By 1992 KISS were in a sensitive place. Drummer Eric Carr had unexpectedly passed from heart cancer. The previous few studio works were met with decent fan appreciation. But whatever credibility they had built up had greatly diminished. Despite successful tour outings. On top of all that, the musical landscape had dramatically changed in the blink of an eye. It seemed that KISS’ days might be behind them. But Simmons and Stanley refused to back down. Reuniting with legendary producer Bob Ezrin to release some of their strongest and most successful work with ‘Revenge.’
‘Revenge’ didn’t just see the reunion of KISS and Bob Ezrin. It also saw once lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent coming in to co write some key tracks. Including the mega heavy opener ‘Unholy,’ the killer groove of ‘Heart of Chrome’ and the powerful ‘I Just Wanna.’ Which are the three best songs on the album. Proving that he shouldn’t have been ousted from the band in the first place. However, his ego and personality didn’t help matters.
However, it’s not just those three tracks that shine. ‘Take It Off’ might be the most underrated strip club anthem ever. Simple, catchy chords delivered with great passion and feel. The phat groove of ‘Tough Love’ proves that Eric Singer was the right choice to come into the KISS fold after Eric Carr’s untimely death. With one of the strongest Paul Stanley riffs of his storied career to boot. ‘Spit’ is the bands love letter to the curvy women of the world. While the centerpiece ‘God Gave Rock ‘N Roll To You II’ stands out as KISS best non make up ballad. And maybe their best ever. It did earn them a spot at the end of Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey. Giving the track a huge boon of success.
‘Domino’ is Gene Simmons at his most seductive. While ‘Thou Shalt Not’ is pure demon to the max. The ballad ‘Every Time I Look At You’ is sweet in its sentiment. But ineffective in its delivery. A cheesy and lame ballad that might have done well five years prior. But seemed like an even cheesier follow up to the previous album’s ‘Forever.’ But ‘Paralyzed’ more than makes up for it. A bad attitude, hard rocker that rank among Gene’s best. The album closer, ‘Carr Jam ’81’ is a sample of what could have been. It’s a tribute to the late drummer. With an Ace Frehley written riff that would become Frehley’s Comet’s ‘Breakout.’ Closing out with a little drum solo.
Upon its release, ‘Revenge’ saw KISS at their most commercially successful since the 70’s. The album climbed all the way to number six on the Billboard 200. Quickly moving a million units. KISS had, like usual, defied all trends and came out on top. And they celebrated with their biggest tour in years. The era was short lived however when Peter Criss and Ace Frehley would reunite with KISS to dominate the world once again. But, Paul and Gene had really proven with ‘Revenge’ that they truly didn’t need the make up. Just the right team to get the job done. Crank it, live it, love it.
