Tag: Asia
0 ASIA – New Guitarist, New Album “Valkyrie” in 2013!
If 2012 was a year to remember for ASIA, with the release of the acclaimed studio album ‘XXX’ marking the band’s thirtieth anniversary, then 2013 is set to be another. John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer are delighted to announce that not only do they have an incredible talent in place to step into Steve Howe’s shoes, but also that their first international show with newcomer Sam Coulson will be a high profile performance at Sweden Rock 2013. Sam is a wonderful player, world-renowned amongst guitar virtuosos. Additionally, a new studio album, to be entitled ‘Valkyrie’, will be recorded for Frontiers Records during 2013 continuing the band’s relationship with the label.
John Wetton said, “ASIA is ready to take its next steps along this remarkable road. We cannot wait to perform again for the fans and also to unveil some of the new material, of which we are very proud”. Geoff Downes said, “We look forward to writing another chapter in Asia’s history”. Carl Palmer commented, “We’re all looking forward to the next decade of great ASIA music”.
You can read Steve Howe’s Statement here!
0 Classic Rock supergroup “ASIA” returns with “XXX” album in July
ASIA, featuring the original line-up of Geoff Downes (keyboards), Steve Howe (guitar), Carl Palmer (drums) and John Wetton (lead vocals and bass) celebrate their 30th anniversary (1982-2012) by releasing their new album XXX on Monday July 2nd. Featuring artwork by Roger Dean, XXX dovetails ASIA’s 30th Anniversary World Tour and the collectors box set edition of their eponymous debut album.
Their current single Face On The Bridge, now in its sixth straight week on the A-list at Planet Rock; the UK’s premiere classic rock radio station, is also proving hugely popular on YouTube. Planet Rock will air an ASIA 30th Anniversary one hour radio special at 7pm GMT on Saturday June 30th. All four members of ASIA were recently interviewed by Darren Redick specifically for this hour-long extravaganza.
In 1982 their debut album topped The Billboard Top 100 Chart for nine weeks, and went on to become the biggest selling album of the year. The album spawned the hits Heat Of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell, and four other radio hits. The new album, XXX, produced by Mike Paxman, has been hailed ASIA’s best album since their classic early 80s releases. XXX is released by Frontiers Records on Monday July 2nd ( July 3rd in teh United States) on CD, special edition CD/DVD (featuring music videos, behind the scenes footage), and limited edition vinyl.
“We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album,” says ASIA’s guitarist, Steve Howe. “ASIA has always been about great songs, fantastic musicianship. Fans of the first album will fall in love with XXX.”
Visit ASIA’s official website: originalasia.com.
Listen to sound bytes of XXX at this link.
Tickets for the UK leg of ASIA’s 30th anniversary Tour can be ordered from the 24 HR Ticket Hotline: 0844 478 0898, www.eventim.co.uk.
ASIA 30th Anniversary UK Tour Dates:
Tavistock The Wharf Saturday 15th December
Holmfirth Picturedrome Sunday 16th December
Edinburgh Queen’s Hall Monday 17th December
Salisbury City Hall Wednesday 19th December
Birmingham Town Hall Thursday 20th December
Manchester Royal Northern College of Music Friday 21st December
London o2 Shepherds Bush Empire Saturday 22nd December
3 ASIA RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM “XXX” WITH ORIGINAL LINE-UP: GEOFF DOWNES, STEVE HOWE, CARL PALMER & JOHN WETTON
BRITISH SUPERGROUP CELEBRATES 30th ANNIVERSARY WITH UK TOUR AND 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF DEBUT ALBUM
Thirty years after its eponymous debut album, ASIA ascended to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart (where it remained No.1 for nine consecutive weeks), the legendary British classic rock band returns with a brand new studio album, a 30th Anniversary edition of their debut album, 2 DVDs, and a world tour that includes UK, Europe, Japan and America.
ASIA will release their new studio album “XXX” (pronounced Triple X) on Frontiers Records on June 29th in Europe and July 3rd in North America. The new record, produced by Mike Paxman, which is being hailed as ASIA’s best album since its classic early 80s releases, will be released as a CD, collector’s edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on vinyl (limited edition Europe only). Original artwork for “XXX” album courtesy of Roger Dean.
The first single taken from the highly anticipated new album is entitled “Face On The Bridge”, released worldwide on May 14th. The videoclip can be seen on Youtube now:
“We’re very pleased with, and confident about XXX,” says John Wetton. “It encapsulates, lyrically and instrumentally, the essence of ASIA today. However, it is the very same four people that gave you the original, iconic album 30 years ago. If you loved it then, you will love it now.”
“We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album,” adds ASIA’s guitarist, Steve Howe. “ASIA has always been about great songs, and fantastic musicianship. I’m sure fans of the first album, will fall in love with XXX.”
“XXX” CD EDITION – TRACK LISTING
1. Tomorrow The World (Wetton/Downes) 6:47
2. Bury Me In Willow (Wetton/Downes) 6:01
3. No Religion (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 6:36
4. Faithful (Wetton/Downes) 5:37
5. I Know How You Feel (Wetton/Downes) 4:53
6. Face On The Bridge (Wetton/Downes) 5:59
7. Al Gatto Nero (Wetton/Downes) 4:36
8. Judas (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 4:43
9. Ghost Of A Chance (Wetton/Downes) 4:21
Total Time 49:41
“XXX” SPECIAL EDITION 11-TRACK CD (+ BONUS DVD) – TRACK LISTING
1. Tomorrow The World (Wetton/Downes) 6:47
2. Bury Me In Willow (Wetton/Downes) 6:01
3. No Religion (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 6:36
4. Faithful (Wetton/Downes) 5:37
5. I Know How You Feel (Wetton/Downes) 4:53
6. Face On The Bridge (Wetton/Downes) 5:59
7. Al Gatto Nero (Wetton/Downes) 4:36
8. Judas (Howe/Wetton/Downes) 4:43
9. Reno (Silver and Gold) (Howe/Wetton) 5:15 (Bonus Track)
10. Ghost Of A Chance (Wetton/Downes) 4:21
11. I Know How You Feel (Midnight Mix) (Wetton/Downes) 5:23 (Bonus Track)
Total Time: 60:20
BONUS DVD
1. Face On The Bridge (Music Video) (4:33)
2. Faithful (Music Video) (4:34)
3. The Making of XXX (Featurette) (20:33)
Total Time: 29:40
In addition ASIA has also completed “Resonance”, a DVD concert film of the group’s 2010/2011 Omega World Tour, captured live in Switzerland which will be released later in the fall.
To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, ASIA will release a collector’s edition box set based on their legendary 1982 eponymous debut album, supported by a myriad of ASIA releases in 2012. The 30th anniversary edition of their debut album will feature 2 audio CDs (a re-mastered edition of the debut album, plus a CD of live rare tracks), an expansive historical booklet, a limited edition ASIA T-shirt, goodies from ASIA’s 1982 tour, plus a DVD of the new band documentary: ASIA – 30 Years On. A newly commissioned painting by Roger Dean updates the symbolic dragon and pearl from 1982 to 2012, the Year of The Water Dragon (in the Chinese calendar).
Confirmed tour dates so far include:
Japan
24th September – Tokyo Shibuya Kokaido
25th September – Tokyo Shibuya Kokaido
26th September – Osaka Sankei Hall Breeze
27th September – Zepp Nagoya
America
17th October Red Bank, NJ Count Basie
18th October Boston, MA Wilbur Theater
19th October Westbury, NY Westbury Theater
20th October Philadelphia, PA Keswick
21st October Wilmington, DE Opera House
23rd October Syracuse, NY Turning Stone Casino
25th October Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
26th October Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
27th October NY, NY Best Buy Theater
28th October York, PA Strand Capital
UK Dates
2nd September – Weyfest Festival, Weyfest, UK
15th December – The Wharf, Tavistock, UK
16th December – The Picturedrome, Holmfirth, UK
17th December – Queens Hall, Edinburgh, UK
18th December – TBA
19th December – City Hall, Salisbury, UK
20th December – Town Hall, Birmingham, UK
21st December – RNCM, Manchester, UK
22nd December – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK
ASIA
Geoff Downes – keyboards
Steve Howe – guitars
Carl Palmer – drums
John Wetton – bass and vocals
0 ASIA to release a new Live CD / DVD Showcasing the “Phoenix” Tour; Audio Samples Available!
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of ASIA brand new live CD / DVD “Spirit Of The Night – Live in Cambridge 2009” on October 15th 2010. A proper US release will follow in early 2011.
This Live CD / DVD captures Asia in their original line-up, featuring John Wetton on vocals, Steve Howe on guitar, Geoffrey Downes on keyboards and Carl Palmer on drums, performing to an enthusiastic crowd. The masters come from the band’s own archive and this is a show they have personally selected to be filmed and released. It’s a raw and honest view of the musicians and the perspiration on their brows, as they play to a receptive audience. It is truly a compelling viewing and a “must have” for all Asia fans.
The DVD shows the band playing tightly together in harmony with each other and the audience in an energetic and energizing rock concert. The filming is “fly on the wall” placing the viewer seemingly in the audience rather than in a cinema. All of the band supports this type of filming and are looking forward to a dvd which allows the fans almost to join them on stage.
The set list features songs from their reunion album “Phoenix” along with a selection of the classics that all the fans would expect. The recording is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live CD / DVD is an irreplaceable companion to the studio album. “Spirit of the Night” shows the band at the top of their game.
“Spirit of the Night” will be released in CD and DVD separate editions and in a limited edition in digipak including both items.
CD tracklisting includes:
Only Time Will Tell; Time Again; An Extraordinary Life; My Own Time; Open Your Eyes; Fanfare For The Common Man (CD exclusive); Here Comes That Feeling; Never Again; The Heat Goes On; Sole Survivor; Don’t Cry; Heat Of The Moment; Midnight Sun (Bonus Track).
DVD contents include:
Live in Cambridge concert: Only Time Will Tell; Time Again; An Extraordinary Life; My Own Time; Open Your Eyes; Here Comes The Feeling; Never Again; The Heat Goes On; Sole Survivor; Don’t Cry; Heat Of The Moment. Bonus material: In the Court of the Crimson King (featuring Ian McDonald)
EPK – including John Wetton’s voiceover.
The DVD will be released in NTSC Region free format and shall include have Screen options 4:3 and 16:9, with stereo mix in 2.0 and 5.1.
“Heat Of The Moment” and “Never Again” can exclusively be listened to in full by streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio from September 3rd.
Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio
ASIA Lineup:
John Wetton: bass and lead vocals
Steve Howe: guitars
Geoff Downes: keyboards
Carl Palmer: drums
Weblinks: www.originalasia.com / www.frontiers.it / www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
1 ON TOUR – WINGER, LYNCH MOB, ASIA, ALAN PARSONS, YOSO, BRIAN HOWE
UPCOMING USA TOUR DATES SCHEDULE
Featuring FRONTIERS RECORDS BANDS & ARTISTS
ASIA
Aug 02 Zeiterion Performing Arts Center New Bedford, MA
Aug 03 Birchmere Alexandria, VA
Aug 05 Penn’s Peak Jim Thorpe, PA
Aug 06 Theatre at Westbury Westbury, NY
Aug 07 Showboat Atlantic City NJ
Aug 08 Ridgefield Playhouse Ridgefield CT
Aug 10 Bergen PAC Englewood, NJ
Aug 12 Market Block Party Syracuse, NY
Aug 13 House of Blues Cleveland, OH
Aug 14 Armory Rochester, NY
Aug 15 Carnegie Hall of Homestead Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 17 Memorial Auditorium Raleigh, NC
Aug 18 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
Aug 20 House of Blues Dallas, TX
Aug 21 House of Blues Houston, TX
Aug 22 Paramount Theatre Austin, TX
Aug 23 Majestic Theatre San Antonio, TX
Aug 25 Celebrity Theatre Phoenix, AZ
Aug 26 Veijas Casino at DreamCatcher Alpine, CA
Aug 27 Club Nokia Los Angeles, CA
Aug 28 The Grove Anaheim, CA
Aug 29 The Uptown Napa, CA
Sep 01 Laxon Auditorium Chico, CA
Sep 02 Fox Theatre Bakersfield, CA
Sep 03 Ovation at Green Valley Resort Henderson, NV
Sep 04 Peppermill Casino Wendover, NV
Sep 05 Nugget Casino Sparks, NV
Sep 07 Aladdin Theatre Portland, OR
Sep 08 Moore Theatre Seattle, WA
YOSO
US dates
Aug 11 Keswick Theatre Glenside, PA
Aug 12 The State Theatre Falls Church, VA
Aug 15 Ramshead Tavern Annapolis, MD
Aug 17 B.B. King’s Blues Club and Grill New York, NY
Aug 19 Kent Stage, Kent OH
Aug 20 Syndicate Dinner Theatre Newport, KY
Aug 21 Lake Clementia Amphitheatre Rancho Murieta, CA **Sold Out**
BRIAN HOWE
June 12 Kissimee Bike Fest Kissimmee, FL
June 25 Joplin Memorial Hall Joplin, MS
June 26 Salina Bicentennial Center Salina, KS
June 30 Inner Harbor Syracuse, NY
July 03 Hogan Park Rancho Cordova, CA
July 18 Clay’s Park Rockin Resort N. Lawrence, OH
July 22 Bike Night at Stearns Square Springfield, MS
July 30 Lucas Co. Fairgrounds Maumee, OH
Aug 06 Speidie Fest Binghamton, NY
Aug 07 7 Flags Event Center Clive, IA
Sept 04 Montbleu Casino Resort Lake Tahoe, NV
Sept 18 Lake Ozark Expo Center Osage Beach, MS
LYNCH MOB
July 24 Zoo Amphitheater Oklahoma City, OK
July 28 Altar Bar Pittsburgh, PA
July 29 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ
July 30 Jaxx Springfield, VA
July 31 The Filmore New York, NY
Aug 1 Crazy Donkey Farmingdale, NY
Aug 2 The Hideout Binghamton, NY
Aug 4 Scatz NightClub Middleton, WI
Aug 6 Club Vegas Salt Lake City, UT
Aug 7 The New Oasis Sparks, NV
Aug 8 Tower Theatre Fresno, CA
Aug 11 Studio Seven Seattle, WA
Aug 12 Dante’s, Portland, OR
Aug 13 Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa Santa Rosa, CA
Aug 14 Sky City Amphitheater Pueblo of Acoma, NM
WINGER
June 18 Penn’s Peak Concert Hall Jim Thorpe, PA
June 19 Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia, MD
June 20 BB King’s Blues Club New York, NY
June 24 Cowboys Concert Hall Colorado Springs, CO
June 25 Grizzly Rose Denver, CO,
June 26 Waterworks Park Des Moines, IA
July 23 Halfway Jam Royalton, MN
July 24 Midwest Rockfest Wichita, KS
Aug 7 Brat Days Sheboygan, WI
Aug 9 Ocean City Music Pier Ocean City, NJ
Aug 14 Sky City Casino Pueblo of Acoma, NM
Aug 25 Twin River Casino Event Center Lincoln, RI,
ALAN PARSONS
June 9 The Canyon Club – Vibe Tribe All-Star Jam Agoura Hills, CA
Sept 10 Tarry Town Music Hall Tarrytown, NY
Sept 11 Zoellner PAC Bethlehem, PA
0 ASIA’s critically acclaimed single “An Extraordinary Life” Chosen To Promote Hit NBC show America’s Got Talent
“OMEGA” OUT NOW ON FRONTIERS RECORDS
ASIA’s critically acclaimed rock track “An Extraordinary Life,” was chosen as the soundtrack for promotional spots announcing the 2010 season of AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. This show is among the most popular entertainment reality shows of all time. Last season the show peaked at the #1 position in overall viewership.
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT producers specifically sought out the rights to use the famed ASIA song, which was written by members John Wetton and Geoff Downes. The track was recorded shortly after Wetton survived open heart surgery, in 2007. The song celebrates “carpe diem”: each person’s ability to seize each day, living life to the fullest. The promotional spots for America’s Got Talent featuring “An Extraordinary Life,” begin airing on NBC in prime time, Wednesday, May 26th.
English band ASIA recently released OMEGA, their fifth album since 1982’s multi-platinum world best-selling debut, and the third release since reuniting in 2006. The band will launch a new North American tour in August, 2010. The already well-received album OMEGA is distributed by Frontiers Records (www.frontiers.it). EMI released ASIA’s best-selling album Phoenix [under license from Frontiers Record], containing the hit “An Extraordinary Life”. Both albums are available at www.amazon.com and other fine retailers.
The original members of ASIA are rock n’ roll superstars Geoff Downes (keyboards), Steve Howe (guitars), Carl Palmer (drums) and John Wetton (lead vocals and bass). More about the band can be found at www.originalasia.com
4 Asia – Omega (2010)
ASIA’s “OMEGA” – A REQUIRED ROCK MUSIC REALITY CHECK!
ASIA – releases their fourth studio album on May 4th, 2010, on Frontiers Records, that features the four original members of this vastly influential and Rock historical band. This new album is “Omega”. I could never put into words, just how talented and important to the history of Progressive Rock Music these four musicians are: Geoff Downes, (keyboards, backing vocals), John Wetton, (bass lead vocals), Steve Howe, (guitar, backing vocals) and Carl Palmer, (drums, percussion).
Granted, the Asia franchise has created music with other lineups while Geoff Downes has steered the Progressive ship, (twelve all-encompassing album releases, spanning three decades, since the iconic and self titled debut release of 1982). With that said, this “Omega” release is testament as to the unmatched Progressive Rock prowess that this original lineup possesses.
As I listen to “I Believe”, I actually do believe this Asia lineup has reached that milestone point in their music career, where they can create what I consider to be the most beautiful Progressive Rock Music one could listen to in 2010. “There Was A Time” progressively plays out at almost six minutes and it is rich with the glistening softness of Geoff Downes’s keys, that weaves its way through Steve Howe’s unearthly guitar, while Carl Palmer and John Wetton apply an almost magical rhythm section. I really do hear magic on “Omega”, excuse me if I feel this way.
If there ever was a progressive element in Rock Music that can be considered the super glue of its layered parts, it is the keyboards. Geoff Downes incredibly inspires the song “I’m Still The Same” with his majestic keyboard play, giving this song it’s progressive decor and mind flight sound and feel. “Don’t Wanna Lose You” is the Classic Rock journey back in time, only Asia musically adds the relevant Rock ambiance that reminds me it is still 2010.
The short and extremely creative guitar leads of Steve Howe resonate his fondness for that 1970’s tone, that so many guitar gods of his generation have captured with splendor. John Wetton may still play as astute as ever on bass, still it is his timeless vocals that are all the listening splendor on “Omega”.
Steve Howe may incorporate the tonal spirit of Classic Rock’s guitar elegance throughout “Omega”, just remember that this is a guitarist that has fortified his very own sound through the decades as well… and his trademark licks are peppered throughout this entire album. “Finger On The Trigger” can easily be pointed out as the Rock out moment on Omega, proving that this legendary lineup has a bounty of uplifting Rock ‘N’ Roll left inside of them… and I never doubted that for one Rockin’ second!
“Holy War” begins instantly on a spirited note, with Geoff Downes hitting the keys in epic fashion. As this song kicks into progressive gear, the realization that Asia is back once again making a song so structurally sound is a Rock Music reality check. The Progressive Rock elegance of “Holy War” has reminded me once again, that Asia has staked their claim as THE most talented supergroup I can ever describe to someone.
“Ever Yours” may just be the tear jerker of “Omega”. The lyrics of Asia’s songs are synonymous with its respective music’s energy it radiates. The musical highs will inevitably catch up to the musical lows, creating a dazzling union of parts and that is what separates Asia apart in the Rock Music world. The songs on “Omega” are musical moments that have personality, feelings and emotion. “Ever Yours” is as sentimental as it is inspirational, proving to me it’s importance to the overall assemblage of songs heard on “Omega”. An Asia ballad is a work of art, not a filler song for iphone lighters at a live concert.
Not to sound silly or corporate in any way, those who know me realize I am not either when it comes to music, especially Rock Music… yet after each listen to “Omega”, I want to stand and applaud this original Asia lineup. Certainly, many will pump their fists into the air and jump up and down with progressive glee, that Asia is not only back, they are back on top. I myself want to do the same fist pumping and jumping in joy, only the Rock historical reverence, that I uphold for these four musicians, has me restraining myself and saying… bravo.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing
1. Finger on the Trigger 
2. Through My Veins
3. Holy War
4. Ever Yours
5. Listen Children
6. End of the World
7. Light the Way
8. Emily
9. Still the Same
10. There was a Time
11. I Believe
12. Don’t Wanna Lose You Now
Asia is:
John Wetton – vocals, bass
Steve Howe – guitar
Geoff Downes – keyboards
Carl Palmer – drums
9 Out Of 10 Flying V Guitars!!
0 Get ASIA’s New Single “FINGER ON THE TRIGGER” For Free
AOL RADIO HAS THE EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD FROM UPCOMING RELEASE “OMEGA”
ASIA and AOL join forces to bring you an exclusive track off the bands new release OMEGA on Frontiers Records. FINGER ON THE TRIGGER is the first single and can be yours free at:
https://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/03/02/asia-finger-on-the-trigger-free-mp3-download/
ASIA, rock’s first important super-group of the 80s – featuring members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles – will release Omega, its highly anticipated new album of original material. The record is due in the spring of 2010 on Frontiers Records.
Geoffrey Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, the four original ASIA members, reunited in 2006, twenty-three years after all four had last played together. The much publicised reunion resulted in highly successful world tours, a double live LP and DVD (entitled Fantasia: Live In Tokyo) and an acclaimed studio album Phoenix in 2008 which debuted at number 73 in the Billboard charts in the USA and entered the top 100 in several European countries.
OMEGA will be released in the first pressing in digipak with one exclusive bonus track:
Finger on the Trigger; Through My Veins; Holy War; Ever Yours: Listen Children; End of the World; Light The Way; Emily (*); Still The Same; There Was a Time; I Believe; Don’t Wanna Lose You Now.
(*) Bonus track first pressing in digipak.
For All Things ASIA, please visit:
0 Frontiers Records to release the new ASIA album “OMEGA” RELEASES APRIL 23rd IN EUROPE & MAY 4TH IN USA
ASIA, rock’s first important super-group of the 80s – featuring members from Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles – will release Omega, its highly anticipated new album of original material. The record is due in the spring of 2010 on Frontiers Records.
Geoffrey Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, the four original Asia members, reunited in 2006, twenty-three years after all four had last played together. The much publicised reunion resulted in highly successful world tours, a double live LP and DVD (entitled Fantasia: Live In Tokyo) and an acclaimed studio album Phoenix in 2008 which debuted at number 73 in the Billboard charts in the USA and entered the top 100 in several European countries.
Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, Asia’s first release was the best selling album in the world in 1982 and sat at the number 1 spot in the USA for 9 weeks, powered by the classic rock anthem, “Heat Of The Moment,” and four other radio hits. Asia’s 1983 sophomore album, Alpha, also went multi-platinum and enjoyed several hit singles, including the #1 smash, “Don’t Cry”. During the recording of its third disc, the band splintered, and by the 1990s, only Geoff Downes remained from the original line-up.
The reunion came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, but morphed itself into an ongoing endeavour. In 2008, they returned with the first new studio album, Phoenix, which had been strongly influenced by the fusion of talents and heritages that the band excited the music world with back in 1982. Omega shows a new renaissance for this amazing group of musicians, which seem to live up to a joie-de-vivre that stands the test of time.
Begun during the summer 2009, the writing and recording sessions of Omega, immediately showed inspiration and good feelings. “We were looking to create something different with Omega,” says keyboardist Geoff Downes. “Of course, the sound of the 4 band members of Asia will always have a certain hallmark when we play together. That’s a given. But we approached the song writing with a mind to getting a degree of variety into these compositions. Hence, you will hear areas of textures where arguably we have never gone before.”
Adds lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist John Wetton: “Asia is an English prog-rock band with a pop edge, always has been, and hopefully always will be. Accessible, melodic, anthemic songs with great playing, luxuriating in a bed of lush orchestration, with lyrics that strike a sympathetic chord in even the most cynical heart. There you have it, Omega is a themed album in Asia’s fine tradition, without the millstone of a concept.”
Steve Howe adds that “the whole recording process has been inspiring and rewarding, and I’m very excited about the result”. “I would say these are all strong individual songs” says drummer Carl Palmer. “It was a very smooth experience, and arguably one of our best records.”
For the first time since the debut album, ASIA worked with an outside producer, Mike Paxman (Uriah Heep, Status Quo) who managed to create a truly special sounding album with the highs, lows and lots of dynamics. He helped the band to put together a tapestry of sound, which demonstrates the rich strata of Asia’s music. Paxman was able to achieve this through the songs which spun real stories of actual events and experiences in locations around the globe. “The songs always have a message, hopefully positive,” says Wetton. “My songs are almost always autobiographical, so there is hope and experience in there, too. The lyric will never leave you on a negative thought. “
As with the most popular of ASIA releases, the cover art specifically designed for the project by acclaimed artist Roger Dean. The concept of the title (Omega), and the ‘Year of the Tiger’ referencing of the cover art underline the fact that this is real Asia. John Wetton explains: “The title ‘Omega’, as any fan of the band will tell you, is ‘very Asia’ (as is the album, by the way). It no more means ‘final’ than ‘Alpha’ means ‘the first’ (which it wasn’t). It’s a great sounding/looking word, and a bookend to ‘Alpha’. In many ways, musically and conceptually, the two albums share commonality.”
“We are embarking on our European tour around the middle of April, then straight in to Japan for the middle of May” says Downes. “It’s going to be fun working out the new setlist because obviously we have another album under our belt now with Omega.”
After touring Europe and Japan, ASIA will embark on a US tour late in the summer of 2010.
Omega will be released in the first pressing in digipak with one exclusive bonus track:
Finger on the Trigger; Through My Veins; Holy War; Ever Yours: Listen Children; End of the World; Light The Way; Emily (*); Still The Same; There Was a Time; I Believe; Don’t Wanna Lose You Now.
(*) Bonus track first pressing in digipak.
ASIA EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
Apr. 21 – Helsinki, Finland – House of Culture
Apr. 22 – Moscow, Russia – B1 Club
Apr. 24 – Rome, Italy – Auditorium
Apr. 26 – Prague, Czech Republic – Lidovy dum Kbely
Apr. 27 – Winterthur, Switzerland – Salzhaus
Apr. 28 – Graz, Austria – Orpheum
Apr. 30 – Paris, France – Casino De Paris
May 1 – Uden, Netherlands – de Pul
May 2 – Asschaffenburg, Germany
May 3 – Nuremburg, Germany – Hirsch
May 4 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
May 6 – Reichenbach, Germany – Die Halle
May 7 – Bochum, Germany – Zeche Prinz-Regent-Strasse 50-60
May 8 – Osnabruck, Germany – Rosenhof Rosenplatz 23
May 9 – Bonn, Germany – Bruckenforum
For All Things ASIA, please visit:
6 2008 New Rock Releases and Reissues (Updated)
I started compiling the following list of New releases for 2008. This may not be a complete list, but so much great new music has arrived in 2008, so far, I though it would be a good idea to keep a running tab of what has come out, and what is on the way. The releases through August have been confirmed. Releases with a question mark have not been confirmed yet. This list will be updated as more news arrives.
Updated July 9, 2008
January
Drive By Truckers – Brigher Than Creation’s Dark
Airbourne – Running Wild (U.S. Release)
Bullet For My Valentine – Scream Aim Fire
Gamma Ray – Land of the Free, Part 2
Ayreon – 01011001
American Speedway – Ship of Fools
Lillian Axe – Love and War (Reissue)
Lillian Axe – S/T (Reissue)
Sleeze Beez – Screwed Blued & Tattooed (Reissue)
Sleeze Beez – Powertool (Reissue)
Stonerider – Three Legs of Trouble
Thieves & Liars – When Dreams Become Reality
Tiles – Fly Paper
Saint Daemon – In Shadows Lost From the Brave
Pagan’s Mind – God’s Equation
February
DVD – Iron Maiden – Live After Death
DVD – Scorpions – Live at Wacken Open Air 2006
DVD – Overkill – Live at Wacken Open Air 2007
DVD – Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous
Three – End is Begun
Pillar – For the Love of the Game
Avantasia – The Scarecrow
UFO – Phenomenon (Reissue)
UFO – No Heavy Pettin (Reissue)
UFO – Force It (Reissue)
Type O Negative – Dead Again (Red Version)
Hurricane – Over the Edge (Reissue)
Hurricane – Take What You Want (Reissue)
Hurricane – Slave To the Thrill (Reissue)
Hericane Alice – Tear the House Down (Reissue)
Baton Rouge – Shake Your Soul (Reissue)
Baton Rouge – Lights Out on The Playground (Reissue)
Wrathchild America – Climbing the Walls (Reissue)
Tangier – Four Winds (Reissue)
Tangier – Stranded (Reissue)
Danko Jones – Never Too Loud
King’s Call – No Alibi
March
Benedictum – Seasons of Tragedy
Inflikted – Cavalera Conspiracy
Saving Abel – S/T
Steve Stevens – Memory Crash
Firewind – The Premonition
DVD – Zebra
King Kobra – Ready to Strike (Reissue)
King Kobra – Thrill of a Lifetime (Reissue)
Icon – Right Between the Eyes (Reissue)
Black Tide – Light From Above
House of Lords – Come To My Kingdom
Warrior – Fighting For The Earth (Reissue)
Shannon – Angel in Disguise
Whitecross – 1987
Black Crowes – Warpaint
Diamond Head – Borrowed Time (Reissue)
Diamond Head – Canterbury (Reissue)
April
Fatal Smile – World Domination
Saints of the Underground – Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner
Theory of a Deadman – Scars & Souvenirs
Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad
Dominici – 03 A Trilogy Part 3
Asia – Phoenix
Testament – The Formation of Damnation
The Sword – Gods of The Earth
Dream Theater – Greatest Hit (And 21 other pretty cool songs)
P.O.D. – When Angels and Serpents Dance
Sevendust – Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow
In Flames – Sense of Purpose
Kamelot – Ghost Opera: The Second Coming
Ministry – Cover Up
DVD – Axel Rudi Pell – Live Over Europe
Keel – Lay Down the Law (Reissue)
White Lion – Return of the Pride
Circle II Circle – Delusions of Grandeur
Crimson Glory – S/T (Reissue)
Crimson Glory – Transcendence (Reissue)
Tantric – The End Begins
Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts I – IV
May
Iron Maiden – Somewhere Back In Time: The Best Of 1980-1989
MSG – In the Midst of Beauty
3 Doors Down – S/T
Bombay Black – Psycho Magnet
Def Leppard – Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
Kip Winger – From the Moon To the Sun
Eden – Oblivion
King’s X – XV
M.ILL.ION – Thrill Of The Chase
Dokken – Lightning Strikes Again
10 Years – Division
Jon Oliva’s Pain – Global Warning
Flotsam and Jetsam – Cuatro (Reissue)
Gun Barrel – Outlaw invasion
Brother Firetribe – Heart Full of Fire
Circle II Circle – Delusions of Grandeur
Southern Gentleman – Valley of Fire
10 Years – Division
Glenn Hughes – First Underground Nuclear Kitchen
Souls of We – Let The Truth Be Known (Featuring George Lynch and London LeGrand)
June
Disturbed – Indestructible
Bret Michaels – Rock My World
Man Raze – Surreal
Motley Crue – Saints of Los Angeles
Judas Priest – Nostradamus (2 CD Set)
JORN – Lonely Are the Brave
Flotsam & Jetsam – When The Storm Comes Down (Reissue)
Clusterhead – Times of No Trust
Shinedown – The Sound of Madness
Harem Scarem – Hope
Valient Thorr – Immortalizer
July
The Dogs Divine – Way of Life
Stephen Pearcy – Under My Skin
Tesla – Comin Atcha Live – DVD
Hydrogyn – Deadly Passions
Gypsy Rose – S/T (Featuring David Reece)
Harem Scarem – Hope
Ritchie Kotzen – Live in San Paolo
Silent Rage – Four Letter World
Night Ranger – Hole in the Sun
Jet Black Stare – In This Life
Jesse James Dupree and Dixie Inc – Rev It Up and Go Go
Alice Cooper – Along Came a Spider
Black Sabbath – The Rules of Hell CD Boxset
August
Black Stone Cherry – Folklore & Superstition
Slipknot – All Hope is Gone
Trapt – Only Through The Pain (Aug 5th)
The Showdown – Back Breaker
Dragonforce – Ultra Beatdown
Extreme – Saudades De Rock (Aug 15th)
Asphalt Valentine?
September
Tesla?
Papa Roach – Metamorphisis
Evergrey – Torn
Bullet – Bite the Bullet
Buckcherry – Black Butterfly
Metallica – Death Magnetic
Iced Earth – The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part II)
October
Anthrax?
November
Starbreaker – Love’s Dying Wish
December
AC/DC?
Aerosmith?
0 ASIA Charts in the U.S.
More chart entries for the brand new ASIA album “Phoenix”! In the week of release “Phoenix” was certified # 58 in the German official sales charts and # 75 in the official Swiss album charts. Moreover “Phoenix” was certified No. 77 in the Top 200 in the first week of release in the USA. This is Asia ‘s highest debut in the soundscan era and the first Frontiers Records production to chart overseas.
0 Asia Concert – Free Webcast!!
Tuesday, April 15 (8pm EDT): SyncLive.com and Amazon.com present a free live webcast event from ASIA’s concert at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. Fans can log on to www.synclive.com, www.amazon.com/earworm, www.frontiers.it or the band’s official website, www.originalasia.com to watch the live concert webcast and exclusive behind-the-scenes clips.
