Metal Reviews
Metal Reviews
KISS |
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Nearly two decades after having splintered the original and masked KISS are back. The music hasn't been this good in a very long time and all of the participants in this mega-hype are pulling out all the stops. Too much is never enough and I, for one, love it. Is this another "DESTROYER"? Nope, much better. Every song is a winner and the playing is crisp and clean like it never could have been back then. Technology has helped these Queens, New York natives a bit but the road experience is what is really obvious. From beginning to end this is KISS at its best and it's about time. "Psycho Circus" will definitely be included in the live set for the upcoming tour. The hook is remorselessly vicious and the chorus so unforgettable that thousands of painted face kiddies should be singing every note right along with the group. A perfect welcome back. "Within" begins with a bit of old fashioned backwards masking that I pray I will have the chance to decipher when I get the vinyl version. After that it is a classic Gene Simmons number that will get the ladies wet and the guys pumping their fists. "I Pledge Allegiance to the State of Rock & Roll" is another Paul Stanley vehicle that perfectly blends the 80's metal style KISS with the hard rock 70's version. Whoever's guitar solo that is in the middle should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its merits alone. "Into the Void" is typical Ace Frehley fare with the full KISS thunder behind it. "We are One" is another traditional KISS ballad, this time with Gene on lead vocals. "You Wanted the Best" will be incredible live with each member of the group trading lead vocal duties back and forth. More proof of the new unity within the group. "Raise Your Glasses" is another sing along number done in the classic style. "I Finally Found My Way" features a Peter Criss vocal and is very "Beth-ish" including a string section. It is very beautiful and very moving without being sickly sweet. "Dreamin" is a great song but there is just no mistaking the origin of the lead riff. It is as about as blatant a rip off of ALICE COOPER's "Eighteen" as you can get. If you are going to be "inspired" by a song this is certainly a good enough choice but I predict one hell of a lawsuit over this one. Too bad because it is a great number and I would love to see it done live but I'd bet money that it never gets played. "Journey of 1,000 Years" ends this epic disc on a softer note than you would have expected. More strings and a very orchestral arrangement that leaves Gene out on his own to ponder: "Can you feel it coming? Can you hear the sound…or is it just the roar of the crowd?" With all the re-issues, compilations and seemingly endless parade of merchandise it may be easy to grab up the other goodie first but if you really want to hear KISS at its absolute best "PSYCHO CIRCUS" is definitely the ticket. Released by Mercury Records. Review by David Lee |