From: Randall Harder

(Minneapolis) -- Even the 3-D glasses couldn't hide the less than steallar performance of rock's "hottest band in the world."

Maybe it was too much to ask KISS to match the same energy of their wildly successful reunion tour two years ago, but the electricity of the "Psycho Circus" show was lacking from the time the lights went out and the red and yellow curtian dropped.

Kicking off the show with the title track off the band's new studio album, lead singer Paul Stanley appeared to have left his vocals backstage. Throughout the night Stanley seemed to struggle, not able to finish off vocals, dropping lines down an octave in order to get them out.

Stanley was full voice early on though when between songs he invited fans with annoying pen lazars to the stage to personally meet him so he could "shove those lazers up your ass." The band also only played three songs off their new release (Psycho Circus, Within, and Into the Void) leaving some fans disappointed not to hear more new material in concert.

The biggest hit of the night might have also been the concert's biggest distraction.

The 3-D effects were better than expected. Mixed with a live 3-D cam, the pre-produced effects got a huge reaction from the crowd the first time they put their 3-D specs on. But effects were duplicated and soon became too bothersome to put the 3-D glasses back on. Just how many times can you watch a guitar pick being flicked at you before it become old.

The performance of Gene Simmons once again proved that the band can just leave behind all the fancy, high-tech gizmos and keep the focus on the stage. Powerful, growling vocals and a thumping bass again proved that while Stanley may be the group's primary frontman, Simmons is the real glue that holds the band together on stage. The 3-D may have become old quickly, but the KISS Army still roars when the demon breathes fire or spits blood.

While Peter Criss might be better served lip-synching his encore solo of "Beth", his levitating drum kit that appeared to move on a cusion of air to center stage was a huge crowd pleaser. It has become really painful to listen to Criss try to sing "Beth." Off-key and with no power, Criss' vocals made it hard not to snicker and a few fans even shouted "give it up."

Ace Frehley's guitar was fully plugged in and ready to smoke....literally. From "Shock Me" to "Into the Void" to his guitar smoking, fireworks shooting solo, Frehley continues to prove why he's the best.

Stanley did seem to pick up his energy when he swung his way from the main stage to a platfore in the center of the arena for "Love Gun." But his self-serving, heart-to-heart drivel about how the "fans made his dream come true" was interesting the first time concert goers heard it....several years ago...almost word for word...lacks a certian sincerity KISS fans deserve.

Despite all this somehow you come away from the show feeling like you got you money's worth.

But even the 3-D glasses couldn't hide Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter trying to grab the wallet out of your back pocket when you weren't looking. $30 and $40 t-shirts....please.

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