From: John Sunday

I've listened to the album a number of times now and I must say it's not at all what you might expect. Of all of Kiss' varied sounds over the years, it sounds least like their 70s material. It's a strange mix of everything since (and including) Unmasked. There's a bit of Creatures, H.I.T.S., Asylum, Carnival...everything. Whereas these opinions are hardly etched in stone at this time, here is my initial impression:

Psycho Circus: A great opening (calliope and eerie laughing in the background) and a pretty nifty tune all around. It's probably the most well-written song on the record, musically. It takes a few listens, but it really is pretty good stuff. There's a great echo effect on a spoken part after the solo that's cool. Yes, it should be the show opener, as everyone has said so far. Closest in sound to the "Hide Your Heart" riff, but heavier. (A)

Within: Yes, the guitars will definitely remind you of Carnival of Souls, which I happen to like. Makes you wonder whether or not this actually Ace, though, given the distortion. The verses and chorus are great. Powerful Gene tune and his heaviest on the album. Sounds most like "I Confess". (B+)

I pledge Allegiance: Reminds me of Bon Jovi's "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead". This is a good rocking tune, but a bit too 80's. This could've been big around '85 or '86. Not bad, but not terribly original or timely for that matter. Sounds most like "Betrayed" in its beat/chorus. (B-)

Into The Void: Definitely "Frehley's Comet" rather than "Kiss" style Ace. But it would've been a good Comet tune, so thumbs up. Nice guitar work and good vocals. Sounds like, well...pick an Ace solo album. Probably like something from "Trouble Walkin'". (B)

We Are One: The mildest Gene tune since his Unmasked stuff. This could actually be their second single. It's catchy, but not too overdone. Your first impression is "way too poppy" but it's a valid song once you listen to it a few times. I don't get the Great Expectations comparrisons though. Unlike any other previous Kiss tune. Similar vocal style to his solo record. (A)

You Wanted The Best: This song sounds like it was recorded for the "Lick It Up" album. The trading vocal parts is pretty cool. The song isn't terribly strong, though, and the general impression is that they tried really hard to write a song around their famous catch phrase. It's not horrible, but it hasn't grown on me yet either. "Fits Like A Glove" in general feel. In my opinion, the weakest song on the record. (C)

I Finally Found My Way: You definitely hear Ezrin at work here with the orchestrations. This is a good Peter tune made particularly tastey with Paul's falsetto harmonies in parts. Peter-haters will detest this softie, while others will rejoice to hear their sensitive Catman at work. I happen to like it. It definitely has a Lennon-esque quality to it, and actually reminds more of "Easy Thing" from Peter's solo LP than "Beth," which has been the popular comparrison. This is REALLY easy listening, so much so that I don't think that even the pop stations would pick it up. Destined for Muzak, but a good Peter tune nonetheless. (B+)

Raise Your Glasses: I really like the verses and the opening guitars, but I'm undecided on the chorus. It's catchy, but I haven't warmed up to it yet. Not bad, though... (B) Dreamin': I've been waiting to review this one. This song has been labeled as either bad or average in most reviews, but I really like it. The verses are soft, but the chorus rocks (listen for the cool note bending during the chorus). This is Paul's best vocal and one of the strongest songs on the album. This could get some radio play if released. If you like the Creatures album, this tune's for you. It's kind of a cross between solo Paul (verses) and the power of "I Still Love You" (chorus). You're stupid not to like this one...(A)

Journey Of 1,000 Years: It's hard to believe this same guy wrote "Boomerang" and "No,NO,No." This song is a mental trip, with whispy vocals and an eerie musical accompaniment/arrangement. It reminds me of parts of "A Day In The Life" by the Beattles. What a strange, spooky song. Kind of like "Sgt. Pepper's" meets "The Elder" with a dash of "C.O.S." for flavor. Contrary to most reviews so far, I think it's a GREAT album ender. A bold musical exercise for Gene, and a successful one. (A)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: This is a mighty strange assortment of musical styles and sounds. From big hair rock of the 80s to the Beattles. >From Carnival of Souls to Peter Criss' solo album. This record has something for everone to love and hate. If you're the consumate Kiss fan who blindly loves everything they've ever done, then this is a 5-star record. If you're an ardent 70s classic Kisser, then only a 1-star. If you're like most, you're somewhere in between. This record strikes me as a complete 25-year retrospective, with the emphasis on the last 15 years, oddly enough. It's almost as if they were re-writing the 80s and 90s all over again with Peter and Ace, just to see what it would've sounded like if they'd have been together then. I think I like it pretty well, though it's not what I expected it to be.

Biggest Disappointment: Not enough "classic" Ace, who seems to only surface here and there. He is virtually undetectable on Gene's songs.

Most Pleasant Surprise: The boldness of some of the album's musical choices, which are extremely varied. Some call it discontinuity, I call it "Kiss".

The "Thank God" Factor: No raunchy lyrics anywhere. Emphasis is on unity, togetherness, etc. without being too preachy.

That's Odd...: Gene's material is NOT AT ALL what I expected, but I wasn't disappointed at all. His contribution on "You Wanted The Best" is the only typical sounding Gene on this record. Like on Carnival, his songs are cerebral and really well written.

Don't Be Surprised...: If Peter played on everything. Rumors abound about his lack of contribution, but there's nothing here that he couldn't have played. The drumming is typically low key everywhere. If anything, where is Ace???

Album MVP: Gene Simmons (see above). Paul is a close second, based on strong vocals and attitutde. (You see, Kiss really IS Gene and Paul).

Overall rating: *** 1/2 (out of 5)

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