KISS - Destroyer Album Review

KISS - Destroyer (1976)

Members:

Paul Stanley – vocals, rhythm guitar

Gene Simmons – vocals, bass

Ace Frehley – lead guitar, vocals

Peter Criss – drums, vocals

Destroyer is the fourth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on March 15, 1976 by Casablanca Records in the US. It was the third successive Kiss album to reach the top 40 in the US, as well as the first to chart in Germany and New Zealand. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976, and platinum on November 11 of the same year, the first Kiss album to achieve platinum. The album marked a departure from the raw sound of the band's first three albums.

First Impressions:

As a 7 year old...awesome. As a 48 year old...classic.

WARNING!!!

This review will be very much a fan boy thing...it will be honest but biased since I am a HUGE fan of the band...with that said....

1977 February, my mom, my dad, and myself set out for the mall in my dad's 1970 dodge charger. He slapped in the tape that was in is 8-track that just so happened to be KISS DESTROYER (he admittedly owned it for 2 songs, and was pretty indifferent about the band). During the 20 minute drive my ears were baptised by this great album that was nothing more than background noise to them but was a serious life changing experience for me. When we finally reached the mall I got out of the car on my dad's side still crudely singing the lyrics to the songs I heard...my dad giggled and said to my mom "looks like we have a KISS fan on our hands honey" as he continued giggling...a few months later that KISS was my very first concert as well...my dad was so very right, I was and still am a passionate fan of this band. Now enough storytime, let's dig into this thing track by track and see what I think now...let's do this.

1."Detroit Rock City" 5:17

The classic scenario intro, much conjecture tends to swirl around who the reporter is, I believe it's Gene but I could be wrong...however, a classic riff and then Paul's classic voice kicks in...the best front man ever in my opinion, energy and attitude in spades. The bass just walks around with it's own attitude too. Now I know there were various musicians on this whole album but you can't deny this track has power and still holds up.

2."King of the Night Time World" 3:19

Another great intro guitar riff that leads off from the climax of the previous track. Cool lyrics and more great musicianship on this one, this track just flows with personality and the pure spirit of rock. You can't say anything bad about this one...well I can't anyway.

3."God of Thunder" 4:13

A concert classic that rarely came off the set list. This song started at a much higher tempo and was sung by paul, the demo wound up first on the box set...but after a tempo change and some new lyrics became the theme of the demon himself. It's a power hungry song that just fits the character Gene has been evolving for 40+ years...he owns this one, and I love it.

4."Great Expectations" 4:24

A slower tempo track and the second one sung by Gene. The lyrics are trite and suggestive but still fun. This is one of the weaker tracks on this album and it reeks of what would be in Gene's 1978 solo album, but as trite as it is, it still has its charm. Not my favorite but still not too bad.

5."Flaming Youth" 2:59

A mid tempo rocker sung by Paul, I'm a bit more on the fence with this one too. Its got a great pace in the verses and a good feel but when it goes to the chorus, it feels out of place. Not a bad track by any stretch but it's a bit strange too.

6."Sweet Pain" 3:20

The song that had to be recorded with a guest guitarist. Dick Wagner was called in for this one since ace was too busy being drunk to record his solo twice. The song is a nice tempo and the lyrics are typical for 70's rock. It's a decent track but it is a bit discordant as to how it fits on this record sonically.

7."Shout It Out Loud" 2:49

The track that made me a fan, this is far and away my favorite on this album. It's obviously a group effort and it has everything that any rock fan to this day loves. This is a classic concert staple and watching Ace play that trademark solo live as a 6 year old made me want to play the guitar, which I do play.

8."Beth"2:45

The 'b' side of their first single "Detroit Rock City", this song started its life as a track Peter brought with him from a previous band called Chelsea. The track's original name was "Beck" and was from what I heard, about the guitarists girlfriend. It's an interesting demo if you ever get to hear it. This reimagining was definitely a producers project with all the orchestration and arranging. Can't deny how big a hit it was back then and how many people today know it. It's a great track in its own right, as ambitious as it sounds. I will admit, I do enjoy this one.

9."Do You Love Me"3:33

Another favorite of mine on this album. A straight ahead rock song with a ton of swagger and good musicianship. The hooks in this song are infectious and are just unforgettable. I can't deny this one at all, it's a prime example of this band back in the 70's and that is a good thing.

10."Rock and Roll Party" (Instrumental)1:25

A short, pointless track. It serves as a hidden closer and not much else.

Conclusions:

I wanted the best, I got the best...for the time. The band would go on to make better and worse albums in the coming decades but you can't discount the standing this one has as an all time classic. It made me a fan, and even if it isn't my favorite album of this band, I can't underplay its importance to my life and the lives of other fans. KISS has become an institution and a way of life for millions of fans world wide and the band itself worked and sacrificed for every one of those fans. I have had the honor of meeting every member this band has ever had at least once and It was a joy...but to the original 4 members, I thanked them for this album and all they did to make it. This album isn't perfect, but what it does, it does well.

Score: 4.5/5