by Karen Compere
— Journalist —
There’s something exciting about putting on a record and the sound emitting hard and fast from the outset. That’s German Hard Rocker’s Kissin’ Dynamite’s latest release, Ecstacy. To put it simply Ecstacy grabs hold with a fun Melodic Rock with a modern twist. It rocks hard and rocks in a fun jump up and dance way.
The album itself is all killer. There’s not a single song on here that isn’t something someone with a background in the Gods of Stadium Areas couldn’t enjoy.
From the opening track, “I’ve Got The Fire” with it’s dueling opening riff, the intent is felt from the outset and the listener can feel exactly what’s in store for them. It’s rough and ready with the smooth vocals of Hannes Braun and the guitars that don’t let up from Andre Braun and Jim Müller.
Leading right into “You’re Not Alone,” “Somebody’s Gotta Do It,” and “Ecstasy.” These faster faster-paced are catchy and strong. A good easy listen and fun to sing along with catchy hooks and choruses. The guitars really sell it. The basslines on “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” courtesy of Steffan Haile standout in the best way. “Ecstasy” is a fantastic and fun song with Exit Eden’s Anna Brunner on as guest vocals. The only drawback is her alto range doesn’t quite contrast enough with Hannes Braun’s for the ear to really distinguish the two apart at times. Perhaps that was the desired effect.
To slow it down with a power ballad is not unheard of. “Still Around,” is a power ballad. It’s not a bad listen but does slow things down a little bit. “Superhuman,” and “Placebo” pick up the pace again. “Breaking the Silence” is a stomping beast of a track, driving with powerful guitars and strong drums courtesy of Andi Schnitzer. The lads are in complete control during that song. “Waging War,” is a favorite, that doesn’t slow down. “One More Time,” is a classic with Hard Rock influences of the genre woven through the lyric work. The final ballad on the album, “Heart of Stone” slows it down to a stopping point, but if you have the bonus tracks, you know the party doesn’t end there.
“Wild Wind” is catchy and fun to listen to a driving song for that feeling you get when the wind just rips through your hair on a hot day. The final track, “No Time to Wonder,” leaves the listener craving a bit more, but at the same time, ravaged. Kissin’ Dynamite’s Ecstasy is a fun loving album and worthy of a listen.
The Hair Metal genre is alive and kicking ass with Kissin’ Dynamite. Whitesnake and Mötley Crüe would be proud.
Genre: Hair Metal, Hard Rock
Band:
Johannes (Hannes) Braun – Vocals
Ande Braun – Guitarist
Jim Müller – Guitarist
Steffan Haile – Bassist
Andi Schnitzer – Drummer
Tracklist:
01. I’ve Got the Fire
02. You’re Not Alone
03. Somebody’s Gotta Do It
04. Ecstasy (feat. Anna Brunner)
05. Still Around
06. Superhuman
07. Placebo
08. Breaking Silence
09. Waging War
10. One More Time
11. Heart of Stone
12. Wild Wind (Bonus)
13. No Time to Wonder (Bonus)
Label: Metal Blade Records
Band Website: https://www.kissin-dynamite.de/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kissindynamiterocks/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6vllCmEOGV3ybcGoRF5tYK
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.5 / 10)
