Kiss: Destroyer (2LP, 45th anniversary, deluxe edition) [HIP-O]

Why you'll love it

This 45th anniversary 2LP set adds a second disc of demos and studio rarities, most never heard before, to a half-speed remaster of the original album, on 180g vinyl with a 20-page booklet. Destroyer was the first Kiss album to go platinum.

This edition

• 2LP set
• 180g vinyl
• Half-speed master
• Remastered
• Gatefold jacket
• 20-page booklet
• 45th anniversary edition
• Lyrics included
• Stereo mix
• Pressed in the EU

About the album

Alive! had made Kiss stars, and their label was cautious enough to sign them for just two more albums. So the band brought in Bob Ezrin, fresh from Alice Cooper, who turned up with a whistle round his neck, gave lessons in music theory mid-session and called everyone campers. Paul Stanley later called it musical boot camp.

It worked. Ezrin added sound effects, strings, a children's choir, reversed drums on "God of Thunder" and members of the New York Philharmonic. "Detroit Rock City" tells the story of a fan killed on the way to a show, "Shout It Out Loud" is pure stadium joy, "Great Expectations" borrows from Beethoven's Pathétique, and Peter Criss's ballad "Beth" became a surprise hit, with Dick Wagner on acoustic guitar. The bonus disc digs up demos like "God of Thunder and Rock and Roll," "Love Is Alright" and "Star," plus alternate mixes and an acoustic "Beth."

Destroyer was also the first Kiss album to chart in Germany and New Zealand, and it took them on their first tour of Europe. Ken Kelly painted the rubble-and-flames cover, and the label sent his first version back for being too violent. In fairness, they'd clearly never seen the stage show.

Also at Kops: more Kiss on vinyl · browse Rock

Tracklist

Listen

On Casablanca / UMe, a reissue of the 1976 album.