Kiss – Hotter Than Hell

Be aware!!!
"They're selling Czech Republic/GZ Media pressings as U.S. pressings. Wow, that was a new one. This was listed as B002006901 at Bengans (Sweden), but it was the European pressing, runout 602537715497. Weird thing, though, it has the hypesticker: "180-gram Audiophile Vinyl First U.S. vinyl pressing Since 1985 editions", and on the back of the jacket (down left), they have removed the text "made in eu" (I know, because I have the 2014 reissue - same EAN). Runout is identical to the GZ Media from 2014.
I was after the RM cut, which seems to be cut much better."

Would some US citizen Kiss-nerd-knows-it-all comment on this. Is there any plant currently pressing the vinyl in the US?
The Ron McMaster-cut was pressed at QRP. As of 2024/2025 another cut with lower volume is cut at GZ Media.

Everyone knows that GZ Media isn't an Audiophile pressing plant. The hypesticker was made for the QRP pressing plant, back in 2014.
This above written message is also concerning other Kiss records that I am aware of: Dynasty, Dressed to Kill, and probably many other one's being sold in 2024 / 2025.

The LP is flat and quiet. Compared to my original LP, the mastering is a big improvement. The original HTH was the worst sounding of the original three releases and always had sort of a muddy mid range with rolled off highs. This pressing has a much cleaner high end (and mids), and finally has some bass on it. Those adjustments were sorely needed and it's got more presence across the soundstage as a result. More lively sounding than the original LP, and I didn't note any distortion at all (other than what was intended). Glad I grabbed it!

It's pretty hard to find an early pressing of HTH that's not totally chewed up, as these records were owned and played by kids with $20 phonographs, including yours truly. I've ended up replacing most of my original KISS records for this reason.

I took a chance on this recent reissue, and it sounds super clean with some details I never heard in the OP. That said, I also believe it has been EQ'd slightly scooped, with emphasis on boosted bass and crispy highs. Of course I can't say without comparing them side by side. Regardless, this copy does sound quite good. A little compressed, but the dynamics are still intact. If in doubt, just start cranking it up and the record sounds better as it gets louder.

Highlights are "Let Me Go Rock And Roll", "Hotter Than Hell", and "Parasite". Check out the drums on "Strange Ways"- they sound really great.

Super clean and quiet vinyl. Great reproduction of outer sleeve.

3.5 stars. Recommended.

Anyone reading this and wondering what pressing of this album to get, please take my advice and get the German 2014 pressing instead of this. It has far better dynamics, it’s not even close. There is a drastic difference. That said, this pressing is still better than the original. But you can as of right now get the German pressing for cheaper than the US.

I didn't experience any of the distortion or weak sound the other reviewer complained of. This is a pretty great album. I bought a sealed copy for about $11 elsewhere and I'm pretty impressed. I have heard original pressings over the years of this album, and I still say this new 180-gram issue is better. 5 star album, 5 star issue.

5 Stars for the Album, 3 Stars for the vinyl release. While it sounds great in some areas, it can sound slightly distorted in some areas as well. And compared to the reissue of KISS S/T, and Dressed to Kill, this one sounded a little Weak.