Review KISSIN’ DYNAMITE “Back with a Bang!”

Growing up in the Swabian countryside and not having much to do in the spare time, listening to music with some friends was a welcome distraction and there was no doubt that rock/metal was the chosen genre.

While most kids listen to music and embrace their idols five classmates went one step further. They formed a band. I don’t know if anyone at the time could have imagined that Kissin’ Dynamite would take off in such an impressive way, but there was one veteran of the metal scene who saw the potential in these five kids. None other than Udo Dirkschneider contributed with some vocals to one of the songs on the debut, which was a huge booster for the guys.

Time passed and with “Back with a Bang!” the eighth studio album of the Swabian powerhouse hit the shelves. The title track is the starting point for 46 minutes of powerful metal. The roaring song is a real headbanger and lives up to expectations. All the trademarks are in place, which is also true for the following “My Monster”. A bit catchier than the title track, “My Monster” has the potential to be a hit.

A nostalgic story is what drives “Raise Your Glass” and you wonder how much of their personal stories are the inspiration for the lyrics. The song has more of a rock spirit before the 80s melodic metal roots shine through in “Queen Of The Night”, and even with such a reference, Kissin’ Dynamite never sound old-fashioned.

Dark and anthemic, that’s how “The Devil is a Woman” comes out of the speakers and “I Do it My Way” could also have some authentic backgrounds, because the guys did it their way. If there is a weaker spot, it is “Iconic”, the only moment when the band drowns a bit too much in standards off the shelf.

The closing track of the album is called “Not a Wise Man”. It is the acoustic moment on an album that isotherwise full of riffs, melodies and well-crafted hooks. “Not a Wise Man” is a good song, but also not the greatest moment on the tracklist of “Back with a Bang!”. At least it is a rather calm bang that ends this release.

Kissin’ Dynamite have matured over the years. They started out as kids and now they are young men. What hasn’t changed is the boundless passion for their music, and that’s why the band’s latest effort is a dynamic and vibrant example of well-crafted melodic metal that never gets cheesy or pointless. Well done guys.