Ace Frehley - Anomaly (Bronx Born Records) ****

After several delays Anomaly finally sees the light of day. This is an absolutely stunning album by a legendary performer. When Ace Frehley is focused (and sober) he is just dangerous with that guitar. Such is the case here. Anomaly is just ripping heavy rock with a real gutsy delivery. I don’t think anyone expected this album to be this good, so more kudos to Ace for getting it right.

Anomaly has the feel Ace’s first solo had while he was still in Kiss. It’s very fresh, and loaded with plenty of energy. Frehley operates here on all cylinders, and reminds everyone why he still should be considered a guitar hero. Ace’s unmistakable playing style shines once again. He does not sound tired like he did in the past. In other words, the man found his fire and he lets it burn.

Frehley is not afraid of pushing the boundaries here. Genghis Khan is a real pearl here. This particular track is a real departure from the Ace we know, but at the same time shows how an artist can continuously progress without compromising his musical integrity. Genghis Khan’s unusual riffing and the overall structure will certainly make it a key track for all hardcore fans. And there are plenty of great tracks here to choose from. Frehley is also covering Sweet’s, Fox On The Run, and he does the song justice.

The album is very balanced. It opens with all guns blazing rockers Foxy & Free, Outer Space, and Pain In The Neck. Towards the end it gets more gentle and sensitive with tracks like A Little Below The Angels or It’s a Great Life. Frehley’s guitar work is very impressive. The leads are once again very imaginative and fresh sounding. Another great aspect of Anomaly is the great vocals. Frehley has a very specific way of phrasing, and he gets very creative here. Also, the subject matter of the songs at times gets very reflective and personal.

It’s been 20 years since the last Ace Frehley album. In that time, the man went through a lot. For a while the reports from the Frehley camp were a bit confusing, and the second stint with Kiss did not end well. It’s great to see this classic rocker to come out on top and regain all of his strength. Anomaly is a great and consistent album.

Mark Kadzielawa