to the makeup days... I do not. I like the music, but I am not attached to that particular era as so many are. I did not get into KISS until "Creatures"/"Lick It Up". For me, "Monster" fits into that post-makeup era...as far as song quality and sound.... I sense a bit of "Creatures", "Lick it Up / Animalize" and "Revenge" in this album....

...and in my opinion, this is the best KISS album since "Revenge"!!

NOW the true question would be IF KISS decides to record a followup to "Monster" will it be in the same view - or will the skew off in another direction and get off the beaten path?