"Psycho Circus" Album Reviews

From: Angel Ruiz

Here is my Revision of Psycho Circus

Sound in General: This is clear, almost all coincide, Psycho Circus doesn't sound like KISS in the the 70īs, PC is closer to KISS in the 80īs but more than anything because there is commerciality in some tracks (that I like), however the sound is different, even different in each song, the album seems to be a disjointed intent from the four members, anyway it has many good things.

The Question. Does Peter play in the album?, I donīt know, neither those that say that he didnīt, neither those that say that he did, know it, this is a secret that only the people that where in the studio know. I have not listened to anything that Peter could not play neither anything outside of the style of the catman, even the battery sound remind me the Reunion Tour sound, so...

The songs:
Rating: 1 - Bad, 2 - OK, 3 - Good, 4 - Very Good, 5 - Master Piece

Psycho Circus: Ummm, Good beginning and I don't say it for the Circus Intro, compact track with fantastic strong vocal by Paul, the Ace solo really shocked me, with the harmonies Peter makes a great work, to conclude with the classic sound of Ace in the end of the solo, the arrangements are good with certain taste to the new tracks included in Killers. Possible Classic. Rating: 4

Withinī: First track of Gene in the album, in diverse revisions I read this is bad and I don't agree, it doesn't simply fit with the originals although this gets little better with Ace guitar. The interpretation of Gene in the voice is quite good, the track is dark, non commercial, and a little grunge but I like it, the change in the half of the song is surprising and Ace, another time, gives the shine to the song. Rating: 3

I Pledge Allegiance: First track of Paul in which I have the strange sensation that is made cutting of different songs, in fact the guitar intro seems a copy of a version that used to make KISS in the 80īs, Wonīt Get Fooled Again. Another enormous interpretation from Paul, I like the chorus fifty-fifty, the solo is very typical from Ace (what is appreciated) and itīs surely the quickest track in the album, although I find it a little dirty. Rating: 3.5

Into the Void: The starting riff is pretty good, in fact, I like it more than the chorus that I find a little overloaded of guitars. However the song has an unavoidable taste to old KISS (not Frehley Comets) that I love. Ace on vocals is better than usually.. Good rocker track. Rating: 3.5

We Are One: Surprising song from Gene. The chorus is fantastic, I had never listen to anything that sounds like this in KISS and it is brilliant. The track is acoustic, another novelty coming from Gene. This track is one of my favourites to become a single, will sure reach the Top 10... . Rating: 4

You Wanted the Best: This is the famous song where the four members sing..., and sincerely it is the only good thing that seems to have because the chorus is bad, it seems forced, not very natural, this track sounds to me as some of the worst demos form Gene that circulate somewhere around. Ace solo, on the other hand, its worthwhile, it is very original maybe because it is difficult to fit it in this terrible guitar riff.... Rating: 1.5

Raise Your Glasses: "Everyone around the Nation, Raise your Glasses", a great chorus, a great intro, a great bridge, and strong vocals by Paul. Very commercial, those who hates Crazy Nights will also hate this one, however it is not Bon Jovi, it is a way better, if I had to look for defects I would say that I also have the sensation this has been made uniting different songs, like Flaming Youth was made. Rating: 4

I Finally Find My Way to You: I have a little problem with this song, Whereīs Peter's harrowing voice? Itīs not that I don't like this, Peter, simply, can make it better.The track is an orchestrated ballad including piano that I don't believe will reach as high as other tunes sung by Peter, like Beth or Hard Luck Woman. Rating: 3

Dreaminī: This is real KISS for the four sides. The Chorus is quite good, although I woulnīt say is commercial, however the bridge IS GREAT with Paul ascending tones in his personal, fantastic way(' it Causes there's to line between the truth and how we want it to be) Wow, sounds GREAT... the best on the album. Rating: 4.5

Journey of 1000 Years: The more I like of this song it is the orchestrated recreation of the Psycho Circus solo. But, it is very plane, the sensation that I had when I listened to this track the first time was similar to the one I had when I first listened to I Walk Alone from Bruce Kulick, monocord, too dark and grungie. Iīm going to listen to it more times to see if this track grows on me... Rating: 2.5

To End, the album have sort of different styles, all type of songs and this is very good, the worst thing... well it seems that the album is very disjointed with each member making his job alone. Rating: Psycho Circus is a very good album, but not a Master Piece, to reach this category I need something more, maybe more tracks from Ace and Peter and something from Gene as the Demon (I also like his beatlesque side but.. whereīs the God of Thunder?), and of course, no more tracks like You Wanted the Best.




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