In 2022, German stadium rock band Kissin’ Dynamite made their Napalm Records debut. Two years later, they are back with their second album since their start with Napalm. Back With A Bang is a full on rock party. Clearly taking inspiration from bands like Bon Jovi, the German band have once again made their stamp on rock music with yet another album filled with fantastic riffs and masterful choruses, making this an album that any rock fan should dedicate their time to.
Back With A Bang starts with a bang. The opener and title track is an explosive gust of energy. Right from the get go, the band does not mess around. Hannes Braun does not mess around, and his vocals take center stage from the opening wail which initiates the song. The chorus is huge. It is energetic and extremely infectious. Something that this album thrives on.
The next couple of tracks which follow are both singles. Upon first listen, these songs did not seem to fit with the rest of the album, but listening to the full record, these songs work really well. ‘My Monster’ has possibly the best riff on this album. Pair that with an excellent performance from Hannes, this song was made for the stage. ‘Raise Your Glass’ is a more nostalgic song lyrically, with the band reflecting on their careers and celebrating what lies ahead. Musically, this song is slightly more dull and for the lead single, the band should have chosen a different track.
‘Queen Of The Night’ is an absolute epic. It is a modern day stadium rock anthem. The synths add another element which lacks in other songs here. This song reminds me of Bon Jovi’s ‘Runaway’ but with a modern rock twist. Something that Kissin’ Dynamite do incredibly well. The vocals steal the show once again whilst the guitar duo of Ande Braun and Jim Müller elevate the track even further. In terms of guitar work, this is one of the best tracks on the record.
What follows is the fifth track and third single ‘The Devil Is A Woman.’ A song which your brain will force you to repeat time and time again. This is one of my favourite choruses on the entire album, and the talk box vocals matched with the simple guitar work is top notch producing. There are times where simplicity is best, and this song is a testament to that statement.
The next two songs that follow are the most boring songs on this album. Things pick up quite rapidly again despite this. ‘More Is More’ is another stadium rock anthem. This talk box and guitar driven track is everything you want in a rock song. Fantastic rhythm work, thunderous drums and guitars, and a chorus which would make any listener jump out of their seat and party.
After another not so successful song, ‘Learn To Fly’ is another great song and makes you forget the song which came before. Drummer Sebastian Berg really shines on this track. Sebastian does some fantastic double bass work throughout this album, but this song truly speaks as to how good of a drummer he is. This song also features one of the best guitar solos on an album filled with some amazing guitar solos.
The party continues with ‘When The Lights Go Out.’ A song with another memorable chorus and a festive atmosphere which combines both electric and acoustic guitars. It is the very last song on the album though, which is the most forgettable. ‘Not A Wise Man’ is emotional and heartfelt, but it is a poorly executed country ballad. The chorus whilst still being exciting, makes up for the boring verses. As the album started out with an explosion of energy, the album should have ended that same way.
This album sounds fantastic, and feels as if it is made for big stages and festivals all around the globe. Even the bass can be heard at times, through the powerhouses which are the drums, vocals and guitars. This really elevates the feel and power of the album’s sound, and further reinstates the fact that this is an album written to be performed live.
Overall, This is not only a stadium rock album, it is an album with party written all over it. This is one of the perfect albums for any festive summer occasion. Every single song has a chorus which will get stuck in your head despite the fact that not all of these tracks are consistently good. The tracks that are fantastic though, stand out above the rest making this album a truly worthwhile listen. For fans of old school stadium rock, Kissin’ Dynamite will not be going anywhere any time soon, meaning that the parties will remain strong for years to come.
