Destroyer, the fourth studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on March 15, 1976, through Casablanca Records, marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, moving away from the raw energy of their earlier work and incorporating orchestral elements, sound effects, and complex arrangements under the direction of producer Bob Ezrin. Known for pushing the band creatively, Ezrin introduced experimental elements such as reversed drum tracks, children's choirs, and even a Beethoven melody on "Great Expectations." Tracks like "Detroit Rock City" and "God of Thunder" showcased the band’s evolving sound, while the ballad "Beth," sung by drummer Peter Criss, became a major hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Building on the success of Alive!, the album reached the top 40 in the US and charted internationally, becoming the first Kiss album to go platinum. Ezrin's rigorous production style, which included music theory lessons for the band and replacing some of Ace Frehley's parts with guitarist Dick Wagner, elevated the album’s musical sophistication. The anthem "Shout It Out Loud" became a live favourite, and the success of Destroyer allowed Kiss to embark on their first European tour. Despite initial mixed reviews, Destroyer is now regarded as a landmark album that helped broaden hard rock's appeal in the mid-1970s, cementing Kiss's place in rock history.

2024 Resurrected reissue pressed on a limited edition orange translucent vinyl, released via Hip-O Records.

Tracklist

Side A

Side B