Kiss
Rock The Nation Live! (DVD)

April 2006
Released: 2005, Image Entertainment
Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewer: Lord of the Wasteland

Like taxes and death, the KISS machine inevitably rolls on despite the revolving door of guitarists and drummers. Ace Frehley has been out since 2001 and Peter Criss’ on-again, off-again stints behind the kit were his tragic flaw leaving go-to man, Eric Singer, to slather on the greasepaint once and for all (at least as “once and for all” gets within KISS). Along with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Thayer and Singer (who could have fooled me that he isn’t Criss with the Catman makeup on) make up what is arguably the most musically-talented lineup the band has ever had and on ROCK THE NATION LIVE!, KISS does its very best to show that they are still a viable act. Merchandising aside, the only thing that has really kept the KISS name in music circles (the band hasn’t released an album of new material since 1998’s PSYCHO CIRCUS) is their endless touring and consistently elaborate stage show. KISS has always been more about style than substance and this DVD is chock full of their shtick of flash pots, fireworks, ass-shaking and blood-spewing intermingled with several behind-the-scenes features (yes, some people spend $1,000 US to shake hands and get their picture taken with the band) that shed light on what goes on in the world of KISS. What separates this DVD from the rest is the fact that several “classic” songs that the band dusted off from the 70s are added to the set as well as some 80s material that Criss and Frehley were unable (or unwilling, depending on who you believe) to play. All the classic s are here, of course, including the inevitable “Rock & Roll All Nite” but hearing “Makin’ Love,” “Parasite,” “Love Her All I Can,” “Tears Are Falling,” “War Machine” and “Unholy” will send the KISS Army into fits of ecstasy, especially given that KISS’ setlist was becoming far too predictable. The unique “KISS Powervision” feature, originally designed for use on porn DVDs, allows the viewer to choose from several angles to focus on his or her favorite band member and is a nifty feature but seems like more of a nuisance on repeated viewings. The rapid fire editing and cut-away style to the documentaries is a bit distracting (there is no “Play Show Only” feature, unfortunately) but overall, not many can outdo KISS and ROCK THE NATION LIVE! is a testament to this band’s 33-year (and counting) career.