Universal has set an August 21 date for Destroyer: Resurrected, a new version of what might be the band's best-known studio effort. A project for Destroyer's 35th annversary last year has been in the cards for some time, and while the final effort - a sort of teaser for the band's upcoming Monster album this fall - is certainly far shorter on bonus material than some may have hoped, fans will certainly be able to experience a new spin on an old classic.
The first studio effort from the iconic quartet after their breakthrough Alive!, Destroyer is almost your archetypal KISS record: catchy riffs ("Detroit Rock City," "Shout It Out Loud,"), no shortage of theatricality ("God of Thunder") and a big sonic landscape from master producer Bob Ezrin. But it took an anomaly to send the record into the stratosphere; originally a B-side, the sentimental "Beth," co-written and sung by drummer Peter Criss, was a lushly arranged heartbreaker that sent lighters in the air and fingers on the telephone dial to request their local stations. The tune was the band's first and highest-charting Top 10 single (at No. 7), and took Destroyer to double-platinum status.
Destroyer: Resurrected gives the classic record a makeover, both inside and out. Not only is the original cover art by Ken Kelly reinstated (the alternate painting of the band triumphantly plowing through the wreckage of a city was initially considered too violent by Casablanca Records), but Ezrin has newly remixed the album, as well. In some cases, this involved the reinstatement of overdubs and sections left off the original masters, including extra vocals on "Beth" and an alternate guitar solo on "Sweet Pain," which provides the album's sole bonus track. (Ezrin recently did a great interview with KissFAQ that will likely influence your decision, one way or another, to give the reissue a shot.)
You can preorder Destroyer: Resurrected now, on CD or vinyl.
Destroyer: Resurrected (originally released as Casablanca Records NBLP 7025, 1976 - reissued Mercury/UMe, 2012)
- 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?
- Rock and Roll Party
- Sweet Pain (Alternate Guitar Solo) (bonus track)
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Peter Criss co wrote and sang Beth, not his successor Eric Carr.
Eric Carr did not write, nor originally perform "Beth," that was Peter Criss.
True story: I have never been able to tell KISS members apart. Thank you both for keeping us honest!
I had read there is supposed to be a second disc full of demos of the album including their version of a song called Ain't None Of Your Business which was later recorded by the band Detective which features Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch, Silverhead singer Michael Des Barres and Yes Keyboardist Tony Kaye. Detective were on Led Zeppelin's Swan Song label. I have heard the KISS version on Youtube which is pretty good but I hope that there is more than the track listing above. But I know that Bob Ezrin will definitely do justice to this classic.
I also saw on the Rock Candy records site that they will be reissuing Angel's first three albums on compact disc on the same date as Destroyer Resurrected. Angel were on Casablanca records at the same as KISS and are very much part of that label's history. I think that August 21 will be the date for some serious late 70s hard rock nostalgia!
So, other than the one bonus track and some overdubs, this is essentially the same CD that Walmart has been selling for $7?
iTunes has Destroyer Resurrected available for download right now a full 2 weeks ahead of the physical release. I listened to it a few times and it does sound great. Bob Ezrin did a great job of remixing it.