One of hard rock's most celebrated albums is getting the royal treatment. Insight Editions has announced the October 27, 2026 release of "KISS Destroyer: The Definitive Visual History: Making And Touring The Legendary Album, Official And Authorized" — a comprehensive retrospective of the record that catapulted KISS from cult favorites into arena-rock royalty.
The book was written by veteran music journalist Ken Sharp in full collaboration with KISS co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, carrying the band's official authorization and direct involvement.
"Destroyer," released in 1976 and produced by Bob Ezrin — who would later helm PINK FLOYD's "The Wall" — gave the world "Detroit Rock City," "Shout It Out Loud," and the power ballad "Beth," which became KISS's first top-ten single. At the time it was a dramatic leap: more polished, more cinematic, and more ambitious than anything the band had attempted before.
The book promises to peel back the curtain on the entire creative process. Readers will discover Marlon Brando's unexpected influence on the album's artistic direction, the studio tensions that shaped the recording sessions, the creation of the iconic costumes and album cover artwork, and the origin story of the legendary KISS Army. David Bowie's influence on the band's stage design is also explored in detail.
With over 50 interviews — featuring the band members, producer Bob Ezrin, and numerous industry figures — alongside hundreds of photographs (some never before published), a song-by-song analysis drawing on previously unreleased demos, comprehensive tour documentation, and a timeline placing the album within its broader cultural context, this is set to be an essential reference for any KISS devotee.
Ken Sharp is the author of the New York Times bestseller about KISS and has contributed to music publications and documentaries over a decades-long career. Pre-orders are available through the publisher's designated retailers now.