From: ehelzer@cnnw.net

I was lucky enough to land an advance copy of Physco Circus last week and spent the entire weekend "soaking it in". I like,most fans, was expecting somewhat of a "Destroyer" copy but was surprised to find nothing of the sort. After hearing the 1st song "Physco Circus" I knew Kiss had choose to move ahead rather then redo their past work and I LOVE IT!!! But fear not die hards. There is plenty of "classic" sounds on this album. Most of which come from the "Unmasked" or solo album periods. I know there are a lot of Kiss fans out there who would love anything the band puts out no matter what it was. Myself, while being a huge Kiss fan, would have no problem with shooting down anything I did'nt like (most of Gene's songs on COS). But this album is amazing! I really cant say there is a bad song on this album. And I dare to say that this could be my favorite Kiss album of all time.....WHAT??!! AM I CRAZY??!!

THE SONGS:

PHYSCO CIRCUS: No doubt what song will open the show of the new tour. This is classic Paul all the way. Big guitars with a great melody and simple (yet clever) lyrics. The only thing lacking is the chours.(something that happens more then once on this album) But its catchy enough to sing along to. Of all the Paul songs this one has the most going on from the music end. There are lots of changes and and a few mood swings on this song. There is one guitar harmony (which apears again in the albums final track) that reminds me a lot of Bruce. All in all its a great song. Probally the best "rocker" on the album. If I had to compare it to a prior Kiss album I would say "Killers" would be the one.

WITHIN: Everyone says that "The Demon" is nowhere to be found on this album. Hello? "Within" is trademark Gene as far as his image is concerend. It almost has an anthem feel to it. This slow driving rocker is not only a great tune but would make a great live song(contrary to other reviews). The song is built around a never changing bass riff that totally stomps. I see this song even being the 2nd of the set om the new tour. It follows "PC" perfectly and make for a great "Detroit/KOTNTW" stlye start. I just hope Ace learns the song in time for the tour!! (see post review comments) I'd compare it to something of "Creatures". It does have a bit of a "COS" feel to it but is much more upbeat while staying heavey at the same time.

I PLEDGE...: I know "PC" is going to be the 1st single but if it were up to me it would be this song. This is the 1st of two Paul songs that have the most amazing verse melodies. I cant say enough about this track. Its got that summer night, windows down, backseat groove to it. And while the chours is nothing we have'nt heard before, its got a catchy enough hook stick in your head. Sorta a Unmasked version of "I Just wanna.." or " Uh All Nite", although it blows both those songs out of the water. This is also the 1st song that makes you think maybe Ace did make it down to the studio. That or Tommy Thayer has really got the Ace licks down. The solo/riff trade-offs are vintage Ace.

INTO THE VOID: Ever what it would sound like if the band The Offspring covered an Ace song? Well here ya go. Now dont get me wrong. this is probally the most "classic" sounding Kiss song on the album, but the guitar overlays on the chours sound a lot like The Offspring. I love this song. Ace has'nt changed a bit. Its so cool to hear him again. The lyrics are probaly some of his best since "Rocket Ride". There really is'nt much more to say. Its Ace, totall Ace and nothing but Ace! (with a tatse of the offspring:)

WE ARE ONE: Gene's love for the Beattles shines on this soft song. Its got clean guitars throughout the song and amazing harmonies. The verse melody is very strong and you wont get the chours out of your head after hearing it once. This song could and (and should) be a top 10 hit as soon as its put out as a single. The only problem is how to market such a "beautiful" song sung by this big sacry guy in demon makeup?? It has VH1 and MTV writen all over it. I would be schocked if it was'nt this albums 2nd single.

YOU WANTED THE BEST: When I first heard about this song I had my doubts. How could you ever take the slogan "YWTBYGTB" and fit it into a catchy chours???? And after hearing it the 1st time I see that Kiss could'nt. You can tell they were looking for a "Rock n Roll all Nite" type anthem song but this one is not it. The idea of the four guys trading lead vocals is really cool and it sounds really good, but the chours just does'nt live up to what I think they had in mind. It just has a real forced feel to it. Kind of like they tried to hard. However, the solo is great. Sounds like "Let Me Go RnR" or something thereabouts. It does however have a classice Kiss feel to it but it just does'nt hold its own on an album full of great tunes.

RAISE YOUR GLASSES: Another killer verse melody by Paul here. This song sounds as if it was wrote durning the Unmasked era. It suffers from the same problem as "I Pledge...." when it come to a chours.(We've heard it before) But just like "I Pledge.." it is very catchy. The highlight of this song is the bridge. It sounds just like Pauls solo LP with a big splash of Unmasked. I cant say enough about this tune. I'd love to hear a whole album of Paul Stanley/Holly Knight songs.

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY: Well, we all new it was coming. Beth JR. And here it is. This song sung by Peter is more less a remake of "Everytime I Look At You" (surprise! it was wrote by Paul and Bob Ezrin) However, Peter's voice sounds awsome. I really like the bridge that Paul and Peter sing together. But all in all the song is nothing special. I would be surprised if it makes the live set.

DREAMIN': Another cool Paul song here. The verse has the total feel of Paul's solo album which is really cool. Sounds a bit like "Tonite You Belong To Me". And the pre chours builds great into the 80's sounding chours. Again, the chours is nothing new but I like it a lot. This song was co-wrote by Bruce Kulick and sounds like he went ahead and recorded it too. I dont think Ace knows about this song yet:)

JOURNEY OF 1000 YEARS: Gene is again going to the Beattles card here but this time its sounds more like something from his solo album meets Sgt. Peppers. It has a real cool vibe to it. I would have perfered something more like "Calling Dr Love" from Gene but this song is a good one to close out the album. If you listen close you will notice that the guitar harmony in the song "Physco Circus" appears again in this song. It kind of ties the album together and is a cool twist.

After hearing the album about 20 times now I have came up with a few observations. First, I dont think Peter plays on the album at all. Its not that there is anything on the album that is that tough. but its a gut feeling. It seems that whoever Kiss had play drums on the album stuck to Peter's style pretty much. But after seeing a lot of reunion shows I just dont think its him. I wish it was though. Second, I dont think Ace is on the album that much. I'm sure he did "Into The Void" but other then a lick here or there I dont hear much Ace at all on this album. Bruce Kulick? Tommy Thayer?? I'm not really sure. Third, I dont think Gene plays bass on the album. WHAT???? you ask. Well, there are lots of rumors that all Paul and Gene did was sing on the album. I have heard from a few sources that Bruce and Tommy did all the guitar/bass work. The bass is really big in the mix and sounds great. There is more bass licks on this album then any other Kiss album ever. But I would put my money on Bruce as the bass player on all songs except "Into the Void". If you listen close that is the only song that has a different bass vibe to it. So am I falling prey to all the "rumors" ??? Maybe, but I have talked to a lot of people that all say the same thing when it comes to who plays what. But none of it really matters. No matter who plays on the album its an amazing piece of work.

KISS ASYLUM -- KISS Museum News Archive Features Tour Dates Photos