Space Invader is the fourth solo album by former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, released in the UK on August 18, 2014 and in the US on August 19 via eOne Music. His first album of new studio material since 2009's Anomaly, it was produced by Frehley, and recorded at The Creation Lab in Turlock, California.
Reaching No.9 on the Billboard 200 chart, it is the only solo album by a past or current Kiss member to attain a US top ten position.
Artwork
The cover art was by fantasy artist Ken Kelly, who painted covers for the Kiss albums Destroyer (1976) and Love Gun (1977). "It was very exciting when I was approached with the idea of doing an album cover for Ace," he said. "I am very pleased with the results and proud to play a part of Ace's continuing successful career!"
Reception
"His music still has the raw edge and offbeat sensibility that he brought to early Kiss and the best of his subsequent work…" opined Classic Rock. "The title track is quintessential Frehley; 'Toys' reminiscent of Aerosmith circa Rocks. And on two other space odysseys – 'Past the Milky Way' and the seven-minute instrumental 'Starship' – Ace travels to places that Kiss could never reach."
Track listing
Personnel
Band members
Ace Frehley – lead and backing vocals, guitars, bass, sound effects, producer, engineer Chris Wyse – bass Matt Starr – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Additional musicians
Alex Salzman - keyboards
Phil Allen, Chris Cassone, Rachael Gordon, Ken Gullic, Warren Huart, Ronnie Mancuso, Larry Russell – backing vocals
Production
Warren Huart – engineer, mixing
Mike Everett, Alex Salzman, Ronnie Mancuso, Mark Greene, Larry Russell – engineers Phil Allen – assistant engineer Adam Ayan – mastering Paul Grosso – creative director, design Ken Kelly – cover painting Jayme Thornton – photography
Charts
References
2014 albums
Ace Frehley albums
MNRK Music Group albums
Albums with cover art by Ken Kelly (artist)