Hi, this new bootleg - to be officially released recording called KISS "Carnival Of Souls" is by far the best album with a heavy sound to it since "Lick It Up" released in 1983.

HATE (Is What I Am): A song that only Gene knows what and whom he is referring to. Eric Carrs death and the time surrounding it is dealt with from this song to the end of the last song. Eric Carr died and Gene is upset. Anger - hate is not the best thing to live with. This song is " to the very demon(s) that brought down Eric Carr".

RAIN (Down On Me): Paul Stanley sings "I think its gonna rain" the line that is wailed out in anguish and anger? Or the line that is in words the very picture that one sees as demise and reason to destroy the greatest gift of all. Life. This song is about the need to strive towards a better end. It is slow and haunts.

TELL ME: "Tell Me what you want me to be" Paul on stage singing this in the star makeup would be great for I see the need for theatrics that Pauls emotions can bring out on a great big video screen for the people in the back row that are hearing the very process that many young people are living by.

CHILDHOODS END: Gene is definitely singing about Eric Carr. "Sunday morning in the New York Times, I read you died last night, they said you were smiling when you closed your eyes". This song grows and grows and is pleasingly infectual. The riffs of the bass line and Genes words of rememberance ( "I was just like you, you were just like me, for eternity, I will be thinking of you") at first reflected a sound that Gene prepared that culminates what Eric Carr was perhaps working on prior to his death. A song more that worthy of number one on the radio and videos for the emotion alone.

I WILL BE THERE: After the first four songs and the very overall message, I can understand why this song of a promise of love, devotion and direction is sung unabashedly towards Pauls new son, Evan. A ballad that does deserve a nod to Jimmy Page circa, Led Zeppelin "III" and the song "Gallows Pole". KISS does declare to the very root of evil just what to expect if one attempts to hurt KISS.

THE JUNGLE: A song that Paul sings which still shows KISS does see more into life that is part of the life they are perceived to be like. This is about abuse. It is about child abuse and where the abuser shall be...in the jungle where the small are eaten by the big and the big are eaten by the bigger. Sometimes the innocent is just what a lurker is waiting for. And this song describes that quite well.

SEDUCTION OF THE INNOCENT: Gene finally decided to use the sounds of his solo album. This song is like a garden with a minstrel telling us all the very facts of innocence being seduced.

IT NEVER GOES AWAY: Paul and guilt, guilt and Paul conscience to vocals and so on. I hear this starting after the final words of "Black Diamond" are sung. Guilt of taking on Eric Carr when Eric was young and this song goes in line with "Seduction Of The Innocent".

IN MY HEAD: This song is a stomp-a-long fist in the air scream it out loud built for Gene by Gene. It also tells the listener quote "look behind the mask" a metaphor and double entendra that indeed is one of the best I have heard since "Creatures Of The Night" released in 1982. Along with the other Gene songs as well as Pauls shows a reflection far beyond anything KISS has been so clear about before in regards to their own emotions and experience. The ability to make clear themselves and the ability to relate is at its very best on "Carnival Of Souls".

YOU CONFESS: Paul and Gene must really think themselves straight for they indeed are remembering just what it takes to get to the great beyond that is there when sin is absolved. The quietness of the lyrics and music really are abruptly changed to a stamina within the chorus foretelling the urgency one must sense when it is time to meet their maker or just give themselves a clean rebirth.

(TAKE A LOOK) IN THE MIRROR: "Take a look in the mirror, all these lines getting clearer, see the face you can't deny" Yes KISS is getting older. This song will be a staple forever. Cocaine usage which is without a doubt something that mirrors have in common with is exactly what Paul is singing about.

I WALK ALONE: Bruce Kulick was indeed left to walk alone without a band but now with Jon Corabi formerly of Motley Crue. Question. What does the condemned think about when walking the aisle to death? Is that what this song is about? Find out for yourself.

OUTROMENTAL: Jamming, jamming and more jamming on the way...

This album does let us know from the KISS perspective more about the people around us that are why drugs are illegal, abuse is illegal and why we need to keep ourselves in touch with ourselves, conscience, the ability to think straight and most importantly to communicate before it is too late to communicate anymore. Best recordings from KISS indeed. 10 stars!