Thump... thump... thump... THUD! THUD! THUD!

What's that sound, you ask? Oh sorry, that's me pounding my head against this desk after seeing the set lists from the third annual edition of the Kiss Kruize. The group broke out a generous helping of rarely heard early songs for these cruise ship shows, including their first-ever performances of 'Almost Human' and 'Anything for My Baby.'

Altogether, the band played three shows on the high seas last week, including an unplugged, unmasked sail away show featuring acoustic versions of rarities such as 'Comin' Home,' Take Me,' Parasite,' and 'All the Way.' The following two nights, they brought back the greasepaint and the electricity, and pulled even more songs out of mothballs.

The biggest surprise, of course, was a mid-set reading of 'The Oath,' a song from the much-derided, light selling and oddly beloved 1981 concept album 'Music from the Elder.' Singer Paul Stanley (as it turned out, needlessly) warned the fans things might not go perfectly: "No promises... but we're doing it for you. Because YOU are the only people who bought the album." They also broke out 'Mainline,' 'Ladies in Waiting,' and 'Hide Your Heart.'

Judging from their Twitter comments, the band had as much fun as the fans at these intimate shows. "Thank you for giving us a lifetime of memories," bassist Gene Simmons posted. Stanley also confirmed that the group will return next fall for the fourth edition of the cruise. Which gives me a year to convince my bosses to send me. You can check out more photos and videos from the Kiss Kruize at the band's website.

Watch Kiss Perform 'Anything for My Baby'