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.
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Music Genre: American Hard Rock
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| 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 – Mastering EngineerWhen my site brain goes full 1980s metal mode, his name keeps showing up like a hidden signature in the dead wax. Read more... George Marino is one of those behind-the-glass legends who made heavy music feel larger than the room it was playing in. Before the mastering console became his throne, he was a Bronx guitarist doing the NYC band grind in the 1960s with groups like The Chancellors and The New Sounds Ltd. Then he went pro for real: starting at Capitol Studios in New York (1967), and eventually becoming a long-running force at Sterling Sound (from 1973 onward). For a collector like me—living in that sweet spot where 1980s heavy metal, hard rock, and a dash of prog-minded ambition collide—Marino’s credits read like a stack of essential sleeves: Holy Diver (Dio), Tooth and Nail (Dokken), Stay Hard (Raven), Master of Puppets (Metallica), Somewhere in Time (Iron Maiden), Among the Living (Anthrax), Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses), Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi), and Blow Up Your Video (AC/DC). That’s the kind of resume that doesn’t just “master” records—it weaponizes them, but with taste. George Marino Wiki Album cover illustration: Victor Stabin with Mark Samuels and Jose Rivero
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Casablanca 6302 032
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Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
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Year & Country:
1981 Made in West Germany
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Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: KISS - Unmasked
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KISS - Dressed to Kill
