Finally! Hotter than Hell sounds...Hotter than Hell!--on the 2014 180gm reissue (well, I'm going by the German pressing for this review). I had both the original and remastered CDs of this album and I never was happy with them. The cassette sounded a tad better, for I think tape has a richer bass sound versus compact disc. All contained highly audible hiss in the beginning and end of the tracks. The drums were cloudy, guitars sounded buried and the bass sounded like diesel trucks. I was trying to find this album on an SHM-CD, for I've bought many KISS ones and truly found a leap in quality but the Hotter than Hell one is very tough to find. Having been happy with these 2014/40th Anniversary vinyl pressings of Music From the Elder & Lick it Up, I took a chance to buy one of Hotter than Hell. This vinyl issue is the greatest sounding version of this album I've ever heard! Peter's drums are so sonic with dimension plus most of the cymbals and high hats are dominating and crisp. Guitars are sharp. Bass is more defined and less muddy sounding. Vocals are about the same yet they weren't ever an issue in my opinion. This album finally has been given a meticulous make over. I am beyond happy with how it sounds. Next to Rock & Roll Over, Hotter than Hell is my top favorite KISS studio album featuring the original four! I love the Alice Cooper/Sabbath-esque audio assault of the songs--especially with the tracks Parasite, Watchin' You and Strange Ways. Goin' Blind is an oddity; a surreal cut. Hotter than Yell is a sexy yet tough track with awesome drums with a metallic tasting-psychedelic guitar solo. The music on this album to me matched up well with their gritty humble beginnings imagery. If you love this album and you own a turntable, this is worth buying! Read full review
Verified purchase: No
As many KISS fans would agree if pressed for their truthful opinion, "Hotter Than Hell" KISS' 1974 opus is one of a very few KISS LP's to sound a bit cloudy... The new 180 Gram Audiophile remastered 2014 issues from Universal Music in the "Decades Of Decibels" anniversary series KISS released in that year take care cleaning that up. "Hotter Than Hell" here, perhaps the LP that needed the most work now sounds brilliant...This is well worth the money. Painstakingly restored to all of it's former glory, with a heavy weight jacket, and original Casablanca Records label on the LP itself, and 180Gm. virgin vinyl.
Glad to hear this classic cleaned up. Still has the rawness but much better sound. Funny hearing audiophile and kiss in the same sentence though...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
this is a beutiful record and sounds perfect
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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