KISS - Unmasked - (1980) - (Casablanca NBLP-7225) - Vinyl - {First US Pressing} 24-Bit/96kHz + 16-Bit/44kHz

Unmasked is the eighth studio album by KISS, released in May 20, 1980. At the time, it was the last studio album featuring the original lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, although Criss actually had no involvement with the recording of the album. Anton Fig (uncredited) played all drums on the album. This album marked another departure for KISS, this was the first album since 1976's Rock and Roll Over not to feature all members on vocals. Although Unmasked marked a major departure musically for the band, the album reached #35 on the US Billboard chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA on July 30, 1980. The band filmed a promotional video for "Shandi", with Criss. It was the last time Criss appeared with Kiss in any capacity until he performed with them at a KISS Convention on June 17, 1995. In the band's authorized biography, he revealed that he was the last one left in the band's dressing room after filming, and broke down crying. A German television performance of "Talk to Me" and "She's So European" featured the debut of Eric Carr, who became the band's permanent drummer until his death in 1991. The band would play a concert at the now defunct Palladium Theatre in New York to officially introduce Carr as Criss' permanent replacement in the band. Throughout the years, the album's songs have been largely ignored on live performances, with the exception of "Shandi", which is sometimes played in the band's shows, particularly in Australia (where the song became a top 10 hit in 1980). "Talk to Me" was played in 2001 during the Australian and Japanese concerts of the "Farewell Tour", and had not been performed since the departure of Frehley. Inserts for Unmasked first pressing include: A merchandise order form A large wall poster I've included scans for everything that came in the first pressing.