Metal Hammer Psycho Circus Review

Kiss - Psycho Circus
4 out of 10

It's probably heresy to say this, but with some albums you just know what they're going to sound like. You get a feel for logos and artwork that works like a sixth sense. In this case we have the word Kiss plastered all over the place, so our extra sensory perceptions aren't tested too much. This is going to be cheese, ladies and gentleman. Not just ordinary cheese, I'll wager. It's going to be fromage of the highest order - a wedge of the most ripe and potent-smelling arse you could wrap your nose (and ears) around. And oh joy, it's named Psycho Circus. Employing one of the most hackneyed of thematic devices next to say, carnivals or fairgrounds, is not big or clever. If this is a circus, then Kiss must be the clowns, right?

Sure enough, you're eased in with a load of big top sounds, Calliope and the like, then we're off on the title track and it's living up to expectations. They attempt to recapture the old glory, but it's painful listening to them try.

There are a few good songs, ones which possess the required level of dopiness to the lyrics and fire in the music. For my money "I Pledge ...." is one of them - fantastically cheesy, but savoury with it. But they rub shoulders with unforgivable moronic tripe - We are One was a bad idea, but nothing like I Finally Found my Way, which stinks even worse than the most rancid of belly button cheeses. Heaven only knows how many songs they had for this project and they're supposed to have chosen the best.

Warning: do not try this at home - unless of course you're a connoisseur of extra mature dairy products. Even then you might find it too nauseating for everyday consumption.

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