"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.
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, and in 2019, Louder Sound ranked the song number eight on their list of the 40 greatest Kiss songs.
Releases Original studio version on Destroyer Remixed studio version on Destroyer: Resurrected Live version on Alive II Live version on Gold Alternate studio version on Kiss Killers Alternate live version on Kiss Symphony: Alive IV Remastered version on Double Platinum Another live version on Kiss Alive! 1975-2000 (Best Buy exclusive track) Original demo version sung by Paul Stanley on The Box Set Original demo version sung by Paul Stanley on Kiss 40 Unplugged country version on Kissology Volume Three
Personnel Kiss Gene Simmons – bass, lead vocals Peter Criss – drums Paul Stanley – rhythm guitar Ace Frehley – lead guitar
Additional personnel Bob Ezrin – keyboards, sound effects David Ezrin – voices Josh Ezrin – voices
Cover versions White Zombie's version appeared on the God of Thunder EP. Melvins contributed a cover to the tribute album Hard to Believe: A Kiss Covers Compilation. Death recorded a cover for the Japanese release of the album Human. Iced Earth included a version on their covers album Tribute to the Gods. Entombed included a cover version on their compilation album Sons of Satan Praise the Lord.
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