Creatures of the Night: A Few Songs Away from Resurrection?
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The 1980s dawned with KISS facing an uncertain future.
Their flamboyant stage shows and anthemic rock had conquered the 70s, but the musical landscape was shifting.
Experiments like the disco-tinged Dynasty, an attempt at pop music with Unmasked and the conceptual Music from The Elder had alienated some die-hard fans, leaving the band seemingly out of step with the rising tide of hard rock and heavy metal.
And don’t forget the Kiss solo albums!
By 1982, a change was needed.
KISS had to rediscover the raw power that had fueled their early triumphs and reconnect with the audience who craved it.
Creatures of the Night became that lifeline, a turning point that re-established them as a force to be reckoned with.
It wasn’t just a return to form; it was a rebirth, a declaration that KISS was back with a vengeance.
Well, it looked great on paper!
No More Elder: How KISS Rediscovered Their Hard Rock Roots
Creatures of the Night slammed the door shut on the band’s experimental phase.
Gone were the disco beats and orchestral flourishes, replaced by a raw, unfiltered hard rock assault.
Bonham-esque drums, blistering guitars, and vocals dripping with attitude filled the void.
This was a conscious effort to recapture the spirit of albums like Destroyer and Love Gun, but with a newfound aggression that mirrored the evolving sounds of the early 80s.
The album’s title track set the tone, a full-throttle rocker with a menacing undercurrent.
Songs like “I Love It Loud” and “Danger” pulsed with pure adrenaline, while “Killer” and “Keep Me Comin'” revealed a more sinister edge.
Driving this transformation was the powerhouse drumming of Eric Carr.
Replacing Peter Criss in 1980, Carr brought a thunderous, hard-hitting style that perfectly complemented the band’s renewed focus on heavy riffs and driving rhythms.
His performance injected a raw intensity that had been missing, solidifying his place in the band and contributing significantly to the album’s dark, powerful aesthetic.
On The Elder, his drumming was buried in the mix.
On Creatures of the Night – it was front and center,
“War Machine”: When Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance Met the KISS Army
While Creatures of the Night marked a return to KISS’s core attitude, it also embraced an unexpected collaboration.
“War Machine,” a standout track with its stadium rhythm and menacing lyrics, was co-written by Gene Simmons, Bryan Adams, and Jim Vallance.
This partnership brought a fresh perspective, injecting raw energy and lyrical depth that amplified the album’s aggression.
Adams, on the cusp of global stardom with hits like “Summer of ’69” and “Cuts Like Knife,” was still a rising star in the early 80s.
At this point he wasn’t much of a light in the sky.
This collaboration showcased his versatility, proving he could craft rock anthems alongside his more well-known pop-rock ballads.
Adams and Vallance also co-wrote another track for KISS, “Rock and Roll Hell.”
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time their paths had crossed with a Kiss member.
KISS drummer Eric Carr had previously contributed to Adams’ 1983 album Cuts Like a Knife, co-writing the track “Don’t Leave Me Lonely.”
This musical crossover highlighted a mutual admiration between the artists and added another layer to their collaborative history.
Ace Frehley’s Departure and Vinnie Vincent’s Arrival
Creatures of the Night was an album born of transition.
While it roared with renewed energy, it did so without founding member Ace Frehley.
Though his “Spaceman” image graced the cover, Frehley’s involvement was fading.
Struggles with substance abuse and creative differences led to his detachment from the recording process.
Stepping into the void was a young, virtually unknown guitarist named Vinnie Vincent.
A gifted musician with a flamboyant style, Vincent brought fresh energy and a virtuosic flair to the band’s live show. He played on many key tracks, and co-wrote “I Still Love You,” “Killer” and “I Love It Loud.”
The decision to keep Frehley on the cover despite his minimal involvement was a strategic one.
KISS was a brand, and the four iconic faces were integral to their image.
Maintaining that visual continuity, even if it didn’t reflect the reality of the recording sessions, was a calculated move to preserve the band’s image during a turbulent period.
This transitional phase, with Frehley’s departure looming and Vincent’s arrival bringing both excitement and uncertainty, added another layer of complexity to Creatures of the Night.
It was an album caught between the past and the future, a reflection of both a desire to reclaim their roots and a willingness to embrace new talent and explore new sonic territories.
Robben Ford and Steve Farris’ Contributions
While the core of KISS resided in the songwriting and performance of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Creatures of the Night also benefited from the talents of several guest musicians.
These collaborations added depth and texture to the album’s already powerful sound.
Guitarist Robben Ford, a renowned session musician and blues virtuoso, lent his distinctive style to “I Still Love You.”
His soulful solo added a touch of bluesy emotion to the album’s hard-rocking landscape.
Steve Farris, guitarist for Mr. Mister, contributed to the title track.
His melodic and technically proficient playing complemented the raw power of the band’s core sound.
“Creatures” co-writer Adam Mitchell performs the song’s memorable ending lick.
The involvement of these guest musicians highlights a fascinating aspect of Creatures of the Night.
While it marked a return to a heavier sound, it also demonstrated a willingness to experiment and incorporate different musical flavors. These collaborations added layers of texture and nuance.
The Vocal Dynamics of Stanley and Simmons
Creatures of the Night is an album with thematic depth, exploring the darker side of human experience.
Themes of defiance, darkness, and redemption weave through the lyrics, creating an atmosphere that is both menacing and exhilarating.
“War Machine” and “I Love It Loud” are anthems of rebellion, celebrating individuality and the refusal to conform.
They tap into the primal energy of rock and roll, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner strength and stand up for what they believe in.
The album also delves into darker territory, exploring themes of alienation, fear, and inner demons.
Songs like “Creatures of the Night” and “Killer” evoke a sense of lurking danger and the thrill of the forbidden.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimpses of redemption.
“I Still Love You” and “Saint and Sinner” hint at overcoming adversity and finding solace in love and forgiveness.
The vocal performances of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are crucial in conveying these themes.
Stanley’s soaring vocals bring a sense of anthemic grandeur, while Simmons’s guttural growls add a menacing edge.
Their contrasting styles create a dynamic interplay that enhances the album’s emotional impact.
But MTV Didn’t Want It
When Creatures of the Night debuted, MTV was in its infancy (launched in 1981) and primarily focused on promoting new-wave and pop artists who appealed to the burgeoning youth audience of the time.
Kiss, with their makeup and theatrical style, was seen as outdated by many in the industry compared to the emerging trends.
Their heavy-metal resurgence with Creatures of the Night clashed with MTV’s programming direction, which prioritized acts like Duran Duran, Culture Club, and other visually driven, trendy artists.
The Legacy of Creatures of the Night
Despite its raw power, Creatures of the Night initially received a muted response.
It failed to achieve the commercial success of KISS’s 70s output. This lukewarm reception was likely due to a combination of factors, including the band’s declining popularity, the shifting musical landscape, and the confusion surrounding Ace Frehley’s departure.
However, Creatures of the Night, a disappointment at first – grew on the fans.
Many songs were featured on the Lick It Up and Animalize tours.
Over time, it gained recognition as a true gem in the KISS discography, achieving cult status among fans and critics.
Its relentless energy, darker themes, and impressive musicianship resonated with a generation of hard rock and heavy metal fans.
Critical acclaim followed, with publications like Guitar World and Kerrang! retrospectively recognizing it as one of the best hard rock albums of 1982.
Its influence on the genre became undeniable, with many citing it as a key inspiration for the burgeoning thrash metal scene.
Creatures of the Night marked a crucial turning point in KISS’s career, proving they could adapt and evolve while staying true to their core identity.
It re-established their credibility as a hard rock force, paving the way for their resurgence in the mid-80s.
The Creatures of the Night 40th Anniversary Reissue
In 2022, Creatures of the Night received a much-deserved resurgence with its 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition reissue.
This comprehensive box set celebrated the album’s enduring legacy and reaffirmed its crucial role in KISS’s history.
The reissue went beyond a simple remaster, offering a treasure trove of bonus material.
Demos, rare outtakes, and previously unreleased tracks offered a glimpse into the album’s creative process.
Live recordings captured the raw energy of KISS’s performances, showcasing the band at their best.
Perhaps most importantly, the 2022 reissue solidified Creatures of the Night‘s position as a pivotal moment in KISS’s evolution.
It reminded fans and critics of its significance as a comeback album and a testament to the band’s resilience.
Would These Songs Have Made a Difference?
While Creatures of the Night is a powerful album, it lacked a defining radio hit. Interestingly, a couple of tracks that didn’t make the album ended up finding their own way into the world.
“Down on Your Knees,” a catchy tune with infectious energy, was born from a jam session between Paul Stanley and musician Mikel Japp.
Bryan Adams, who happened to be working at the same studio, contributed to the song, adding his own touch.
“It’s My Life” has a more tangled history. Demoed for Creatures of the Night and then again for 1998’s Psycho Circus, it never made the final cut for either album.
Gene Simmons’ demo version eventually surfaced on his solo collection, and a different version appeared on Wendy O. Williams’ debut solo album (released in 1984).
Creatures of the Night Remains a KISS Classic
Ultimately, Creatures of the Night stands as a testament to KISS’s enduring power and their ability to reinvent themselves.
It captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of rock and roll, while also exploring darker themes and pushing musical boundaries.
More than just a collection of great songs, Creatures of the Night represents a pivotal moment in KISS’s history.
It was a bold declaration that they were back, ready to reclaim their throne in the hard rock kingdom.
It just took a while!
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Sources:
- “A look back at 50 years of Kiss-tory as the legendary band prepares to take its final bow” – APNews.com
- Kiss: Creatures of the Night – Wikipedia.com
- Cuts Like a Knife – Wikipedia.com
