"Psycho Circus" is the eighteenth studio album by Kiss, released in 1998 and notable for being the first album to feature all four original members—Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—since 1979's Dynasty. Although marketed as a collaborative effort, the contributions from each member varied. Peter Criss played drums exclusively on Ace Frehley's track "Into the Void," while Frehley only contributed guitar to that song and the album's title track, "You Wanted the Best." Despite these limitations, all four members sang lead vocals on the album, showcasing their individual styles and adding to the album's legacy.
Following the highly successful 1996–97 reunion tour, Psycho Circus was heavily marketed as the first new studio album by Kiss's original lineup since 1979's Dynasty. Despite this, Peter Criss's involvement was limited to just one track, "Into the Void," which he drummed on, while uncredited musicians contributed to many of the album's songs. This approach mirrors earlier albums like Dynasty and Unmasked, leading to some debate among fans about the authenticity of the original lineup's collaborative effort on this release. Nevertheless, the album was a significant event for the band, showcasing their reunion and the enduring appeal of their classic sound.
