From: AJ

For what it's worth, here's my two cents concerning the up-coming Psycho circus release. Let me start by letting you know that I'm 26 now, but was introduced to KISS in '76 with Destroyer. I have been listening to the band ever since '76, I have bought every release, on the day it was released, since The Elder. I feel that Kiss' best make-up release was Hotter Than Hell although Creatures comes in at a close second. I don't know if that's because they rarely play any of that material live or not, but that's just how I feel. My fave non-make-up album is Revenge; always has been, always will be. Lastly, Ace has always been my favorite member. Now, on to my two cents...

At first listen, one thought went through my head - "this is the BEST they could come up with!?". I'm sorry fellow KISS fans, but in my humble opinion, Psycho Circus will go down as one of the worst Kiss' releases. I've read here at the KISS asylum that 50 songs were written and 20 were recorded, but I can't believe this was the best of the 50.

Beginning with the title track, I couldn't help but wonder if it was left over from ideas involving Carnival Of Souls. Isn't a Circus pretty much the same thing as a Carnival to a certain extent? From the lyrics, you can assume this will either be the opener on the tour or the first encore. Also note that through out most of the album, Peter's playing sounds more like Eric Carr which leads me to wonder just how many of the drum parts were triggered or sampled. Ace's playing is also buried through out much of the CD. Rating - 7/10

The next track, "Within", sounds like it could've come straight off of Carnival Of Souls although there are some glimpses of Creatures as well. I probably shouldn't compare this record to past releases, but I want to give you an idea of what to expect. Anyway, most of the guitar on this track sounds just like Kulick. If you liked Saint Or Sinner from Creatures, you should like this track. Rating - 7/10 (only because it reminds me of Creatures)

Next up is "I Pledge Alliegence (to the state of rock and roll)". Probably the best track on the disc as far as I'm concerned. It's your basic arena rock anthem and there damn sure haven't been enough of those in quite a while; from KISS or anyone else for that matter. On first listen, this should get your blood pumping and you foot tapping. At times, it reminds me of Judas Priests "Parental Guidance". Rating - 9/10

Finally, the only (unfortunately) Ace track, "Into The Void". The way the verses are structured here, you'd swear it's an up-tempo version of Mr. Blackwell were you have lyrics, riff, lyrics, riff. Listen to Blackwell before this and you'll see what I mean. For those of you that have heard Ace's track "The Girl Can't Dance", the opening riff may sound hauntingly familiar. Other, than that I like this track, but remember, I like just about everything Ace ever did. Rating - 9/10 (it's ACE!)

Next we have "We Are One" which ranks right up there with Great Expectations and Man Of A 1000 Faces in my opinion. I don't know what it is about this song that irks me. I think if Paul would've sang this song, it would either be much better. Or John Lennon actually. Rating - 3/10 (Gene doesn't do what might be a cool song justice)

Ahhh.... track 6. This has got to be the most egotistical song ever recorded. Titled "You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best", this song is good musically, but the lyrics kill it. Actually, the music on this cut also screams Carnival Of Souls, but Ace's great solo does help. I do like the idea of having a different member sing a different line of each verse, but I cannot express how egotitical this song sounds. It comes off as if it's some sort of biography of the band but fails awfully. I pray to god they don't open the show with this just because of the lyrics. I mean, Jerry Rice is the greatest receiver to play football, but he doesn't go around telling everyone he is, ya know? Rating - Music = 9/10, Lyrics = 0/10

Next is "Raise Your Glasses". I guess this is Paul's atempt to re-write "Flaming Youth" or something along those lines. It's not a bad song, but when you already have tracks like I Pledge Alliegence and You Wanted The Best, this is overkill. Yes kids, you can have too many We Are The Champions type of songs on one CD. Rating = 7/10 (would've been much higher had this track been on Hot In The Shade or something)

Now, we have Peter's obligatory offering. If you enjoy Garth Brooks or Billy Joel, you'll like this. Honestly, I would have much rather had KISS release "Jenilee" than this track. This track, called "I Finally Found My Way" isn't bad, but it's just NOT KISS! It actually sounds more like "Every Time I Look At You II" than anything else, especially when the violin solo comes in. It's easy to tell that Paul wrote this rather than Pete. I know KISS probably thinks the fans want another Beth, but I would much rather have another Houligan or Baby Driver than this. Rating - 4/10

Track 9, Dreaming, is good, but sounds dated. I like the song a lot as your 80's power ballad similar to Def Leppard's "Tonight". In fact, if Def Leppard had recorded this, it probably would have been another chart topper for them. I think most KISS fans that grew up with them in the 80's will love this song. It's a great ballad, but I don't think it's a great KISS ballad. Rating - 8/10

The last song, "Journey of 1000 Years", is different. I don't even know what to compare it to. It sounds like something that could've been on the Elder. It reminds me most of Queensryche's "Silent Lucidity" for some reason. I wouldn't say it's bad or good; just different. Rating - ?/10

Well, fellow fans, that's my two cents. I have tried to give some sort of idea of what to expect in a nutshell. I'm sure a lot of KISS fans will have mixed emotions so please don't e me to tell me how wrong I am about the album. Remember, I have only had the disc for about 48 hours now and have only listened to it about 10 times. It may be like Carnival Of Souls which grew on me after about 20 listens or so. I still enjoy Carnival and listen to it a couple times a week. It also might be like Animalize for me, which I liked right away, but haven't listened to in about 5 years.

In my eyes, KISS can do no wrong, but they're pushing the limit with this CD. Hopefully, this was something they had to get out of their system. I pray for a great show on this tour and I'm sure I'll get one. Let me just say one thing, on the remote chance KISS might see this. First, take a long listen to the overall feel of Love Gun. Not the sound, not the tone, but the FEEL. I know you can't revive the past even though today's fashion would say different, but I'm talking about a vibe here. Secondly, for the love of god, take a REALLY LONG look at lead vocal division on Dynasty; Paul on 3, Gene on 2, Ace on 3 and Peter on 1. I know it's Paul & Gene's show now, but let Peter write a song once in a while and please give Ace more room to shine.

Thank you and good night.

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