Ok, I've listened to this "Carnival of Souls" album 32 times so far, here's my honest review: it goes like this:

1.HATE---This is a kick-ass song. It's almost like a sequel to "Unholy", tho' not as catchy but it's pure metal, a mosh pit could likely be started with this song.

2.RAIN---This has a grunge kick to it, a Soundgarden/Alice in Chains feel to it. I like this one alot, I think most fans will enjoy this one musically. As for lyric-wise, those who enjoy "happy Paul" songs might have trouble liking this one right away, or might not like it at all, each person's different in how they percieve certain things, so......

3.MASTER AND SLAVE---Paul sings softly again like "Rain", but unlike "Rain", Paul tells it straight up as it is in life, easier to relate to than "Rain". Each time they get to the chorus, they pick up the pace faster, with a good rhythm overall. It's a pretty cool song, makes you think about life. One of my faves on this album.

4.CHILDHOOD'S END---Gene really sings here, no howling, no screaming, not that his howling and screaming is bad, it's just so refreshing to hear him "sing", more refreshing than listening to his solo album. It's kinda like "World Without Heroes", but I like this one ALOT better.

5.I WILL BE THERE---Do you like "Forever"? "Everytime I look at you"? If so, you'll love this one. Very sensitive song, great vocals. Maybe it's just me, but Paul seems to get better vocally with each ballad he comes out with. I get the idea that this one's dedicated to his son. Females that like their men to be sensitive sometimes, could easily weep to this one, so break out the kleenex.

6.THE JUNGLE---Hold on tight, Paul goes wild here! The whole song totally rocks, this one has big cojones. Cool chorus, it's an action packed song. I can't say much better about this one, ya gotta hear it for yourself. It's got a bit of that Alice in Chains feel to it, but more intense.

7.SEDUCTION OF THE INNOCENT---Gene sings here, not wild, it's pretty much a mellow out vocallized song. The music is catchy, cool rhythm. It's a bit weird, but it works good enough for me.

8.IT NEVER ENDS---Paul gets downright NASTY here. I don't think I've heard a nastier song from Paul than this one. Not only that, his vocals in the chorus is so damn cool, the way it echoes like he does on "I Still Love You". Very angry song indeed.

9.IN MY HEAD---Now, I don't want to take anything away from other death/speed metal bands, but while they put their efforts into writing and sounding "Evil", Gene's just being himself here. Though not as heavy musically as other death/speed metal bands, the image is absolutely MINDBLOWING! Pounding guitars, great drumming. Let me put it this way, if Gene ain't the devil, then the actual devil himself must be feeling small compared to Gene, that is, if there's such a thing as a devil. If not, then the title goes to Gene, no competition whatsoever.

10.CONFESS---Gene calms down here, a bit slow here, not one of my faves, but not one of the worst. Not much to say about this one, sorry!

11.(TAKE A LOOK)IN THE MIRROR---This song is uplifting compared to the rest of the other songs on this album. It's got a good beat, and once again, cool vocals from Paul. I like this one alot.

12.I WALK ALONE---Bruce sings here, but I can't give my review cause unfortunately, I don't have it, BUMMER!!!!

Overall, I love this album. Sure, it doesn't have much of that Kiss sound to it, nor is it the "Revenge 2" that some were expecting, but what it does have that their previous albums didn't have is UNPREDICTABILITY. Their albums, don't get me wrong, I liked every one of them, over the past decade, in my opinion, were too predictable. It's refreshing to hear a different style of rock. After all, Rock 'n Roll was never supposed to be predictable, or "safe", it's supposed to be exciting, dangerous, unpredictable, and that's what "Carnival of Souls" is all about. This album IS NOT for the weak at heart. So, if this album never sees the light of day, I'm just happy to have this tape.