ALPHA DESTROYER Reworks KISS Classic “God of Thunder” From the Ground Up
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ALPHA DESTROYER have released a special-edition cover of the KISS classic “God of Thunder” through Necromantic Press Records, taking an unexpected route by building their version around Paul Stanley’s original demo rather than the familiar Bob Ezrin-produced recording.
The difference matters. Stanley’s early version carried a quicker pulse, 16th-note hi-hats and a noticeably more pop-oriented vocal approach. ALPHA DESTROYER kept pieces of that DNA while pushing the song into heavier territory.
“We based our version on Paul Stanley's original demo version instead of the Bob Ezrin produced version everyone knows,” guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett explains. “Paul used 1/16 note high hats and a more upbeat tempo. We swapped those for double basses a la ‘Exciter’ from Judas Priest. Paul also used a more pop sensibility and falsetto vocals in the chorus, which we embraced fully.”
The result takes one of KISS’ most recognizable songs back to an earlier point in its evolution, then runs it through ALPHA DESTROYER’s combination of classic hard rock, heavy metal and left-of-center aggression.
“God of Thunder” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms. Necromantic Press Records has also issued the single as a hand-numbered, limited-edition clear vinyl 7-inch, individually lathe-cut and shipping beginning August 11.
Inside ALPHA DESTROYER
Formed in 2022, ALPHA DESTROYER grew from guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett’s desire to explore music beyond his work with trad/thrash outfit Sleepless. His early material blended the arena-sized energy of bands such as Def Leppard with stranger and heavier influences including Voivod and Morbid Angel.
Drummer Ryan McPhaill joined the developing project first, followed by bassist Kelly LeMieux of Buckcherry and Goldfinger after Sexton-Dorsett met him aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise.
Another Monsters of Rock Cruise encounter brought Crashdïet guitarist Martin Sweet into the fold. Sweet originally entered the project as a potential guitar contributor before offering to handle vocals. His performance on “Straight into the Grind” helped establish the developing ALPHA DESTROYER sound, and an intended four-song EP eventually grew into the band's 10-track debut album, Fast Lane.
Sleepless vocalist and guitarist Kevin Hahn also joined the lineup on guitar.
Fast Lane moves between high-energy hard rock, punk-edged momentum and darker, doom-tinted passages. Physical editions are available through Necromantic Press Records, including limited red-splatter and standard black vinyl.
With additional material already underway and live activity planned for 2026, ALPHA DESTROYER appear intent on keeping the engine running.
ALPHA DESTROYER:Eric Sexton-DorsettMartin SweetKelly LeMieuxRyan McPhaillKevin Hahn
Stream “God of Thunder” now on Spotify and Apple Music.
Limited-edition vinyl and copies of Fast Lane are available through NecromanticPress.com.
