Artist: KISS
Title: Psycho Circus 
Label:Mercury / Polygram Release Date September 22, 1998

Tracks

Psycho Circus 
Within 
I Pledge Allegiance 
Into The Void 
We Are One 
You Wanted The Best 
Raise Your Glasses
I Finally Found My Way
Dreaming 
Journey Of 1,000 Years
In Your Face

We got our grubby little hands on an advanced copy of the most anticipated new studio album of the year. This disc was 19 years in the making, the last time the original KISS members recorded together was for 1979’s Dynasty, (although Peter Criss is credited on Unmasked and appeared on the cover, the Drum tracks were record by Anton Figg, best known for his work on Ace’s solo album and his gig with David Letterman’s band) 

Was this Disc worth the wait? You will have to decide for yourself when you hear it. I for one think it was, I have been a KISS fanatic since 1978 when my mother gave me Destroyer along with the Beatles “Pepper” for my 6th Birthday, I have stuck with the band through it all. Line up changes, genre changes, etc. So am I excited about the new album? you bet! Enuff of my ramblings  here is the review. This is only my first impression, I have not gotten to know the songs very well. I have made this review as brief as possible in an attempt to not spoil the surprise you will receive when you pop this disc into your CD player in late September. ( I may write a more detailed review after I listen to the CD a few hundred times, so check back in a couple days.) 

The first track and single Psycho Circus is a heavy rocker with the hard edge put on classic KISS sound delivered with a 90’s attitude, and Paul has never sounded better, this is a major hit if I have ever heard one. The guitars are raunchy, the lyrics will not let you down. By far one of my favorite tracks on the CD. 

Ace takes command for  Into the Void, this song Kicks A**. The vocal melodies do however sound rather similar to Dark Light. Never the less,   It appears Ace polished his song writing skills  during the years away from KISS. This is not another Torpedo Girl. It is more in-line with Shock me and Rip it out, this tune will soon be a new KISS Classic. His guitar solos are as fresh today as they have ever been. An added note, Ace's guitar style through out Psycho Circus has really developed to the next level, he demonstrates a much greater range than he presented back in the old days.  

You wanted the best is a typical KISS Anthem, with all four members switching vocal responsibility. The title sums up the song perfectly.

Gene really shines on the mellower track We are one. His emotional vocals really carry this song, it reminded me a lot of World with out heros in that respect, this is not a typical Gene Simmons Rocker, it is instead a beautifully orchestrated example of the diversity of Gene's talent and ability. This might be one of his best songs ever, that is quite a statement considering the catalog of music attributed to Gene. 

Raise your glasses, has a steady rock n roll back beat and riff, a powerful intro, and Paul really struts his stuff with the vocals on this song. This song is another example of the excellent writing talents of Mr. Stanley he never seems to loose his touch for writing great music. Ace’s solo proves that the Space Ace has what it takes to be the Rock n Roll superhero that he is considered to be by millions. 
 

I finally found my way. Could KISS make an album without a Ballad? No way.  This song brings the man who gave KISS their biggest hit with Beth back to microphone. Peter has not lost his touch, his deep Jazzy vocals are prevalent on this track, blending nicely with the orchestrated back ground music, Peter is really in his element singing ballads, and I finally found my way is a perfect example. This CD gets better as you get farther into it. 

The rest of the tracks on this album are also great from Dreaming to Journey of a thousand years. KISS still has it, after all these years if you want the best, you got it … the Hottest band in the World….KISS

Overall I would put this Disc up there with Destroyer and Revenge it really showcases the talent of these four guys in face paint. It proves once and for all KISS is not all Flash with no substance.   They are indeed the Kings of Rockin!

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You can find the lyrics to the songs and art work news etc at Kissasylum.com