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 This is KISS's worst studio album ever. I can't believe that a producer like Bob Ezrin would help co-write, let alone OK, the majority of the songs on this uninspired mess. Don't get me wrong, I love KISS, always have, always will, but even I cannot appreciate this record. This album's downfall is highly attributable to the songs that Paul Stanley penned. The uncreative, almost laughable lyrics on songs like "Take It Off" and "I Just Wanna" are enough to make one cringe. Worse yet, the Gene Simmons written tracks are hardly any better. "Domino" and especially "Spit" are Gene's attempt to recapture the sleaze factor that was often present in his past efforts. He instead comes off sounding ridiculous and cliche'. If you want prime sleaze, go back and listen to songs like "Fits Like A Glove" or "Anyway You Slice It", don't waste your time with this trash. The few bright spots on this album are the opener "Unholy" and "Carr Jam '81", a tribute to late KISS drummer Eric Carr, who I feel was the most talented of the three drummers the band has employed. I honestly cannot understand why so many fans liked this album. It shows nothing of the original KISS spirit, only a band that is desperately trying to come up with anything to slap on an album. This albums only REAL saving grace is the lead guitar work of Bruce Kulick, who always delivers. This album should have been called RETARDED rather than REVENGE
From the crunching 'Unholy' this album, much like 'Creatures of the Night' did years before, immediately establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with. One hears the songwriting help of Vinnie Vincent throughout this record and his help must be noted. Paul's kinky 'Take It Off' captures the sort of sexual exuberance the band has always been known for. One thing 'Revenge' does that maybe no other KISS record does is feel like a Gene Simmons record. This is a dirty, heavy record and Gene's 'Domino' is probably the song this album is remembered for but his 'Thou Shalt Not' is just as good. This is a dirty, intense KISS that had shed it's 80's color scheme for black leather and a more in-your-face sound. The result is the best KISS record since 'Creatures of the Night,' a hard rock record to be remembered.
My personal favorite is "Domino". It kind of hearkens back to "Goin Blind" with the theme (Underage girl), but with a much harder edge. Plus, Gene really growls on this song, which I like. "I Just Wanna" is another standout. Although the riff is stolen (Summertime Blues), the chorus is catchy, and finaly lays it all out for women: " I don't want a romance/I don't wanna dance/I just wanna forget you". Well put, Paul. The drum solo at the end was a sad note, Eric left us far too soon. If you think that late 80's/early 90's KISS is just "Hair-Metal", check out this strong rocker.
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'Revenge' was the breath of fresh metal KISS needed entering the 90's. The 80's pop metal boom was over and KISS could have easily sunk with that ship. But instead they reclaimed their hard rock thrones with 'Revenge' and re-established themselves as a band that has never been bound by trends or tastes.
This is one of the best Kiss albums besides Lick it Up. Revenge has a lot of energy, ambition, and heaviness. It's cool that Gene Simmons opens the album up with "Unholy." That's one of the best songs Kiss has created. This album isn't as commericial as past albums like Crazy Nights or Asylum. It reminds me more of Lick it Up than any other album. The songs that Gene sings on are the best really. "Domino" is quite a cool song. Revenge is a pretty consistent, heavy album. The only bad thing about this album was the including of "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll to You II" and "Every Time I look at You." They sort of upset the heavy balance of the album. They aren't bad songs though. The album should have just consisted of heavy songs I think. That aside, Revenge is a pretty good album.
I am a huge KISS fan, and while many claim that the only true KISS is the original KISS, this album blows that theory out of the water. As far as I'm concerned, any true KISS fan should have this in his/her collection. It's one of the best KISS albums ever and was a once in a lifetime event for KISS- they may never recapture the spirit of REVENGE ever again. 'Domino' and 'I Just Wanna' are great, fun songs; 'Unholy' kicks ***, and over all the rest just rock! Buy it!!!
