Customer Reviews

Bk3

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Admit it; these past few months have been sensory overload for KISS fans.

Back in September of '09, Ace Frehley gave us "Anomaly." Less than a month later, KISS dropped "Sonic Boom" on the world.

And now, we have Bruce Kulick's "BK3."

Normally, when a guitarist releases a solo effort, it is easy to assume that it will be pure licks and riffs with no substance.

Thankfully, Bruce Kulick has created an album that is memorable, fun & insightful.

Mind you, Bruce could have easily sung on every single track if he chose to. However, he decided to bring in an array of friends to help make this album his masterpiece.

Gene Simmons manages to unleash his inner demon on "Ain't Gonna Die." He hasn't had this much swagger and punch since the "Revenge" album. Never mind that his son Nick sets the mood very well as he lends his pipes to the track "Hand of the King."

The best guest vocalist on the album has to be Bruce's former Union bandmate, John Corabi. Much the same way that Plant's voice compliments Page's guitar, Corabi and Kulick are a match made in musical heaven. "No Friend of Mine" is brutally honest and well written. It could easily garner airplay on any modern rock station in America.

The one cut on this album that highlights Bruce's talent is the instrumental piece, "Between the Lines." It is a whirlwind of great melody and passion.

What makes "BK3" an incredible album is that the songs seem as if they were carefully placed in a certain order so that the album has absolute flow from start to finish. It opens with the bombastic fist pumping "Fate" and closes with the beautifully lush "Life."

In comparison to other albums by guitarists, "BK3" is truly an "Anomaly."

Bruce Kulick makes a triumphant return with BK3, his first solo release since 2003's "Transformer." From the first note, it's apparent to the listener that BK3 is an entirely different animal from any of Kulick's previous work. While Kulick has always been criminally underrated as a guitarist, his true talent lies as much within knowing when NOT to play as when to plug in and shred.

The opening track, "Fate," gets things off to a rousing start, with blistering leads, a fast and fierce vocal delivery unlike anything we've heard from him before, and lyrics that declare his refusal to live in the shadow of his past. A ghost from that past, KISS' Gene Simmons, appears on the next track, lending his distinctive vocals to the soaring "Ain't Gonna Die." Rock radio programmers should rejoice and welcome this one with open arms.

Next up is a collaboration with frequent partner John Corabi (who has worked with Kulick in Union and ESP) on the moody, atmospheric "No Friend of Mine." Corabi and Kulick are also joined on the track by another Union cohort, drummer Brent Fitz. Nice lyrical twists, along with a memorable musical hook, make this one a winner that will please both old and new fans.

The lead single from the album, "Hand Of The King," brings another Simmons family member to the microphone...the very talented Nick Simmons, whose deep and soulful voice gives the straight-out-of-Fantasia lyrics a sultry, sexy undertone. Kulick shines on this one as well, complimenting the lyrics with a moody solo that has just the right amount of bite to it.

Kulick slows things down and takes over the vocals for "I'll Survive," inspired by his near-death experience during a random shooting in Los Angeles in 2003. Great backing vocals give this track an extra lift near the end as the choir sings the refrain "I'm alive...I'll survive" with both dignity and defiance. Kulick next recruits Knack frontman Doug Fieger for the excellent "Dirty Girl," which is the kind of song bands like the Click 5 dream about writing some day. A perfect example of how to create a power pop masterpiece. Another mid-tempo number, "Final Mile" is up next, with a touching lyric and guitar leads reminiscent of the Kulick-era KISS classic "God Gave Rock And Roll To You II."

"I'm The Animal" takes things in a much heavier direction, with a great vocal provided by Edguy/Avantasia frontman Tobias Sammet (look him up if you don't know who he is) and a powerful drum track from KISS' Eric Singer. If any of the songs on the album are a shred fest, it's this one, with Kulick taking multiple solos, each one meaner than the last.

Two tracks previewed (along with "No Friend Of Mine") on Kulick's special BK3 EP appear next. "And I Know," like the aforementioned "Dirty Girl," proves that Kulick hasn't forgotten any of his pop sensibilities after years of grinding out metal chords. The bouncy riffs are nicely contrasted by slightly darker lyrics. The album's only instrumental, "Between The Lines," is another guitar lover's delight featuring Kulick sharing leads with the legendary Steve Lukather. The pair are nicely complemented by some additional star power in the form Jimmy Haslip on bass and Kenny Aronoff on drums for what is easily the album's funkiest track.

Wrapping things up is the very Beatlesque ballad "Life," featuring Kulick waxing philosophical before ending the album with a multi-instrumental explosion of sound that can only be described as pure genius. An absolutely stunning end to an incredible listening experience.

To say BK3 is the best KISS-related release in years sells it short. BK3 is one of the best rock albums released in recent years, and fans who have never picked up a KISS album will enjoy it just as much as the die-hard members of the KISS Army.

A special mention should be given to producer Jeremy Rubolino, whose brilliant sonic shading on the album gives it the kind of dynamics that prior Kulick (and, for that matter, KISS) projects have longed for.

A brilliant and inspired piece of work, from one of the classiest and most talented guitar players of our time.

Great CD by Bruce and friends. But what really was good to hear was ex-Knack, Doug Feiger, brought me back to the 80's and he sounds great. But all is somber now to hear that Doug will no longer be singer his great pop tunes anymore. if their are any other songs doug sang on with you Bruce I'd love to hear them. Long live The Knack and BK3 is now special for 2 reasons.

I have to say that Bruce really has given his fans a great cd not that his other efforts weren't good this one is killer.There's not one track that I don't like there are uptempo songs a well as ballads "Fate" kicks the cd off and it's a killer track."Ain't Gonna Die" has Gene singing a solid track that reminds you of something he would have done with KISS."No Friend Of Mine" is a very good track I really like it's probably what you would hear if it were on a Union cd."Hand Of The King" has Nick Simmons singing I was pleasantly surprised an he sorta reminds me of a very young Gene."I'll Survive" is a very good track where Bruce sings about the shooting incident that he survived."Dirty Girl"with Doug Fieger(RIP)singing has become a favorite of mine the song is catchy and it really rocks."Final Mile" is another song that Bruce sings good track."I'm The Animal" with Tobias Sammet singing and Eric Singer on drums is a rocking track that I really like alot more the more I listen to it Eric Singer is just awesome on this track."And I Know" is another song Bruce sings that I really like alot I think his vocals improve everytime he sings."Between The Lines" the only instrumental with Steve Lukather is impressive and rocking track."Life" closes out the cd what a fitting ending to a musical journey.I had the chance to met Bruce at the KISS Coffee House in Myrtle Beach,South Carolina he was a true gentleman and signed autographs and took pictures with those who wanted a photo if anyyone gets the opportunity to meet him please do so you want be disappointed.I recommend if you don't own BK3 please go out and purchase it,it's worth every penny I paid for it.

BK3 marks the third solo project by legendary guitar virtuoso, Bruce Kulick. While the year is young, I will say right here, right now, that this disc will go down as one of, if not THE, best disc of its genre that was released in 2010. Remember that you read it here first, folks.

Regardless of the device the disc is listened on, the listener is greeted with phenomenal musicianship underscored by meticulous production throughout this enjoyable listening experience offered up by Kulick.

Right out of the chute, and taking what Bruce calls a "take no prisoners" approach, is the fast and furious tune, Fate. The song is a reflection of Kulick's years as KISS's replacement for Ace Frehley played at hyper-speed. While he bottom-line message of the tune is that Bruce definitely does not stand in anyone's shadow, the hooks in this song will definitely give the listener a terminal but very pleasant earworm.

What will surely be a much one of the two most talked about cuts of the album is Ain't Gonna Die, sung by KISS front man and marketing genius, Gene Simmons. Again, with incredible earworm forming hooks with a mind-bending guitar solo, if this song doesn't get widespread airplay then there just isn't any justice in this world.

No Friend of Mine follows. Joined by former Motely Crue and RATT guitarist, John Corabi, the song provides an audio-emotional roller coaster ride with what Kulick describes as Corabi's "angsty vibe". It's very hard not to play air guitar while enjoying this cut.

Friend is followed by what I bet will be the second most talked about song on BK3, Hand of the King. Co-written and sung by Gene Simmons' son, and Family Jewels co-star, Nick Simmons, King is an incredible, aneurhythm-inducing song that both rocks and stomps. Again, the guitar work is phenomenal and Simmons has a voice that is beyond his years, giving the listener the impression that he's been at this gig for more years than he's been alive.

I Will Survive is an autobiographical song that reflects on Bruce's encounter with death during a 2003 shooting that left him wounded in his right leg and, miraculously, a graze on his left temple. This song of reflection, life, and resolve to keep on keeping on is one of the mellower cuts of the album and equally as entertaining as all the rest.

Dirty Girl features the distinctive vocals of The Knack's Doug Fieger. The title is a bit deceptive, so don't think that you'll satisfy your voyeuristic side with this song. However, it is a catchy anthem to the high maintenance women of the world. While Kulick fans will love the foundational guitar work, Knack fans will love hearing Fieger's pipes once again.

Final Mile is another mellow tune that reveals Kulick's thoughts about hitting the road yet again. The pain of separation and the weariness of the road are felt in this song that has heavy flavors of Mott The Hoople.

Front man for the German power metal band, Edguy, Tobias Sammet, lends his pipes to I'm The Animal. The hard driving beat provided by KISS drummer Eric Singer and, of course, Kulick's signature guitar mastery guarantee's that this song will definitely be a crowd pleaser when it's performed. I can't wait to hear it live!

Bruce Kulick's ode to love lost, And I Know, opens with majestic guitar work and actually has a "happy" throughout the song. Consistent with his introspective approach to the songs on this album, Kulick gives us the impression that he's dusted himself off, reflected on the missed signs of trouble ahead, and embraced the lessons learned from the pains of a failed relationship.

The one instrumental tune on BK3, Between The Lines, provides us an incredible, if not legendary, guitar duet with Toto's Steve Lukather sharing licks with Bruce against a steady bass backdrop provided by Yellow Jacket bassist, Jimmy Haslip. You'll have this song on "repeat" after you first listen to it, trust me!

Kulick melodically takes over to a bench after the emotional roller-coaster ride he treated us to on BK3 and sums up his views on the acoustically dominated number, Life. Tipping his hat to George Harrison by rhetorically asking us, "How long does it take to see the signs that our minds keep on spinning?" If I close my eyes and let my mind wonder just a wee little bit, I could almost swear that I hear George singing and dying to segue into My Sweet Lord.

I would be woefully remiss if I didn't highlight the tremendous production skills of musical prodigy, Jeremy Rubilino. The fingerprints of his skilled hand, and even guitar work on No Friend of Mine, are evident all over this landmark project of Kulick's. It's always a stereophonic treat to see to people who excel in their craft join together and offer up the best that they can possibly craft. This is definitely the case with the double threat of Kulick and Rubilino.

Randy Patterson
Boomerocity.com

For nearly 12 years, Bruce Kulick was the lead guitar player in KISS. I have always loved Bruce's contribution to the band, but unfortunately the band was having difficulty finding it's identity. At least, until the album "Revenge." But, when the original band re-united, it left Bruce having to find the exit door. It was the right move for KISS at that time, but unfortunate for Bruce. But, he continued on with the band Union and his subsequent solo work. That brings me to his "BK3." I remember Bruce was at the Indianapolis KISS Expo 2009 and was hoping to release his CD before KISS' "Sonic Boom." He fell short by a couple of weeks, but his CD was finally released.

"BK3" is a collection of collaborated songs. From John Corabi, Doug Fieger, Eric Singer, Gene Simmons and his little demon, Nick. (Actually, Nick is about 5 inches taller then his tongue waggling father.) This CD rocks. The first song, "Fate" is a heavy rocker. I am not particularly crazy about this tune, but when "Ain't Going To Die" with Gene Simmons starts, the CD starts to really shape up. Tracks like "Hand of the King" really smokes. But the biggest surprise is Bruce singing, "Final Mile." A good slow song. Bruce isn't the greatest vocalist, but he does a nice job.

If you are a fan of Bruce, then definitely pick up this CD.

Isn't it ironic that both Ace & Bruce's new albums sound much more like KISS
and is worlds better than the latest KISS release (Sonic Boom)?

Bruce is about songwriting and substance and not just chops. The album is a cohesive set of hard rock tunes with blistering Jimmy Page style solos. Vocalists John Corabi, Nick Simmons, and Tobias Sammett are simply amazing
each bringing a unique vocal style to the table. Doug Fieger (The Knack) sings one song (Dirty Girl) and this song would have been a hit if it had been released in the early 80's but doesn't give-up any attitude although it has radio quality to it. There is one pseudo-shred fest that features the amazing
Steve Lukather (Between the Lines), however; the song is another well crafted piece of art that
actually moves the listener. This CD is a treasure and worth every penny of dirty in your face Rock n' Roll.

Not to criticise anyone elses,but in the last several years all four original members and former members of KISS(except Vinnie Vincent)have released solo cd's, this is the best.It has the Revenge/Union feel to it.With several different lead vocalists,Bruce's guitar makes this cd.Judging buy his 3 solo cd's and 2 Union cd's,he should have been used more as a songwriter in KISS.This is the best of his solo releases and holds it's own with the 2 Union releases.

I was surprised at how good of a cd this was. There isn't a bad song on here. It's nothing like the bad metal that you hear on stations like kilo in colorado springs. (mainly thrashy stuff with nickelback type vocals) this is well crafted metal rock at it's best. And it has some very hard songs on here but also some that are extremely melodic like 'dirty girl". Another strong point is that bruce has others sing most of the songs. Too many guitarists
blow it when they try to sing lead on their solo work. That's not the case here. Of course kiss fans will want this one too as gene simmons does a great track on it. This is fine metal cd. ONe of 2010's best for sure. Other guest vocalists do a great job too. This is a guitarist at his peak still and it should have gotten more attention. Bruce of course is the lead guitarist for Grand funk and was kiss's lead axe slinger too. What more needs to be said?

Quick Shipment, arrived in great condition. Excellent product for the price. Great demonstration of how much KISS held him back.