The KISS album Paul Stanley was “Dead-set against”

In the 1990s, the rock band Kiss faced a pivotal moment in their career. Already established as a legendary group with a dedicated fanbase, they confronted the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing music landscape. This period marked a significant shift for the band, especially in their approach to their musical identity.

Despite their past triumphs, there was a sense of unease within the band about adapting to new trends in rock music. Paul Stanley, a key member of Kiss, was particularly resistant to change, preferring to maintain the band’s established sound and style. This tension came to a head with the production of their 1997 album, “Carnival of Souls.”

“Carnival of Souls” represented a departure from Kiss’s classic sound, delving into alternative rock, a genre with which the band had little previous association. This shift was a gamble, as it aimed to align Kiss with the younger, grunge-influenced rock audience. Unfortunately, by the time the album was released, the grunge movement had already faded, rendering the band’s strategic pivot less impactful.

Stanley’s reluctance was evident throughout the album’s creation. He felt that this direction was not true to the essence of Kiss, causing internal tensions. Despite being part of a democratic band, he felt compelled to suppress his objections for the sake of unity.

The album did not meet the band’s usual standards of success, both commercially and artistically. It was seen as a betrayal of their authentic sound in an attempt to chase popular trends, which damaged their integrity in the eyes of many fans.

Years after the release of “Carnival of Souls,” Stanley openly expressed his discontent with the album. He believed that the world didn’t need another band emulating groups like Soundgarden, Metallica, or Alice in Chains. He argued that Kiss should have focused on their strengths rather than trying to fit into a genre that didn’t suit them.

The single “Crazy Nights” from the album stood out as a piece more in line with Stanley’s vision, highlighting a more upbeat and celebratory tone. This contrasted sharply with the rest of the album’s darker and more introspective mood.

Gene Simmons, another central figure in Kiss, also admitted that the decision to go grunge was a mistake. He likened it to an inauthentic attempt at embracing a culture or style that wasn’t inherently theirs, akin to an outsider trying to mimic a dance they hadn’t grown up with.

The story of “Carnival of Souls” illustrates the challenges and pitfalls bands face when navigating changes in the music industry and cultural trends. For Kiss, this episode was a learning experience about the importance of staying true to their identity and the risks of forced reinvention.