KISS - UNMASKED - 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Unmasked" is the 1980 Studio Album released by the American Glam Metal band "KISS". This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

High Resolution Photo #1 KISS Unmasked

Album Description:

"Unmasked", the 1980 studio album by American glam metal band KISS, remains a significant milestone in the band's discography. Produced by Vini Poncia for Mad Vincent Productions, with assistance from Anne Streer, the album showcased KISS exploring new musical territories while maintaining their signature sound. With its captivating album cover illustration by Victor Stabin, Mark Samuels, and Jose Rivero, "Unmasked" is a must-have for any KISS fan and vinyl collector.

Recorded at the prestigious Record Plant in New York City, the album benefited from the expertise of sound engineer Gray Russell. Russell's contributions played a crucial role in capturing the band's energy and translating it onto the vinyl medium. To further enhance the album's sound quality, the mastering was performed at Sterling Sound in New York City by the renowned George Marino, who added his magic touch to make the songs shine.

While "Unmasked" saw the departure of original drummer Peter Criss, who only appeared in promotional material and did not contribute to the album's recordings, the remaining members of KISS stepped up to the challenge and delivered a memorable record. Paul Stanley showcased his skills on rhythm guitar and provided his unmistakable vocals that have become synonymous with KISS's anthemic sound. Gene Simmons, the band's iconic bassist, delivered his trademark growling vocals and thunderous bass lines that anchored the album. Ace Frehley, the lead guitarist, left his indelible mark on "Unmasked" with his distinctive guitar solos and added his voice to the mix.

With "Unmasked", KISS explored a more pop-oriented sound, embracing catchy melodies and incorporating elements of disco and new wave. The album featured hit singles like "Shandi" and "Talk to Me", which displayed the band's ability to create infectious hooks while staying true to their rock roots. Other notable tracks included "Is That You?" and "Naked City", which showcased the band's versatility and songwriting prowess.

Despite its initial success, "Unmasked" received mixed reviews from critics and faced backlash from some fans who felt that KISS had strayed too far from their hard rock roots. However, the album has stood the test of time, gaining recognition as an important chapter in KISS's evolution and an intriguing snapshot of the band's artistic exploration during the early 1980s.

Music Genre:

  American Hard Rock 
Album Production information: 

The album: "KISS - Unmasked" was produced by: Vini Poncia for Mad Vincent Productions. assisted by Anne Streer

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Gray Russell

This album was recorded at: Record Plant, New York City.

Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York City by George Marino

George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music.

Album cover illustration: Victor Stabin with Mark Samuels and Jose Rivero

Record Label & Catalognr:

  Casablanca 6302 032

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1981 Made in West Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KISS - Unmasked
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Paul Stanley - rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Gene Simmons - bass guitar, vocals
  • Ace Frehley - lead guitar, vocals
  • Peter Criss - drums (credit only)
Complete Track-listing of the album "KISS - Unmasked"

The detailed tracklist of this record "KISS - Unmasked" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. "Is That You?" Gerard McMahon Paul Stanley 3:59
  2. "Shandi" Stanley, Vini Poncia Stanley 3.36
  3. "Talk to Me" Ace Frehley Frehley 4.00
  4. "Naked City" Gene Simmons, Poncia, Bob Kulick, Pepe Castro Simmons 3:49
  5. "What Makes the World Go 'Round" Stanley, Poncia Stanley 4:14
  6. "Tomorrow" Stanley, Poncia Stanley 3:18
  7. . "Two Sides of the Coin" Frehley Frehley 3:16
  8. "She's So European" Simmons, Poncia Simmons 3:30
  9. "Easy As It Seems" Stanley, Poncia Stanley 3:24
  10. "Torpedo Girl" Frehley, Poncia Frehley 3.31
  11. "You're All That I Want" Simmons, Poncia Simmons 3.04
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "KISS - Unmasked"

High Resolution Photo #1 KISS Unmasked

High Resolution Photo #2 KISS Unmasked

High Resolution Photo #3 KISS Unmasked

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Index of KISS Vinyl Discography and Album Cover Gallery

KISS is one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music. Their high-energy performances, theatrical costumes, and makeup have helped define the glam rock era of the 1970s and influenced generations of musicians. KISS's music, image, and merchandise have made them one of the most recognizable and successful bands of all time. The band's legacy continues to impact the music industry and popular culture today, making KISS a true American rock and roll icon.


FEATURED KISS (BAND) VINYL RECORDS

KISS - Ace Frehley
KISS - Ace Frehley  album front cover vinyl record

Released on September 18, 1978, alongside solo efforts from his bandmates, "Ace Frehley" wasn't just a chance for the Spaceman to shine outside of KISS' larger-than-life persona

Ace Frehley 12" Vinyl LP
KISS - Alive II (Two International Versions)
KISS - Alive II album front cover vinyl record

"Alive II" is the 1977 live album from the American rock band Kiss. It is the group's eighth album and second live album.

KISS - Alive II (1977 Germany) KISS - Alive II (1977 USA)
KISS - Asylum (Two European Versions)
KISS - Asylum (Two International Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

"Asylum" marked a turning point for KISS. Following the departure of original guitarist Ace Frehley, Bruce Kulick stepped in, making his debut studio appearance.

KISS - Asylum (1989. Netherlands) KISS - Asylum (1985, West-Germany)
KISS - Crazy Nights
KISS - Crazy Nights (1987, Holland)  album front cover vinyl record

"Crazy Nights" saw Kiss venturing into new musical territory, departing from their previous heavy metal sound showcased in albums like "Lick It Up", "Animalize", and "Asylum".

Crazy Nights (1987, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
KISS - Double Platinum (German & West-German Versions)
KISS - Double Platinum  album front cover vinyl record

While "Double Platinum" has been reissued and repackaged over the years, the original gatefold with its embossed, silver-foiled cover and bas-relief art remains a standout.

KISS - Double Platinum (Germany) KISS - Double Platinum (West-Germany)
KISS - Dressed To Kill (Black & Red Vinyl Versions)
KISS - Dressed To Kill (Blacm & Red Vinyl Versions) album front cover vinyl record

This is the original vinyl release, in a gatefold-sleeve, with an embossed, silver-foiled sleeve, with the band members in bas-relief inside. (Re-issues have the band members represented inside by photos rather than the bas illustrations).

KISS - Dressed to Kill KISS - Dressed To Kill (Red Vinyl)
KISS - Dynasty (3 Different Versions incl Colored Vinyl)
KISS - Dynasty (3 Different Versions incl Colored Vinyl)  album front cover vinyl record

Dynasty is the seventh studio album by Kiss, released in 1979. The album features a departure from the band's traditional hard rock sound, with a more pop-oriented and disco-influenced sound

KISS - Dynasty Audiophile (1979 Germany) KISS - Dynasty (1979) KISS - Dynasty Red Vinyl
KISS - Music From The Elder
KISS - Music From The Elder album front cover vinyl record

KISS's "Music From The Elder" flopped critically, but the French 12" vinyl with a gatefold cover is a collector's item. This release features the same progressive rock music

Music From The Elder 12" Vinyl LP
KISS - I Was Made For Lovin' You b/w Hard Times
KISS - I Was Made For Lovin' You b/w Hard Times  album front cover vinyl record

KISS's 1979 "I Was Made For Lovin' You" single surprised fans with disco vibes, becoming a #1 hit. The B-side, "Hard Times," kept their rock alive. This 7" vinyl single is a collector's item

Was Made For Lovin' You b/w Hard Times 7" Vinyl Single
KISS - Killers
KISS - Killers  album front cover vinyl record

This album was released only outside the United States, but quickly became available as an import. Of the twelve songs on Killers, four were new compositions recorded specifically for the album.

Killers 12" Vinyl LP
KISS - Lick It Up (Three International Versions)
KISS - Lick it up  album front cover vinyl record

"Lick It Up" is the 11th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. On the day of the album's release, Kiss appeared on MTV without their trademark makeup.

KISS - Lick it Up (Germany) KISS - Lick It Up (Netherlands) KISS - Lick it Up (Yugoslavia)
KISS - Love Gun (USA & German Versions)
KISS - Love Gun (USA & German Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

"Love Gun" is an album that epitomizes the larger-than-life persona of KISS. From its bombastic sound to its visually striking album cover, everything about this release screams rock 'n' roll excess

KISS - Love Gun German Version KISS - Love Gun USA Version
KISS - Sure You Know Something b/w Dirty Livin'
KISS - Sure You Know Something b/w Dirty Livin'  album front cover vinyl record

The rare German pressing of KISS's "Sure You Know Something" b/w "Dirty Livin'" 7-inch is a collector's gem. This 1979 single features two strong tracks, showcasing the band's energy and versatility

Sure You Know Something b/w Dirty Livin' 7" Vinyl Single
KISS - Unmasked
 KISS - Unmasked  album front cover vinyl record

"Unmasked", the 1980 studio album by American glam metal band KISS, remains a significant milestone in the band's discography. Produced by Vini Poncia for Mad Vincent Productions, with assistance from Anne Streer

Unmasked 12" Vinyl LP