KISS' perhaps heaviest album, 'Creatures Of The Night', turns 41 years old

Published October 13 2023 at 18:24

Released in October of 1982 (on either the 13th or 25th, depending on whom you believe), 'Creatures Of The Night' is a seminal album by the legendary American hard rock band KISS.

Their tenth studio album (not counting the four solo LP's) featured a return to a loud, solid heavy metal style, it also included one of the heaviest drum sounds ever captured in the studio up to this point. By 1982, Ace Frehley had quit the band. His appearance on this album's cover was purely to reassure fans (and not least their record label, for contractual reasons). Guitarist Vinnie Vincent co-wrote three tracks and performed on a total of five, and would subsequently be chosen as the new official member of the band.

This record marked a pivotal moment in the band's storied career, as it represented a return to their true hard rock roots after a period of musical experimentation and changes in the line-up, decimating their popularity in the U.S. 

With this album, KISS dialed up the intensity, delivering a heavy, no-nonsense sound that resonated with fans and critics alike. It was a sonic departure from their previous works, shedding some of the glam rock and pop elements in favor of a grittier, more aggressive sound.

Songs like the title track "Creatures Of The Night," "I Love It Loud," and "War Machine" are thunderous anthems that have become staples in the band's live performances, showcasing their powerful riffs and charismatic stage presence. The album's raw energy and in-your-face attitude struck a chord with fans, solidifying KISS as true rock 'n' roll icons.

'Creatures Of The Night' remains a firm favorite among KISS aficionados and is celebrated for its timeless appeal, making it an essential addition to the band's discography. This album stands as a testament to KISS's resilience and dedication to delivering hard-hitting, no-frills rock music.

'Creatures Of The Night' was the first Kiss album to have all lead vocal duties handled by either Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley exclusively.

Tracklisting:

A1        Creatures Of The Night    4:01
A2        Saint And Sinner    4:50
A3        Keep Me Comin'    4:00
A4        Rock And Roll Hell    4:08
A5        Danger    3:55
B1        I Love It Loud    4:12
B2        I Still Love You    6:06
B3        Killer    3:19
B4        War Machine    4:13

Recording line-up:

Paul Stanley - guitars, vocals
Gene Simmons - bass, vocals
Eric Carr - Drums, vocals
Vinnie Vincent - guitars

The band has later admitted that other musicians also performed uncredited on this album:

Robben Ford - lead guitar on "Rock And Roll Hell" and "I Still Love You"
Steve Farris - lead guitar on "Creatures Of The Night"
Adam Mitchell - rhythm guitar and outro lick on "Creatures Of The Night"
Jimmy Haslip - bass guitar on "Danger"
Michael Barbielo - drums on 'Keep Me Comin'

Mike Porcaro - bass on "Creatures Of The Night"

Watch the official video for first single off the album, "I Love It Loud", here: