KA Note: Dutch KISS cover band Sweet Pain are making plans to hit the studio again this summer (2000) to record another tribute to the Hottest Band in the World! Always in the spirit of helping out our fellow KISS Army members, KISS ASYLUM decided to re-run our review of Sweet Pain's first cover disc "KISS Un-Covered," which was released in 1999, to remind everyone of what the guys did on their last outing.

Dutch KISS cover band Sweet Pain has done the extremely difficult - they've managed to make a KISS cover disc, "KISS Un-Covered", that stands apart from the recent onslaught of tributes to the Hottest Band in the World. Comprised of members Michel Zwartjes (vocals), Steve Boender (guitar), Ron van Dijk (bass), Michel van Tongeren (lead guitar), and $pike Bakker (drums), Sweet Pain sets themselves apart from the pack in several important ways. First, for those of us in North America, there is simply the fact that the guys are fresh faces on the KISS cover scene since most of us haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Sweet Pain yet. ;-) The band also sets themselves apart from the typical KISS cover band because they don't don the grease paint for their shows. Nope, the guys just strap on, plug in, and rock out! But the most significant way that Sweet Pain sets themselves apart is through the music - both the quality and the selection. Now, there are other KISS cover bands out there that sound good to be sure. But there aren't many that make a habit of playing the odds and ends of the KISS catalog. Sweet Pain can handle just about anything in the KISS arsenal, and have picked a really refreshing cross section to represent their abilities on their first offering to the Gods of Thunder and fellow members of the KISS Army Worldwide.

Creatures of the Night: First things first - Mich Zwartjes can sing his ass off. Period. The background vocals throughout the album, according to the liner notes, were provided by "anyone who got the job done, sound familiar?" Well, whoever it was got the job done just fine and backed up Mich nicely here and throughout. Mich does an incredible job on all six songs on the disc, but it is on this kick ass version of Creatures that he particularly shines. You'd never know that English wasn't Mich's native language as he belts out the lead with incredible force and charisma. The music is also incredibly well done, with $pike kicking the hell out of his drums as good as anyone other than The Fox has ever played. Steve's rhythm cuts through like a buzz saw while Michel van Tongeren sets his strings one fire. All the while Ron's bass line pounds along with enough presence to vibrate items off any shelves close to your sound system. These guys aren't playing around boys and girls and this opening track serves notice you better strap in for one hell of a ride!

Domino: Mich growls out the lyrics to this rare KISS cover with as much innuendo and self confidence as the Demon himself. Michel van Tongeren hits the solo out of the park, while $pike once again pounds the skins with laser precision. But it's Ron van Dijk's bass that is the real standout on this track. Positioned pleasantly high in the mix it provides a nice compliment to the lead.

Sure Know Something: This song, on first listen, became one of my all time favorite KISS covers. Sweet Pain have done an absolutely amazing job with this track, especially impressive given that it isn't exactly the easiest song in the catalog to cover vocally. Steve and Michel's guitar work on this track are spectacular, and Ron once again demonstrates the crucial difference bass makes to a song's balance and completeness when played well. A truly, truly first rate job.

Hard Luck Woman: Another fine job on a true KISS classic. Ron and $pike's rhythm section nicely anchor this faithful reproduction, while the guitar work blends in seamlessly. This track really highlights the production quality of "KISS Un-Covered" and how well all the instruments and vocals are placed in the mix.

Lick It Up: It may exist, but this is the first time I've ever heard this particular KISS track covered (in recorded fashion). Once again, Sweet Pain show they are a force to be reckoned with as they turn in a first rate cover of this ass kicker from the 80's. I'm not sure how long these guys have been playing together, but from this track it sure sounds like a long time! The band is as tight as it gets, with Steve and Michel's guitar work complimenting each other particularly nicely. Mich delivers this one with such energy that you can easily imagine him charging around on stage during concerts like a wild man.

100,000 Years: Ok, let's get another thing straight - $pike Bakker can drum his ass off. Period. Instead of coming in the middle of the song, $pike's drumming explosion - double bass that'll make you think you're being shelled by the enemy - actually closes out the track and most certainly leaves you wanting more (nice trick for a drummer!). Michel van Tongeren also abuses his instrument, blazing through the track like there's no tomorrow. And once again Ron does an outstanding job of making the listener really appreciate the bass line's function of gluing things together. Because of their excellent musicianship and energy Sweet Pain really bring a welcome freshness to a song that, for some, may be otherwise somewhat worn.

Recorded at the Dalton Studio by Arjen Petri, Sweet Pain's "KISS Un-Covered" represents a beautiful finished product. Everything from the packaging (4 page, full color, heavy stock booklet) to the cd itself (a nice reproduction of the back cover), to the sound production is truly first rate. There isn't a hint of amateurism about "KISS Un-Covered" and it should rightly find a place in your KISS audio collection as a valued addition to the tribute/covers section - it will easily make itself right at home. Sweet Pain have a website located at http://www.pain.demon.nl/ that has all the ordering information. Or you can email lead singer Michel Zwartjes for details. Go ahead, treat yourself to a little Sweet Pain!

KA Note: Dutch KISS cover band Sweet Pain are making plans to hit the studio again this summer (2000) to record another tribute to the Hottest Band in the World! Songs that are being considered for inclusion are "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" and "Room Service." The band plans to have 7 songs on this new cd, and wants the worldwide KISS Army to help pick which ones make the cut! Sweet Pain plays almost every KISS song in the catalog, so click over to the band's website and cast your vote for the songs to be included now! The band is also open for album title suggestions.

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