Description
Kiss – Destroyer {Resurrected} – Orange Vinyl Record
Released on August 21, 2012, Destroyer: Resurrected is a remixed and remastered version of KISS’s legendary 1976 album Destroyer, overseen by the album’s original producer, Bob Ezrin. As one of KISS’s most ambitious and successful records, Destroyer was a game-changer that took the band beyond their raw, hard rock roots and introduced orchestral elements, elaborate production, and a more cinematic sound. With Resurrected, Ezrin revisited the original master tapes to give the album a fresh sonic update, enhancing its clarity, depth, and power while staying true to its original spirit.
The biggest change in Destroyer: Resurrected is the mix itself. While the original album was already considered a sonic leap forward for KISS, this version clarifies and enhances each instrument, making the album feel more dynamic and powerful than ever before. The drums hit harder, the bass is more prominent, and the vocals have a richer, more defined presence. The orchestral and choral elements—particularly in Great Expectations and Detroit Rock City—stand out more, giving the album a larger-than-life feel.
One of the most notable restorations is in Detroit Rock City, where Ezrin reinstates Paul Stanley’s full spoken-word intro, which had been trimmed from the original version. This small but significant change brings the song closer to its original concept, reinforcing its cinematic, storytelling aspect. Additionally, Ace Frehley’s guitar solos sound crisper and more electrifying, giving classic tracks like King of the Night Time World and Shout It Out Loud even more punch.
When Destroyer first dropped in March 1976, it was a bold reinvention of KISS’s sound. Bob Ezrin, fresh off his success with Alice Cooper, pushed the band toward a more theatrical, studio-polished approach, incorporating string sections, layered vocals, and intricate arrangements. Though initial reactions were mixed, the album ultimately became one of KISS’s biggest commercial and critical successes, selling over 4 million copies and producing some of their most iconic songs, including:
Detroit Rock City – A high-energy, dramatic opener with one of the greatest riffs in rock history.
Beth – The band’s first Top 10 hit, an orchestral ballad sung by drummer Peter Criss that showcased a softer, more emotional side of KISS.
Shout It Out Loud – A stadium-filling anthem that became a KISS concert staple.
God of Thunder – A dark, menacing track that became Gene Simmons’ signature song.
For longtime KISS fans, Destroyer: Resurrected offers a new way to experience a classic album, highlighting details that may have been lost in the original mix. While some purists prefer the raw energy of the 1976 version, others appreciate the added clarity and modernized sound. It’s not a complete reinvention, but rather a respectful upgrade, breathing new life into one of KISS’s defining albums.
Looking back, Destroyer was the album that proved KISS wasn’t just a gimmick—they were a serious rock band with big ideas. Resurrected reinforces that legacy, showing that even decades later, the album’s songs, production, and larger-than-life energy still hold up. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this version is a must-listen for any KISS fan, proving that some rock albums never fade—they just get louder.
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?
