From: Michael Rorick

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy of Psycho Circus this past weekend!!! The quality of the tape was fair at best, but it was still very listenable, and it hasn't left my tape deck yet!!! I will say first that I am pretty disappointed in some of the other reviews that people have posted. Naturally, anyone who was expecting a new "Destroyer" or "Rock and Roll Over" would hate this album. I think it's unfair to ask all four members to throw away the past 15 years of musical progression and record a rip-off of their past material. I've been a KISS fan for 20+ years, and though I feel that the early material is far superior, I still have a love for a lot of the post-Ace and Peter music as well. This album is clearly Gene and Paul with only sprinkles of Ace and Peter. (Sorry folks, but that is NOT the Catman on the skins. My heart wants it to be, but I know it's not. The playing style is very different from everything else he's done.). Here is my track by track review of the album...

Psyco Circus- WOW! Great song!!! Very catchy vocal melody by Paul. I'll be shocked if they don't open the show with this one. The riff isn't very intricate, but the whole song flows nicely. Cool breakdown in the middle, then a nice build back into the chorus. Rating: A

Within- Great backward guitar intro. Heavy detuned riff. Reminds me of something that could have been on "Carnival of Souls". Great vocals by Gene. Not the "God of Thunder" vocal style that you would expect, but he's not crooning either. This song definately kicks butt! Rating: B+

I Pledge Allegience- Cool song. Typical upbeat anthemic Paul style. Strong vocals. I like the bass lines in this one. Reminds me of a 90's version of "Let Me Go, Rock and Roll". I think we'll hear this on the tour. Rating: B-

Into the Void- This is the song that I was the most excited about. A lot of people who have heard this album before me have said that it is the best song on the record. I have to say that I am very disappointed. Maybe the hype killed it for me. The riff is o.k., but it doesn't get me excited like I thought it would. The song is good, but I expected much more from Ace. Rating: B-

We Are One- When I heard the opening guitar riff (which is a mello strumming thing) I would have bet on Paul singing. Surprise! Gene sings this one, and he sounds GREAT! Another strange musical twist from the Demon. Mellow, but very catchy. I have to say that even though he doesn't do any "War Machine" type stuff on this album, he does not disappoint! Rating: B+

You Wanted the Best- This song must have been written in Wisconsin, because it reeks of cheese! This is the first song on the album that I can say outright stinks. This is the "Shout It Out Loud" rip-off, with the vocal exchange by all four members. The chorus is absolutely horrible. Had some potential when it started, but quickly sped downhill as it progressed. Rating: D

Raise Your Glasses- This song will most definately be the second single. This song has more hooks in it than a tackle box. Very, very catchy, sing-a-long anthem with amazing vocal melodies by Paul!!!! Great song- My second favorite on the album. Rating: A

I Finally Found My Way- What were they thinking?!?!?!?!?! This song is the worst!!!!!!! Just like in "You Wanted the Best", KISS tries to copy an idea off of Destroyer, and they fail miserably! There must have been another Ace tune they could have put in here. This Peter-sung "Beth" rip-off is pathetic at best. Rating: F

Dreaming- This song is cool. A mellow verse, then it bursts into a heavy chorus. The style reminds me of "A Million to One". Nothing special, but still a good Paul tune. Rating: B-

Journey of 1000 Years- YES!!!!!!! This song is by far my favorite! This is a very dark and bizarre sounding Gene song. Kind of like a cross between "A World Without Heroes" and "Strawberry Fields" (if could imagine that). I love this song. This is very different for KISS, but it's great!!!!!!!! Amazing vocals and melodies by Gene, accompanied by some nice subtle snare drum work, and a nice string arrangement. I can't say enough good things about this song! Gene blows my mind on this album! This song ROCKS!!!!!!!! Rating: A+++

Overall, I am VERY happy with this release. Sure, I would have loved more Ace, and I would love to be more confident about everyone's contributions on this record (Peter and Ace are barely present), but I think that this is the best album that KISS has done since "Creatures". I really hope that all the fans that were disappointed would give it another try. I have a sad feeling that their days are numbered after this tour, and I at least want to see them go out with their heads held high! KISS FOREVER!!!!!!!

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