Decibel Geek Podcast

We're delivering a big KISSmas gift this week as we are joined by producer/engineer Mike Plotnikoff for Albums Unleashed - KISS Psycho Circus! This album, released in 1998, promised to be the return of the original fearsome foursome to the studio. Unfortunately, it turned out to be anything but that. Psycho Circus has become a very polarizing album among the KISS fan base. Coming off the heels of the successful Alive Worldwide reunion, anticipation was high for a reunion album. The final product, however, would include more Tommy Thayer and Kevin Valentine contributions than those of Ace Frehley or Peter Criss. Mike Plotnikoff joins us for this in-depth talk about the making of Psycho Circus. After growing up a KISS fan, it was a big deal for Mike to be involved in the project. Producer Bruce Fairbairn had been on a run of big albums from bands like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Van Halen. His knack for a polished, big guitar sound would also be achieved on Psycho Circus. In this long-form discussion, Mike