Kissin’ Dynamite: Ecstasy (Metal Blade)

German melodic hard rockers Kissin’ Dynamite made the jump from the AFM label to Metal Blade for the release of their sixth studio album, titled Ecstasy. Hopefully the new label will give the band some added exposure, because with music this addictive they certainly deserve a higher profile.

Kissin’ Dynamite has always had a high energy mix of metallic tinged melodic rock, and with Ecstasy (much like 2016’s Generation Goodbye), they’ve perfected that sound. The album is full of ridiculously melodies and ultra-infectious rhythms, and the sing-along/shout-along choruses are a throwback to a time when rock n’ roll was a lot more fun. Think Eclipse and H.E.A.T, but with the metallic punch of Pink Cream 69 and Pretty Maids.

If Ecstasy was meant to break the band to a wider audience, Kissin’ Dynamite couldn’t have possibly done a better job crafting an album with huge crossover appeal. Leadoff single “I’ve Got the Fire” has old school glam metal and modern rock appeal, not to mention one of the best driving rhythms you’ll hear all year, and the title track (which features guest vocals from Exit Eden’s Anna Brunner) is another high-octane rock anthem. Songs like “Superhuman” and “Heart of Stone” are less anthemic, but no less memorable. Really though, the album is one unforgettable melodic rock song after another.

Kissin’ Dynamite has never really released a bad album, but Ecstasy is great even by their standards. It’s arguably the best release of the band’s career. 2018 has already seen some first class melodic rock albums, but this one instantly deserves to be a contender for best melodic rock album of the year. It’s a must-hear for fans of H.E.A.T., Eclipse, Pink Cream 69, Ammunition and The Defiants.

Edition Notes: The CD release of Ecstasy comes in a digipack and includes two bonus tracks – “Wild Wind” and “No Time To Wonder.”