Kiss – Psycho Circus 1998
Reunited.
Repainted.
Kiss.
Opening with the obviously concert ready anthem, “Psycho Circus”, all four members of Kiss got back together, put the paint back on came in from the VERY successful tour and put out this album.
It should be noted that, according to Wikipedia, most of the lead guitar tracks were played by (future full time Kiss Guitarist) Tommy Thayer. And that Criss only played on one song himself, replaced by Kevin Valentine.
I don’t doubt it. Kiss was never above putting Ace or Pete’s face on records to give the impression of being the original band and paying them a fee. “Into the Void” written by Ace is the only track that the full lineup plays on and that song suffers from over production and clumsy, knucklehead production and playing.
I can’t blame them for taking the cash. Of course, that meant their days were numbered.
So, the fun early sound that I was hoping for from the classic lineup is nowhere to be found. Instead this album sounds more like the previous grunge metal coupled with Marilyn Manson, just the name of the band, the makeup but nothing for the older fan.
Most of the songs fall flat. Uninspired anthems like “I Pledge Allegiance to Rock and Roll” are too aggro rock to engender any real interest beyond headbangers looking for extreme guitars.
“We Are One” is one of the most embarrassing turds ever to come from the pen of Gene Simmons.And that’s saying something b it’s not as bad as the “i’ve lived a long time” faux ballad from Paul, “I Finally Found My Way”.
“You Wanted the Best” is the kind of made-for-fanthem that I expect. It’s kind of different only that the vocal trade-offs between Gene and Paul are something that call to mind, “Shout it Out Lod” from Destroyer. It’s a fun tune. Forgettable but fun. I actually prefer “Raise Your Glasses” as far as anthems go.
Grade: C-
ASide: Psycho Circus
BlindSide: Into the Void, You Wanted the Best, Raise Your Glasses
DownSide: Within, We Are One, I Finally Found My Way
