From: Matt

I hate doing this before the album comes out, but when you have access to the great wonders of todayıs technology, you have to take advantage of it, so my roommate got all the MP3ıs of the new album off the internet. I took an hour a day to listen to the songs for about 5 or 6 days, surfed the net, found this site, and decided to put my two cents in the KISS tip jar. Most importantly, this is rock and roll weıre talking about here folks, and itıs supposed to be simple. The ³music² is all I care about and thatıs what makes it all worth it. As I listened to these new KISS songs I tell you, just the sound of Paul Stanleyıs voice gives me shivers. It made me think of all the good times I have had in my life, surviving through the bad times, the KISS Army, what an LP was, and the myriad of posters, stickers, puzzles, action figures, and comic books that found their way into millions of bedrooms. What a legacy! Iım not a musician, so 3 chords, enchanting melodies, driving rhythms, and simple hooks are all I need in my rock and roll diet. You always go back to basics, and KISS has succeeded this time around by taking us down memory lane with all the right moves, and pulling out every possible stop along the way. KISS is taking over the world for another generation.

Without getting carried away any further, Iıll get off my rock and roll soapbox and get to the albumŠ

PSYCHO CIRCUS - track by track:

PSYCHO CIRCUS- Great title cut! Sends out a really cool vibe as well, especially the melodic breakdown after the solo. Nice theme, so you can only imagine what will follow with the tour! (A)

WITHIN- How could a band thatıs been around for over 20 years not be influenced by some of todayıs artists? Itıs not too special but it does have a severely addictive chorus, a total fist in the air concert song. It has a nice vocal overlay and a really cool riff with the fade out towards the end. (B+)

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE- Like a hidden track from the ³DESTROYER² sessions. What a killer tune! The lyrics, the attitude, itıs all here for your listening pleasure. Total classic KISS ear candy. This song is why I love rock and roll! (A+)

INTO THE VOID- Songs that kick in like this get my attention really quick, and with Geneıs raspy pipes, you always know what youıre going to get. I like the guitar mix with the chorus. Cool, really cool. (A)

WE ARE ONE- Sounds like a CHR & AOR tune. This has radio cut written all over it. Kind of gives you a feeling that we could all get alongŠjust for a minute anyway. Really cool ending too. I have to give KISS credit where credit is due because they mean well with this one. (C+)

YOU WANTED THE BEST- Awesome! The shared lyric duties make this kick ass song a true KISS gem. I love it! This oneıs for us, the fans, and the message is for the critics that never understand. A tie for opening song with ³PSYCHO CIRCUS² for the next tour. (A)

RAISE YOUR GLASSES- See ³I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE.² It moves me, what can I say. Makes me want to go to the local bar with my friends on Friday night and drink an ice cold (put beer of choice here). It also gives me the drive to succeed in life. (A+)

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY TO YOU- Peter said, ³I can do this again.² And he does, quite beautifully with this tender ballad. Quite a surprise like ³BETH² was so long ago. I like the power 80ıs ballads, but this one has nice changes that save it. (C+)

DREAMING- I love Paulıs voice and he makes this one shine. This one could be a distant cousin of the underrated ³A MILLION TO ONE² off of LICK IT UP. (B)

JOURNEY OF 1,000 YEARS- This is the only song that does nothing for me, and the only one I would hit skip on the CD player for. Perhaps it would have worked for me with a heavier sound and less orchestration. Sorry guys! (D)

With a slight curve, I give it a B+ for a final grade. Grade or no grade, I still love it and it will be in my CD player for a long, long time.

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