Description
Kiss – Destroyer – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on March 15, 1976, Destroyer was KISS’ boldest and most ambitious album to date, elevating the band from hard rock heroes to larger-than-life rock legends. While their first three studio albums had struggled to capture their live energy, 1975’s Alive! changed everything, proving that KISS was a force to be reckoned with. To follow up that breakthrough, the band brought in producer Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd), who pushed them toward a more theatrical, cinematic, and experimental sound.
With its big production, layered arrangements, and polished songwriting, Destroyer became the first KISS album to go Platinum, solidifying their place as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. It also gave them their first Top 10 hit, “Beth”, proving that KISS could do more than just party anthems—they could deliver heartfelt ballads too.
From explosive rockers like “Detroit Rock City” to orchestral power ballads like “Beth”, Destroyer remains one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time, showcasing KISS at their peak.
Unlike the raw, stripped-down rock of early KISS albums, Destroyer was grand, cinematic, and theatrical. Bob Ezrin pushed the band beyond their comfort zone, introducing layered orchestration and choirs (heard on “Great Expectations” and “Beth”). Dramatic storytelling and sound effects (opening car crash in “Detroit Rock City”). Alice Cooper-style spoken-word elements and more intricate guitar work and tighter song structures
Key Tracks and Highlights
1. “Detroit Rock City”
Arguably KISS’ greatest opening track, this song tells the tragic story of a young fan dying in a car crash on the way to a KISS concert. The song opens with radio chatter and the sounds of screeching tires, building into an explosive guitar riff and Paul Stanley’s soaring vocals.
2. “King of the Night Time World”
A high-energy rock anthem that captures the glamorous, wild, and rebellious spirit of the 70s rock scene. Its big, cinematic feel makes it the perfect follow-up to “Detroit Rock City”.
3. “God of Thunder”
Gene Simmons’ dark, brooding masterpiece, featuring slow, menacing riffs, distorted vocals, and eerie childlike voices in the background. Bob Ezrin intentionally slowed the song down to make it more sinister, creating one of the most iconic Demon persona tracks in KISS’ catalog.
4. “Great Expectations”
One of KISS’ most unusual and theatrical songs, featuring orchestration and a boys’ choir. The lyrics play on the rockstar fantasy of fans idolizing their heroes, making it both self-aware and grandiose.
5. “Flaming Youth”
A rebellious anthem about teenage defiance, featuring a catchy riff and upbeat tempo. It’s a rare KISS song that leans into youthful frustration rather than rockstar excess.
6. “Sweet Pain”
A sleazy, bluesy hard rock song, featuring Ace Frehley’s signature guitar style (though the solo was actually played by Alice Cooper guitarist Dick Wagner due to Ace’s absence from the session).
7. “Shout It Out Loud”
A pure arena rock anthem, following in the footsteps of “Rock and Roll All Nite” but with even bigger sing-along energy. One of KISS’ most enduring crowd-pleasers, this song has been a live staple for decades.
8. “Beth”
The unexpected breakout hit of the album, this soft, orchestral ballad became KISS’ first Top 10 single. Featuring Peter Criss on lead vocals, “Beth” tells the melancholic story of a musician torn between his career and his relationship. Initially dismissed by the band as too soft, it became one of their biggest commercial successes.
9. “Do You Love Me”
A song that questions the authenticity of fame and adoration, as the narrator wonders if their lover is with them for their personality or their rockstar status. With its big chorus and dramatic flourishes, it’s a fitting closing statement for the album.
At the time of release, Destroyer received mixed reviews—some critics felt KISS had strayed too far from their raw rock roots. However, over time, it has been recognized as one of the greatest hard rock albums ever recorded. Destroyer wasn’t just another album—it was a turning point that transformed KISS from a popular band into global rock icons.
Destroyer is the quintessential KISS album, blending explosive rock anthems, theatrical storytelling, and ambitious production into a timeless hard rock classic. It’s the album where KISS took risks, evolved their sound, and became larger-than-life rock gods.
Whether you’re a die-hard KISS fan or just discovering their music, Destroyer is essential listening—an album that defined an era, influenced generations, and remains one of rock’s most iconic records.
First US vinyl pressing since 1985 editions!
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Detroit Rock City
King Of The Night Time World
God Of Thunder
Great Expectations
Flaming Youth
Sweet Pain
Shout It Out Loud
Beth
Do You Love Me
