Parasite (song)

"Parasite" is a song by American rock band Kiss, released in 1974 on their second studio album, Hotter Than Hell. As one of the album's heaviest songs, it was performed on the following tour, but dropped from the band's setlist on the Destroyer Tour and not played again until the Revenge Tour in 1992.

"Parasite"
Song by Kiss
from the album Hotter than Hell
Released	October 22, 1974
Recorded	August 1974
Genre	Heavy metal proto-punk
Length	3:02
Label	Casablanca Records
Songwriter(s)	Ace Frehley
Producer(s)	Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise

This article is about the Kiss song. For other songs, see Parasite (disambiguation) § Songs.

Composition

"Parasite" is one of three songwriting contributions from Ace Frehley on the album, the others being "Strange Ways" and "Comin’ Home."^[1] He was insecure about his singing ability, so passed that duty to Gene Simmons. Known for its simple but heavily distorted repeated broken chord riff, the song is a departure from the band's glam rock style.^[2] Loudwire writer Eduardo Rivadavia opined the song displayed "blue-collar, dare we say proto-punk, greatness,"^[3] while Spectrum Culture journalist Will Pinfold called it a "proto-metal/grunge masterpiece" with a hint of groove in its fast-but-imprecise riffing.^[4]

Album appearances

• Hotter Than Hell - studio version
• Gold - studio version
• Kiss Chronicles: 3 Classic Albums - studio version
• Kiss Alive! 1975–2000 - Alive! version
• Ikons - studio version
• Kiss Alive 35 - live version

Personnel

• Gene Simmons – lead vocals
• Ace Frehley – lead guitar, bass, backing vocals
• Paul Stanley – rhythm guitar (disputed), backing vocals
• Peter Criss – drums, backing vocals

Cover versions

• Anthrax's version first appeared as the B-side of their 1988 single "Antisocial" and also appears on their EP Penikufesin. It was re-released on the 1991 compilation album Attack of the Killer B's and 1994 live album Live: The Island Years.
• Sebastian Bach covered the song on his 2004 live video Forever Wild.
• Ace Frehley recorded an updated version for his 2016 covers album, Origins, Vol. 1.
• Amphetamine Reptile recording artists Mog Stunt Team cover the song on their 1997 album King of the Retards.