The Definitive Examination of Music from The Elder

Odyssey: The definitive examination of "Music From The Elder," KISS' cult-classic concept album

by Tim McPhate

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3102 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	544 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Released in 1981, KISS's concept album The Elder was a departure from their previous hard rock sound. The album, which tells the story of a young boy who is chosen to save the world from an evil sorcerer, features a more progressive and orchestral sound than anything KISS had done before.

The Elder was a commercial failure upon its release, but it has since been re-evaluated by critics and fans alike. In recent years, the album has been praised for its ambitious scope and its innovative sound.

In this definitive examination of the music from The Elder, we will explore the album's influences, production, and critical reception. We will also provide an in-depth analysis of each song on the album.

Influences

KISS drew inspiration from a variety of sources when creating the music for The Elder. These influences include:

• Progressive rock: Bands like Yes, Genesis, and Rush were experimenting with progressive rock in the early 1980s, and KISS was eager to follow suit. The Elder features complex song structures, extended instrumental passages, and a variety of odd time signatures.
• Orchestral rock: KISS also incorporated orchestral elements into the music for The Elder. This was a bold move for a band that was known for its hard rock sound, but it paid off. The orchestral arrangements add a sense of grandeur and sophistication to the album.
• Classical music: KISS also drew inspiration from classical music when creating the music for The Elder. The album features several songs that are based on classical themes, and the band even worked with a classical composer to arrange the music.

Production

The Elder was produced by Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with KISS on their album Destroyer. Ezrin's production style is characterized by his use of complex arrangements and his attention to detail. He was able to capture the ambitious vision that KISS had for The Elder, and the album's production is one of its strongest points.

The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The band spent several months in the studio, and they experimented with a variety of different sounds and techniques. The result is an album that is both sonically diverse and cohesive.

Critical reception

The Elder was a commercial failure upon its release. The album only reached number 70 on the Billboard 200 chart, and it was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised the album's ambition and its innovative sound, while others criticized it for being too complex and pretentious.

In recent years, The Elder has been re-evaluated by critics and fans alike. The album is now considered to be a classic of progressive rock, and it is praised for its ambitious scope and its innovative sound.

Song-by-song analysis

Now that we have explored the influences, production, and critical reception of The Elder, let's take a closer look at the album's individual songs.

1. "The Oath"

The album opens with "The Oath," a powerful and majestic song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song features a driving beat, soaring vocals, and a dramatic orchestral arrangement. The lyrics tell the story of a young boy who is chosen to save the world from an evil sorcerer.

2. "Dark Light"

"Dark Light" is a more subdued song than "The Oath," but it is no less powerful. The song features a haunting melody, ethereal vocals, and a sparse arrangement. The lyrics explore the themes of good and evil, and they foreshadow the dark events that are to come.

3. "A World Without Heroes"

"A World Without Heroes" is one of the most popular songs from The Elder. The song is a beautiful and moving ballad that features a simple but effective melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song is about the importance of hope and perseverance, and it has become a fan favorite.

4. "The Guitar Solo"

"The Guitar Solo" is a showcase for Ace Frehley's guitar playing. The song features a blistering guitar solo that is one of the most iconic moments on the album. The solo is backed by a driving beat and a thunderous bass line.

5. "Under the Rose"

"Under the Rose" is a beautiful and haunting song that features a delicate melody and ethereal vocals. The song is about the power of love, and it is one of the most romantic songs that KISS has ever recorded.

6. "I"

"I" is a powerful and introspective song that features a driving beat and soaring vocals. The song is about the importance of self-discovery, and it is one of the most personal songs that KISS has ever recorded.

7. "The Elder"

The album closes with "The Elder," a majestic and epic song that features a driving beat, soaring vocals, and a dramatic orchestral arrangement. The song tells the story of the defeat of the evil sorcerer, and it is a fitting to the album.

The Elder is a complex and ambitious album that defies easy categorization. It is a blend of progressive rock, orchestral rock, and classical music, and it is a testament to KISS's musical versatility. The album was a commercial failure upon its release, but it has since been re-evaluated by critics and fans alike. The Elder is now considered to be a classic of progressive rock, and it is praised for its ambitious scope and its innovative sound.

Odyssey: The definitive examination of "Music From The Elder," KISS' cult-classic concept album

by Tim McPhate

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3102 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	544 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE