From: Darren Dewis

Firstly,I'd like to state that I listened to Psycho Circus with an open mind,not trying to create a picture of "Destroyer 2" or any other original line-up album.Secondly,this is my opinion only,and going by the other reviews,opinions tend to vary,especially when it comes to grading the songs. Okay on with the show,and all songs are marked out of 10.

PSYCHO CIRCUS:
What an opener.This song has the makings of a classic Kiss song.I was pleased they didn't use a start like W.A.S.P.'s "The Big Welcome".This song would be great to kick off their set list.This is one of Paul's best songs since "Detroit",and he really sounds awesome on this track.Ace's solo is really strong.The start of the solo reminds me of the harmonies of "Detroit",and you can hear a definate Ezrin influence. I can't believe how fresh Paul sounds.He sings his ass off on this one.
RATING: 9.5

WITHIN:
This is definately the worst song on the album.This was obviously a left over from "COS".I can understand Gene wanting a "God of Thunder" type song,but this does not fit the context of the rest of the album.Backward guitars and alternate type vocals doesn't even fit the message they are trying to portray.I hate to say this but I don't think Ace had a lot to do with this song.It definately has an "I Confess" attitude. I can't believe Gene didn't have a better song than this.
RATING: 5.5

I PLEDGE ALLEGIENCE:
Now this is more like it!!! Paul once again sounds great.Another over the top anthem rocker,and a definate live song.This has an unbelievable chorus that kicks ass.Ace's solo is one of his best ever.I'ts his trademark stuff.This is one of the highlights of the album.Great verses.Solid bridge,and killer chorus.All the makings of a Paul classic. This will definately be a crowd favourite.
RATING: 9

INTO THE VOID:
Ace is back and it sounds really cool to hear him back on a Kiss album.He puts in quite a good solid performance on this track.It sounds very "Frehley's Comet",and could easily have made it on the "Trouble Walkin'" album.Lyrically it reminds me of "Rocket Ride" and that's kind of cool how he used writing about his persona instead of about fans,the band etc.Don't expect a "Shock Me" or a "Rip It Out",cause you won't find it here.But what you will find is a solid track that has the spaceman returning to good form.It has the Ace sound and is the most Kiss like track,although the chorus is a bit lazy.
RATING: 7.5

WE ARE ONE:
Gene in his solo Lp voice.Chorus is a catchy one and sprouts unity,which is kind of cool.Gene sounds really good on this.Very anthem like with acoustic verses.I honestly think it is a little too weak to be a single.Gene's best song though.
RATING: 7.5

YOU WANTED THE BEST:
I can definately see them doing this live.The 4 prong vocal onslaught in the verses works really well and it sounds great to hear them all together.Unfortunately the chorus is not a good one.Peter sounds really cool on this one.Paul sings his ass off.This song although different and cool could have been stronger.Should be a crowd favourite.I don't like the "Aah Aah Aah's" after the chorus.
RATING: 8

RAISE YOUR GLASSES:
Well this was a suprise.After hearing reviews about how god awful the chorus was,I was almost too scared to hear it.But I'm glad I did.This song ROCKS!! This is one of Paul's best songs.Although the chorus doesn't have the usual spark,the verses and bridge really make up for it.I would love to hear this live.Paul sounds really cool (once again),This has a definate rock feel and who cares if it's radio friendly!!! A standout.
RATING: 8.5

I FINALLY FOUND MY WAY:
I didn't expect to hear "Beth 2" and I didn't.I thought they might have gone for a full steam ahead rock album and not have a ballad on the album,but Peter gives a good solid vocal performance here.The bridge with Paul sounds awesome.I can just imagine seeing 2 stools during the live concert.I just hope fans respect this song on it's own merits and not see it as a "Not as good as Beth" song.
RATING: 7.5

DREAMIN'
This definately has a "Creatures" feel to it.This is possibly Paul's worst song on the album.Another strong vocal from Paul.Reminds me of the "Magic Touch" of the album.Could be a smokie.
RATING: 7

JOURNEY OF 1,000 YEARS:
Strange song to end it.I think it will be one of those songs that you either love or hate.It definately has an "Elder" feel to it,with a dash of "COS".Although I'm not a huge fan of the song,it does cap it off nicely.
RATING: 6.5

OVERALL: 8.

I have no doubt this album will stand on it's own. There hasn't been alot of good feedback about Bruce Fairbairn,but I honestly think he's done quite a good job here.At least he didn't try to re-capture the 70's sound.That would be defying the purpose,so thumbs up to Bruce.

Bob Ezrin has definately had his imput acknowledged.With signs from "Desrtoyer" and "The Elder",the Ezrin influence can really be heard,without going overboard.

GENE:
I must say that I was a little disappointed with the selection of Gene's songs.There's no real rockers like "Ladies Room" or "Deuce",however he does show he's not limited in his songwriting.Gene puts in a a solid vocal performance.

PETER:
I pray to god that Peter played on this album,because if he didn't,then I'm putting my money on his drum tech...EDDIE!!! Quite good solid drumming without too many fills. All of Peter's vocals are pretty solid,and his lead vocals on 'Finally Found" are very cool.

ACE:
A long time out of the spotlight must have really sparked Ace's fire cause he really does shine musically.His lead work on this album is also exceptional.His vocals are solid without being outstanding.His song could have been a little stronger and it would have been better if he had another song.

PAUL:
I just hope people finally realize after listening to this album that Paul is Kiss!! He is the songs and the attitude,and rock and roll will never die as long as this guy is still around.He kicks major ass on this album,and any Paul fan will be licking their lips after hearing what Paul has to offer.These are some of the best batch of Kiss songs he has put out for a while.The best lead vocal work on any album in a long time.

Although the album sounds a little dysfunctional and sounds like many albums,I was quite pleased with the results.However I hope there is another album after this one. Maybe this is their "Hot in The Shade" and their "Revenge" is yet to come!!!

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