KISS - Vinyl Album Covers Gallery & Discography
This web-page has photos of KISS Album Covers and detailed descriptions with background information on KISS Hard Rock Band.
This web-page has photos of KISS Album Covers and detailed descriptions with background information on KISS Hard Rock Band.
KISS is an American rock band that was formed in 1973. The band has been known for its high-energy performances, theatrical costumes, and makeup. KISS has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
History
KISS was formed in New York City by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. KISS gained a reputation for their wild live shows, which featured fire-breathing, blood-spitting, and pyrotechnics. Their makeup and costumes, which included platform shoes, leather, and studs, were designed to create a larger-than-life persona.
KISS's first album, "KISS," was released in 1974 and included the hit single "Strutter." The band continued to release successful albums, including "Destroyer," "Rock and Roll Over," and "Love Gun." KISS also became known for their merchandise, which included lunch boxes, dolls, and comic books.
Music
KISS's music is a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and glam rock. The band's sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, catchy choruses, and anthemic lyrics. Some of KISS's most famous songs include "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Detroit Rock City," and "I Was Made for Lovin' You."
KISS's music has influenced numerous artists, including Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue, and Bon Jovi. The band's theatrical live shows have also been a significant influence on the stage performances of artists such as Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson.
Impact
KISS's impact on the music industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. The band's image and sound helped define the glam rock era of the 1970s and influenced a generation of musicians. KISS's merchandise, which included everything from action figures to a KISS coffin, set the standard for band merchandising and became a significant source of revenue for the band.
KISS has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has received numerous other honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band's legacy continues to influence music and pop culture today.
KISS, the legendary rock band known for their elaborate face paint, pyrotechnics, and larger-than-life characters, has had a surprisingly fluid lineup throughout their long career. While the core of KISS has always been bassist Gene Simmons and vocalist Paul Stanley, the band's surrounding members have shifted like the colors in a kaleidoscope.
The classic era of KISS, from 1973 to 1980, featured a lineup etched in rock history: Stanley (Starchild), Simmons (The Demon), Ace Frehley (Spaceman/Space Ace), and Peter Criss (Catman). This foursome delivered the band's signature sound – a blend of hard rock, glam, and theatricality – and iconic albums like Alive! . However, tensions and creative differences eventually led to Criss's departure in 1980, followed by Frehley in 1982.
The 80s saw KISS experiment with a more commercially-oriented sound and unmasked faces. Drummers Eric Carr (The Fox) and Vinnie Vincent (Ankh Warrior) joined the ranks, but neither captured the magic of the original lineup. Guitarist Bruce Kulick eventually replaced Vincent, bringing a period of stability that lasted through the late 80s and early 90s.
By the mid-90s, nostalgia reigned supreme. The original lineup, with makeup back in place, reunited for a hugely successful tour, proving that there was indeed "something special" about the classic KISS. However, the reunion was short-lived, and Criss and Frehley were eventually replaced by long-term members Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer (who donned the Spaceman persona). This lineup has remained constant for the past two decades, touring extensively and even releasing new studio albums.
KISS's ever-changing lineup has been a source of fascination and debate for fans. While some argue that only the original four can truly embody the spirit of KISS, others appreciate the musical evolution brought by later members. Regardless of who's behind the masks, one thing remains clear: KISS's ability to adapt, shock, and entertain has ensured their place as one of rock and roll's most enduring and outrageous acts.
A necessary guide to the most stable unstable lineup in rock history.
Paul Stanley – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Gene Simmons – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Ace Frehley – Lead Guitar, Vocals
Peter Criss – Drums, Vocals
The original “Spaceman” and “Catman” era, cemented by their face paint and defining albums like Destroyer (1976) and Love Gun (1977). A golden age of vinyl and spectacle, before the personnel problems began to make the liner notes look like a short-lived rock opera cast list.
Paul Stanley – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Gene Simmons – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Ace Frehley – Lead Guitar, Vocals (departed late 1982)
Eric Carr – Drums, Vocals (joined 1980)
Peter Criss was replaced by the thunderous Eric Carr (“The Fox”) in June 1980, bringing a heavier, much-needed metal edge. Frehley's role dwindled rapidly after Music from 'The Elder' (1981); while he appeared on the covers of Killers and Creatures of the Night (1982), he was effectively gone by the end of 1982.
Paul Stanley – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Gene Simmons – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Vinnie Vincent – Lead Guitar (joined Dec 1982, departed March 1984)
Eric Carr – Drums, Vocals
Vinnie Vincent (“The Ankh Warrior”) was brought in to play the complex guitar parts for the Creatures of the Night tour. This lineup made history when they removed their iconic makeup on MTV on September 18, 1983, launching the unmasked era with the Lick It Up album.
Paul Stanley – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Gene Simmons – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Bruce Kulick – Lead Guitar (joined late 1984)
Eric Carr – Drums, Vocals (until his passing in Nov 1991)
Following the brief tenure of Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick’s technical style and Carr’s ferocious drumming gave KISS their most stable, and creatively consistent, lineup since the '70s. This era was defined by polished hard rock albums like Asylum (1985) and Crazy Nights (1987). It ended with Carr's tragic death from cancer in November 1991.
A persistent myth claims that the band’s name KISS is an acronym for “Knights in Satan’s Service” or “Kids in Satan’s Service.” During the late 1970s this story spread through church groups, magazines, and schoolyards, often whispered with the same urgency as a ghost tale. One teenager swore he saw it in print, another claimed his pastor had warned parents of “devil music.”
In reality, Paul Stanley later explained in his autobiography Face the Music (2014) that the name was chosen simply because it was short, bold, and looked great on a poster. Gene Simmons has called the satanic acronym “nonsense made up by people who never liked us in the first place.” Fact-checkers such as Snopes confirm the rumor originated with religious groups, but never from the band themselves. Ironically, the controversy only boosted their mystique and record sales.
KISS is one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music. Their high-energy performances, theatrical costumes, and makeup have helped define the glam rock era of the 1970s and influenced generations of musicians. KISS's music, image, and merchandise have made them one of the most recognizable and successful bands of all time. The band's legacy continues to impact the music industry and popular culture today, making KISS a true American rock and roll icon.
"Alive II" is the 1977 live album from the American rock band Kiss. It is the group's eighth album and second live album.
KISS - Alive II (1977 Germany) KISS - Alive II (1977 USA)
"Asylum" marked a turning point for KISS. Following the departure of original guitarist Ace Frehley, Bruce Kulick stepped in, making his debut studio appearance.
KISS - Asylum (1989. Netherlands) KISS - Asylum (1985, West-Germany)
"Crazy Nights" saw Kiss venturing into new musical territory, departing from their previous heavy metal sound showcased in albums like "Lick It Up", "Animalize", and "Asylum".
Crazy Nights (1987, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
While "Double Platinum" has been reissued and repackaged over the years, the original gatefold with its embossed, silver-foiled cover and bas-relief art remains a standout.
KISS - Double Platinum (Germany) KISS - Double Platinum (West-Germany)
Pressed in 1975, this isn’t a retro cash-in—it’s the real thing. “Dressed to Kill” packs ten lean anthems built for the stage, topped by the immortal “Rock and Roll All Nite.” The album’s blend of sleaze, melody, and wit made KISS impossible to ignore. Ace Frehley’s solos burn bright, and Peter Criss drives it home with attitude—a no-frills rock record wrapped in pinstripes and chaos.
KISS - Dressed to Kill
KISS - Dressed To Kill (Red Vinyl)
Dynasty is the seventh studio album by Kiss, released in 1979. The album features a departure from the band's traditional hard rock sound, with a more pop-oriented and disco-influenced sound
KISS - Dynasty Audiophile (1979 Germany) KISS - Dynasty (1979) KISS - Dynasty Red Vinyl
KISS's "Music From The Elder" flopped critically, but the French 12" vinyl with a gatefold cover is a collector's item. This release features the same progressive rock music
Music From The Elder 12" Vinyl LP
KISS's 1979 "I Was Made For Lovin' You" single surprised fans with disco vibes, becoming a #1 hit. The B-side, "Hard Times," kept their rock alive. This 7" vinyl single is a collector's item
Was Made For Lovin' You b/w Hard Times 7" Vinyl Single
This album was released only outside the United States, but quickly became available as an import. Of the twelve songs on Killers, four were new compositions recorded specifically for the album.
"Lick It Up" is the 11th studio album by the American rock band Kiss. On the day of the album's release, Kiss appeared on MTV without their trademark makeup.
KISS - Lick it Up (Germany) KISS - Lick It Up (Netherlands) KISS - Lick it Up (Yugoslavia)
"Love Gun" is an album that epitomizes the larger-than-life persona of KISS. From its bombastic sound to its visually striking album cover, everything about this release screams rock 'n' roll excess
KISS - Love Gun German Version KISS - Love Gun USA Version
The rare German pressing of KISS's "Sure You Know Something" b/w "Dirty Livin'" 7-inch is a collector's gem. This 1979 single features two strong tracks, showcasing the band's energy and versatility
Sure You Know Something b/w Dirty Livin' 7" Vinyl Single
"Unmasked", the 1980 studio album by American glam metal band KISS, remains a significant milestone in the band's discography. Produced by Vini Poncia for Mad Vincent Productions, with assistance from Anne Streer
Unmasked 12" Vinyl LP
“Ace Frehley” is where the Spaceman crash-landed with a Les Paul and a smirk. The riffs glow like city lights at midnight, and the solos slice through the dark like meteors. From the stomp of “Rip It Out” to the pulse of “New York Groove,” this LP burns with style, swagger, and that slightly dangerous New York charm only Ace could pull off.
‘Frehley’s Comet’ captures Ace Frehley’s trademark tone in full orbit—sleek, metallic, and unpredictable. The guitars growl, shimmer, and occasionally blast into orbit, while the vocals keep one boot firmly on the Bronx pavement. This LP bridges Ace’s KISS legacy with the high-gloss swagger of late-80s hard rock, giving the Spaceman a brand-new galaxy to rule with attitude and distortion.