Curious about that new KISS release? Well, you may not be able to hear it just yet, but you can hear the title and a bit about just what’s on it. Sonic Boom will be a 3-disc Wal-Mart exclusive, containing the band’s first full CD of new material in 11 years, a full disc of 15 re-recorded classics, and a live DVD shot just this year in Argentina. You can have it in your hands starting October 6, but before then Gene Simmons has some words of praise that will make the wait even harder:

“Sonic Boom may be the best new record we’ve done since Destroyer! It is Rock And Roll Over meets Love Gun. The world’s biggest retailer had better get ready for the hottest band in the world and hire more cashiers before October 6th!”

Paul Stanley adds, “Through all of the albums that are considered our classics, we tried to always find ways to give our fans extras that went beyond just the music. Besides our making the best Kiss album in decades, Walmart has made it possible for us to include a bonus CD with 15 of our most famous songs and an additional live DVD, shot during our recent concert in Buenos Aires. So in every sense, Sonic Boom is the ultimate return to classic Kiss form. You wanted the best, you got the best!”

Retailing at just $12, this package is almost identical to that which was put together by Journey for Wal-Mart just last year.

Also in Journey news: Barb Keim, a long time Journey fan and personal friend of the band, has recently recruited webspinner/artist, Rona.M, to redesign the ultimate fan site for Journey’s bass player, Ross Valory. Along with ‘The Ross Zone’ makeover, comes a new website for Journey drummer Deen Castronovo, co-ordinated by Barb and also designed by Rona.M. Visit Ross’ site at www.therosszone.com and Deen’s site at www.deencastronovo.net.

Update on 8/20: You can now listen to “Modern Day Delilah“, the first single from Sonic Boom, in its entirety at KissOnline.com! If the rest of the album is anything like this, we are all in for a treat.