From: MID@aol.com

I am reviewing this as I am listening to Psycho Circus for the first time(although I am two songs behind). I just got my dubbed copy of it from a friend. I was gonna wait. I didnt want to ruin it. I was going to just wait until my Japanese import came in. Then my friend gets a copy, says it's awesome and I just couldnt wait anymore. The thought of new KISS material from the original 4 just drove me crazy. I am 31 now. Do you realize that I was 13 when Unmasked came out! I am sorry KISS. I was gonna wait. I am still buying the CD though.

Anyway, right now I am at the end of "I Pledge Allegiance". So far.......FUCKING WOW! I have been a fan since 1976 and I have to say that I do hear all phases of KISS. I hear some 70's but I also hear a bit of the 80's KISS with some 90's throw in. Let me start my track by track before I fall too far behind.

1. Psycho Circus- A killer Paul tune! This is a true heavy rocker that I am sure will open the shows on tour. The middle part ,IMO, is great a kind of reminds me of the middle parts in Detroit Rock City. This is one of those songs that sounds like it could have been on Destroyer but I could also hear it on carnival of Souls. Pauls voice just rips through you right away on this one.

2. Within- Good chorus on this one and a very unique opening. This song, again, commbines alot of phases of KISS' career. I love the way gene sings this and they could really do something cool with this live. This has some good, grungy guitar to it.

3. I Pledge Allegiance- This is a good Paul song that tends to remind me of I Just wanna a little bit. Is it me or could Paul sing a Hanson song and it would sound great?

4. Into the Void- Great tune from Ace. This is a classic sounding KISS song. It has a very catchy guitar riff that drives it the whole way through. Ace has never sounded better vocally.

5. We Are One- Could have fit right on Gene's solo album. I really like this and cant help but feel that gene has written a single here. It has a feel of some modern band but I cant put my finger on it yet.

6. You Wanted the Best- I am finally caught up and I have to ask...Why is everyone having a hard time believing that this is Peter playing the drums on this album? Being a fan for a long time I will say that there is no doubt in my mind that this is the cat-man himself on drums throughout this album. Anyway, I like this song except that I could hear old Motley Crue doing it. This sounds like like an encore to me. I like hearing them all sing together like this. Peter sounds good too. I love the middle jam section.

7. Raise Your Glasses - This is on now.....I LOVE THIS ALBUM!! This has a great chorus and the verses are really different. This would have fit right on Paul's solo album. I think this should be considered for a single. Very neat breakdown chorus after the solo. This does kind of have a slight Crazy Nights feel to it too. Very slight though. Great song. So far we are 7 for 7.

8. Finally Found My Way- This just started but why do we insist on Peter doing these slow songs. I Want A ROCKING PETER SONG! Where is Hooligan? Baby Driver? Aint None of Your Business? I am at the breakdown with all of the instruments. I dont know. I am going to have to give this another shot later.

9. Dreaming- Kind of sounds like 18 by Alice Cooper at the intro. Wow! What a great chorus! I hope they do this live! This will kill live! I have goose bumps. This is a great mood song. It really kicks you in the ass! Another great solo from the Ace. This one really has some cool effects on it. Paul has never written a bad song ( except X in Sex) but man, these may be his best songs yet!

10. Journey of 1,000 Years-.......and sadly the last song (already). Gene really experimented a little. I like it because some people expected a typical KISS album and I dont think they got that. This has something a little different. Cool chorus on this. That is a nice dark build up. This is an interesting song. It is good. You did not get the typical Gene songs on this tape.

End Notes- To re qoute myself, this mixes all aspects of KISS but you definitely hear some vinyage KISS sounds. I also think there is some different stuff too. This album will go platinum because of the KISS name and build up alone but it is good enough to go platinum even if this was a no name beginner band. In fact, it may be too good considering the shape of music these days. Come September 22cd , "the music buz" will get a total kick in the ass . This is a great album, something I have been waiting for for a long time and something music needs today! Great job guys! This is something you and all of us KISS fans can be extremely proud of.

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