Domino

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wild vibes as we spin "Domino" by KISS from their 1992 album Revenge! This track, penned by bassist Gene Simmons, is a gritty, hard-rockin’ tune with a story that ties back to his earlier work. Simmons admitted in interviews that he was aiming to channel the raw energy of KISS’s classic "Deuce" when writing "Domino," but it leans heavily on "Nasty Nasty," a song he co-wrote and produced for Black 'n Blue in 1986. Fans on Reddit have pointed out you can almost sing "Nasty Nasty" over "Domino"’s melody, showing how Simmons recycled and refined the riff to fit KISS’s heavier Revenge-era sound. The song’s lyrics, dripping with Simmons’ signature bravado, paint a vivid picture of a dangerous, irresistible woman who’s got the narrator “by the balls,” as he belts out in the chorus.

The music video for "Domino," directed by Paul Rachman, is a time capsule of early ’90s rock. It features Simmons cruising around Hollywood in a convertible, munching on fast food, while the band—without their iconic makeup—jams in a gritty studio. Rachman, who also directed KISS’s "Unholy" and "I Just Wanna" videos, noted in a Songfacts interview that third singles like "Domino" rarely got the MTV love they deserved due to the grunge wave dominating airwaves. Despite this, the track hit number 26 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and was a staple on the Revenge and Kiss My Ass tours, plus their MTV Unplugged set. Fun fact: Paul Stanley plays a Gene Simmons Punisher bass in the video, a quirky nod to their stage personas.

Tommy Thayer, now KISS’s lead guitarist but back then a Black 'n Blue member and Simmons’ protégé, contributed backing vocals to Revenge. In a 2012 BraveWords interview, Thayer called Revenge his favorite non-makeup KISS album, praising its cohesive sound under producer Bob Ezrin’s guidance. He noted that "Domino"’s roots in "Nasty Nasty" gave it a raw edge, but the song’s release timing in 1992—when grunge was king—hurt its commercial potential. Simmons himself said in a German Wikipedia entry that he wrote "Domino" quickly, almost in one sitting, letting the song’s sleazy swagger flow naturally.

KISS’s journey began in 1973 in New York City, when Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, both from the ashes of their band Wicked Lester, teamed up with drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley. Inspired by the theatricality of glam rock and the raw energy of hard rock, they crafted a larger-than-life image with kabuki-style makeup, elaborate costumes, and pyrotechnic-fueled live shows. Their self-titled debut in 1974 didn’t initially set the charts ablaze, but relentless touring and their 1975 live album Alive! catapulted them to stardom, capturing their electrifying stage presence. The band’s blend of catchy hooks, anthemic songs, and over-the-top theatrics made them a cultural phenomenon, spawning a merchandising empire from comic books to pinball machines.

Over the decades, KISS has seen lineup changes—Eric Carr replaced Criss in 1980, and Eric Singer took over after Carr’s death in 1991, with Bruce Kulick and later Tommy Thayer filling Frehley’s boots. Despite shifts, Simmons and Stanley have remained the band’s core, steering KISS through glam metal in the ’80s, a non-makeup era in the ’90s, and a return to their classic look. Their influence spans generations, with Revenge marking a bold return to heavier roots after a glossier ’80s phase. You can keep up with KISS on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans can dive into the KISS FAQ fan site or join the vibrant KISS Army Facebook group to share the love for the hottest band in the world!