God of Thunder (song)

"God of Thunder"
Single by Kiss
from the album Destroyer
ReleasedMarch 15, 1976
RecordedElectric Lady Studios, New York City, September 3–6, 1975
Record Plant Studios, New York City, January – February 1976
GenreHeavy metal
Length4:13
LabelCasablanca
Songwriter(s)Paul Stanley
Producer(s)Bob Ezrin
Kiss singles chronology
"Shout It Out Loud" / "Sweet Pain"
(1976) 		"Flaming Youth" / "God of Thunder"
(1976) 		"Detroit Rock City" / "Beth"
(1976)

"God of Thunder" is a song by Kiss from their 1976 album Destroyer. The song has also been featured on many of Kiss' live albums, including an up-tempo version on Alive II. Many various sound effects were used to make the song including explosions, clapping, zippers, overdubbed audience chatter and screaming children. The song was written by Paul Stanley, who intended to sing it on the album, but producer Bob Ezrin suggested slowing down the tempo and handing the lead vocals over to Gene Simmons.[1]

Overview

The song is Simmons' "theme song" for the band. It has been performed live with blood-spitting, a bass solo, and a portion of the song being performed by Simmons on a high-rise above the audience.

Reception

"God of Thunder" is widely regarded as one of Kiss's best songs. In 2014, Paste ranked the song number 11 on their list of the 20 greatest Kiss songs,[2] and in 2019, Louder Sound ranked the song number eight on their list of the 40 greatest Kiss songs.[3]

Releases

Personnel

Kiss
Additional personnel

References

  1. ^ "Song info". Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  2. ^ Lore, Mark (June 26, 2014). "The 20 Best KISS Songs". Paste. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  3. ^ "The 40 best Kiss songs of all time". Louder Sound. July 15, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2022.