From: Ivan Brown

The Return of a Legend

Well if you wanted the best they are back and better than ever. All I can say is that it was definitely worth the wait. The only song I was able to hear in its entirety is the title track Psycho Circus but I also got a quick listen of parts of all the other songs too. This album has the energy and chemistry of the original four with a touch of new. Anyone who was expecting a son of Love Gun is an ASS! You don't reproduce the past. You build on what you've done to make something different and better. I would compare the approach for this album to that of Destroyer. It's a very mature album but it also has that rock 'n' roll edge.

Although I only heard parts of the songs, I really enjoyed the vibe on this album. It makes me even more anxious for it to come out because the experience will be a hundred times better when I hear the entire album on CD in my living room. That's enough of that, here is my track by track :

Psycho Circus
A great way to get things started. The circus music at the begining really puts you in the right mood (I love the gong). As soon as you hear this one you know you are going to love the rest. Can this guy sing or what! This is rock at it's best. We are going to hear this one at the show for sure. The solo is amazing and I really like the breakdown to. Paul is in fine form on this album and I say welcome to the show.

Within
This is the demon and it is a nasty song. It's a very heavy song and it sure does grow on you. A lot of people have been bitchin' this one and comparing it to Carnival Of Souls and I don't understand why. What has everyone got against Carnival Of Souls. It may be a bit different but it's heavy, aggresive and kicks ass. This song is odd and different from the rest of the songs but it's still a good song and really fits. It reminds me of Almost Human on Love Gun.

I Pledge Allegiance
Rock and ro-o-o-o-o-o-oll!! I think everybody is going to love this song. It's got a real fist-pumping chorus. This is not a song you listen to before going to bed. This is my favorite song for now. Paul is better than ever on this one. This one really stays in your head.

Into The Void
The Ace is back! This is a typical Ace song. The vocals are great and I love the chorus. A lot of amazing riffs and then there's a solo that will blow you away. Frehley's Comet put out some great songs in the eighties but this is definitely his best song in years. The Spaceman flies again.

We Are One
I only heard the chorus at the end of this one and I really love it. I can't wait to hear the verses so that I can get a better idea of the song. It's not heavy but it's very catchy. This will probably be the Gene song that I will like the most on the album. That is unless I'm very disappointed with the verses. If Gene sings a song live from this album it will be this one.

You Wanted The Best
I love it! This is one of my favorites on Psycho Circus. The guitars are like from out of hell on this one. Very, very heavy. It's got Gene written all over it. I like the idea of having all four guys sing. Who says the chorus isn't good, catchy enough......bullshit! It's got balls and really rocks. What about that title, it's a classic. This one will be great live.

Raise Your Glasses
You can't compare this one to the first two Paul songs because they're just too damn amazing but it's still a very good song. The verses are good and there's another powerful chorus. I like the lyric too. These guys realize how lucky they are and it's cool that they write songs about it.

I Finally Found My Way
Paul wrote a beautiful song here and Peter really shines on it. Peter uses that voice he used so well on his solo album. His singing kind of reminds me of Lennon. I like the part where Paul sings with Peter. The orchestration is always a nice touch too. This is a very good ballad and truly does have its place here.

Dreamin'
This is probably my least favorite song of Paul's on the album but that doesn't mean I don't like it. This song is more mellow than the other songs.

Journey Of 1,000 Years
Gene is pretty creative on this album and this song is certainly proof of that. I like the acoustic guitar a lot. The solo from Psycho Circus comes back in this song. It sounds really cool. I like the arrangements.

These are my first impressions from my first listenings. They will probably change a little when I have the privilege of hearing the whole album. One thing is certain, I am not disappointed with this album in any way. Attention kiss Army, the hottest band in the world is back and they're ready to rock!

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