Is Revenge a good place to start with Kiss?

Yes, Revenge is recommended as a starting point for new Kiss listeners. A gritty fusion of hard rock anthems and introspective ballads, showcasing a revitalized energy from the legendary band. Released on May 19, 1992, Revenge marked Kiss's return to form in the early '90s after experiencing a dip in popularity during the late '80s. This album followed their 1989 release Hot in the Shade and was significant for introducing new guitarist Bruce Kulick as a permanent member, which contributed to a refreshed sound and energy.

Revenge works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Revenge?

Revenge has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Revenge

Kiss · 1992

48 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

A gritty fusion of hard rock anthems and introspective ballads, showcasing a revitalized energy from the legendary band.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Unholy Start here — The opening track sets a heavy tone with its dark lyrics and powerful guitar riffs, showcasing the band's hard rock prowess and renewed intensity.
→
God Gave Rock ’n’ Roll to You II — This cover features an anthemic chorus that resonates with themes of empowerment and camaraderie among rock fans, making it a staple in Kiss's live performances.
→
Heart of Chrome — With its compelling melody and dynamic instrumentation, this track exemplifies the lyrical depth and musical complexity that characterize much of the album.
→
Thou Shalt Not — This song captures the essence of rebellion with its provocative lyrics and energetic arrangement, reflecting the band's signature style while addressing contemporary issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Revenge showcases a solid return to form for Kiss with energetic tracks and introspective moments but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

The first four tracks are high-energy anthems, while the fifth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone that continues through several subsequent songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
theatrical vocal expressions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a successful comeback and revitalization for the band in the early '90s.
Themes: early '90s rock revival· rebellion against conformity· dark lyrical themes
Moods: Intense· Dark
Career context: Released on May 19, 1992, Revenge marked Kiss's return to form in the early '90s after experiencing a dip in popularity during the late '80s. This album followed their 1989 release Hot in the Shade and was significant for introducing new guitarist Bruce Kulick as a permanent member, which contributed to a refreshed sound and energy.
Stylistic neighbors: Aerosmith· Motörhead· Def Leppard