Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but in the case of MONSTER, the latest piece of merchandise from the band KISS, the book is completely defined just by one look at it. Quite appropriately named, the book is the largest of its genre, ever to be published. If that doesn’t give you an idea of its size, the book weighs 4 stone and is 3ft high. Each book had to be hand binded, because there were no machines large enough to accommodate it. Paul Stanley, frontman of KISS, joked “You could call it a coffee table book, but if you put legs on it, it is a coffee table.” With a career spanning 40 years, the size of the book is given justification, as there would be no other way to document such a wide range of photographs.

All 126 photos in the book were chosen by the band themselves, more specifically Tommy Thayer who paid specific attention to the layout of the book, making sure he had a lot of creative input. There are photos from the beginning of KISS’ career, all the way up to what the band are doing right now. Thayer claims “Bigger is better, size does matter.” and with some pictures in the book being 4ft by 2ft, it’s clear that the band mean what they say. The book is limited to 1,000 copies worldwide and each copy has been signed by all four members of the band. They have paid tribute those who have supported them over the years, by making 10 different covers with flags including UK, Australia and Brazil.

KISS are well known for the fact that they don’t do things by halves as their gigs are packed full of energy and all of the magic of the band appears, which is shown by the tricks and pyrotechnics involved. The band are extremely focused on interacting with fans and giving back to people. “Those people determine your faith and you determine theirs, so reach into your pockets and make sure those people are taken care of.” Stanley mentioned, as the band signed a copy of the book, worth a staggering £2,742 that they planned to donate to the charity ‘Help For Heroes’. In addition to this, the band played an exclusive intimate gig for the charity on Wednesday at The Forum, where they played their new single “Hell or Hallelujah.”

The single is the first release from KISS’ brand new album which shall be released in a few months. The album goes alongside the Monster book, as they share the same name. In regards to the album, Gene Simmons claimed “We may have one of the best records we have ever had, produced by Paul. (Stanley)” It seems like the band are extremely busy this year as they are going to be embarking on a world tour for their new album, accompanied by Motley Crue and there shall also be some tour dates for the UK, announced soon. KISS plan to “Show all the little boys, how the big boys do it.” when it comes to touring.

When the band was asked about future plans, Stanley joked about creating “Kisstianity”, a religion based upon KISS. The band have made it clear that they are nowhere near the end of their career. “We are in the midst of an amazing ride.” Stanley said. KISS numerously expressed that even after 40 years, it is still the beginning for them. With humble last words, Simmons noted the fact that many journalists comment on the confidence of the band when talking about what they do. “When it comes to our confidence, we are unapologetic. We are great. We are legends, but when we talk about our fans, we are forever thankful.”

After everything that the band have achieved after such a long time in the music industry, it seems like they still have their options open in reaching as many people as possible and spreading the electrifying message of KISS. A band that is simply impossible to ignore, as whatever they do, it is sure to grab your attention and the Monster book is only a small part of what huge things KISS have in store for the future. As they said themselves, I think this is the year of KISS.

Monster is available now, to purchase worldwide. To order your copy of the one of a kind book, please visit www.kissmonsterbook.com