Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has returned with new music for the first time in over two decades. His latest single, “Ride the Serpent,” is set to be released exclusively on CD—and it comes with a hefty price tag of $225.
Vincent revealed the details on his official website, explaining that only 1,000 copies will be produced—500 in the U.S. and 500 internationally. Each CD will be individually numbered and signed by Vincent himself. U.S. buyers will pay $200 plus $25 shipping, while international fans will pay $200 plus $100 for shipping. The release is part of Vincent’s Vinnie Vincent Invasion Master Series.
Describing the single, Vincent said, “It’s a nearly 8-minute, intense guitar powerdrive featuring Vinnie Vincent on guitars and bass, Robert Fleischman on vocals, and Keary Jordan on drums.”
The high price has already sparked discussion among fans, but Vincent defended the cost on Facebook, citing concerns over piracy. He explained that “numerous pirating entities are watching and waiting like a hawk to seize whatever I release and bootleg it,” adding that pricing the CD this way helps protect against premature pirating.
He acknowledged the criticism but asked fans to understand his perspective: “I understand the b**ching, the moaning, the whining about price, but you must also understand that my situation is as such that my music is so desired that it will be targeted and taken from me immediately, which I cannot/will not allow. I wish it was not this way, but I’m honored that it is. It’s a double-edged sword for me, but I sincerely hope that when you think it through you will understand the dilemma I face.”
Vincent also outlined the pre-order process. If 1,000 pre-orders aren’t reached by February 28, 2026, all credit card purchases will be refunded via PayPal. However, if fan support meets the goal, Vincent promises to release one song per disc in reasonable time intervals, with plans for many special releases for long-time fans.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.