Mercury Records - 1998
7.5/10
Something that really should have been the true retirement Kiss album, Psycho Circus saw the reformation of the original band, along with makeup and everything, for the first time since 1979 (or 1980 if you want to go based off album credit). Their third and final “reset” if you will, the return to form is not only in name and face, but also in music. The grunginess of the ‘90s albums, the glaminess of the ‘80s albums, and the disco and experiments of the late ‘70s (into the ‘80s) are all absent. In other words, we’ve basically got a ‘70s Kiss album with production from the ‘90s.
And much like the early records, it hosts the exact same type of structure, relying on some fillers, some bangers, and a unique touch to set it apart. It even featured a soft (albeit terrible) Peter Criss ballad! The only real difference is that instead of being loaded with songs about sex, it’s more about fame and the legacy of the band. This energy permeates every orifice, casting celebratory energy into the upbeat tunes. The opening title track, while presented as a horror-type tune, is far friendlier than its intro suggests, working as an anthemic party number. You get a similar helping fronted by Ace Frehley on “Into The Void,” and as a matter of fact, this running theme is the biggest adhesive for the whole record.
Thankfully it isn’t the only layer to Psycho Circus. Other songs channel this idea into a relaxed aura, like the Gene-fronted ballad “We Are One” being a criminally underrated soother that gives large feelings of hope. Another feel-good number “Raise Your Glasses” releases the endorphins as well, and you’ll even get a throwback to the heavy helpings from the monstrous “Within.” The rest is pretty obvious filler material that I wouldn’t call bad, save for the unflattering ballad “I Finally Found My Way.” You can easily jam out to the likes of “You Wanted The Best,” but be ready for it to be glaringly on-the-nose.
Like I said, this is just a ‘70s Kiss album tossed into the late ‘90s. Half of the songs are genuinely great, the others are either good by accident or a bit rough. There’s a standout heavy song, a ballad, and small hints of unique energy. Everything up to the makeup and the original lineup truly would have made for the perfect studio-album outro for the band. But since we all know that money comes first to some, this would not be our final record.
No comments:
Post a Comment