From: JDesan6553@aol.com

Well, after witnessing the reunion tour on 4 seperate occasions in 96-97, and being a KISS fan since I've been 7 years old (1977), I anticipating this cd for about six months now. Let's just say that I'm not disapointed at all. After all of the mediocre studio cd's of the last couple of years,(Asylum,Crazy Nights, Hot In the Shade) the Carnival of Souls Cd (which I liked), I was not sure to expect from my favorite band.

Needless to say after listening to Psycho Circus about 20 times, I must say that it defintely is up there on my top 10 favorite KISS albums of all time. I liked the fact that Kiss just didn't go in and rewrite Destroyer, that the cd had a 70's feel, but a 90's sound. Granted, I'm not a big Bruce Fairbairn fan to begin with, but can you remember a KISS record in which the gutiars sounded this good? I mean sound quality wise. I can understand that KISS was going for a more clean, dare I say it "Aerosmithish" kind of sound and I think it works. Plus, Ace and Peter both sound like they've improved their playing by leaps and bounds.

Pyscho Circus: A great opener. Paul is back and in fine form after a couple of songs from "Carnival" that seemed out of character for him. I can't wait to see this song live. Wouldn't it sound just perfect going into "Deuce" live?

Within: Welcome back Gene! A great song, my second favorite song on the record. I always like it when Gene gets evil and brooding on his songs. I also like the modern touches with the backward guitar effects. I wouldn't bank on this one being played live.

I Pledge Allegiance to the State of Rock n Roll: Another great anthem from Paul. This one will be in the live set for years to come. A pump your fist song in the vein of "Rock and Roll All Nite." The solo from Ace sounds great. Put one more on the classic list for Paul.

Into the Void: Yeah baby!!!!! Ace rules! Just like on Dynasty and Unmasked Ace comes in a steals the show. This is the most KISS sounding track on the cd. It could've fit on any of the early KISS records. The solo is classic Ace vibrato. I hope this one gets played live.

We Are One: Well, we can't be happy with every track, can we? Gene was going for a Beatles type song, but it ends up coming off rather cheezy. But, I can see this as a potenial single. If they play this live, I'll be heading for the beer stand.

"You Wanted the Best,You Got the Best": Yes!!! Another great anthem. I must admit that the chorus took a little getting used to. But it's good to hear Peter scream away again. This will sound great live.

"Raise Your Glasses": Well another song I'm not that happy with. It has that distinctive Holly Knight 80's cheese metal sound. I wasn't the worlds biggest fan of big hair metal and my opinion hasn't changed from 10 years ago. But, the song has a good hook. Probally will be played live, too

"I Finally Found My Way To You": I would've preferred a rocker from Peter, but he sounds really good here. Although I'm not a big fan of ballads.

"Dreaming": Not a bad song, but it screams of filler. It's almost like it's setting up the last track. Is it me or do you sense a loosley based concept on this CD? Good hook again from Paul and excellent guitars. This song reminds me of "Magic Touch".

"Journey of 1,000 Years": A nice change of pace from Gene. Sounds like something from his solo record. I also like the way the strings redo the solo from the opening track and the lyrics quote "Within". It gives the feel of a concept CD from the boys i.e. "Destroyer"

Overall, I think Kiss has done a killer job on this CD. I'm happy that Kiss updated their sound without forcing it i.e. "Carnival of Souls." Welcome back boys, you were sorley missed.

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