ASIA

It was time of 1981 that this band appeared in the market of music attended with the pronoun of a super-group. And, the set by an already active four people might have been expected as a band that had to call a super-group indeed as a situation at that time. And, there might have been a part where the music journalist in all parts of the world had been doing attention and the expectation for the music character of Asia, too.

The expectation and the expectation where the appearance of this band was held in the music character of the set by an active musician in various bands might have been various. Past following and development of Improvisation. Or, the expectation called it might be a band seen in the masterpiece principle was expressed a little in another form by contraries. It was a music character with the quality in which a flavor that was unlimited and near POP and the element of dramatic were contained. And, the plan by the music of about four-five minutes was expressed as one of the charms of this band.

Their debut albums are put on the market in 1982 and have succeeded all over the world in making respect of marvelous sales contribute. The tune that the single is cut is made to contribute to the market deeply at the same time, too. It is likely to have made the listener announce "Alpha" in 1983 and offer one shape at the same time as an expression of their eminence and the music character.

The band that announces the second album in 1983 accomplishes the event from which "Asia In Asia" is called in December of the same year. This pattern was a content that MTV makes them deliver the concert in all parts of the world by the space relay. The concert that had been held in Japan commemorating the name of Asia was a large-scale content to which the satellite was relaid aiming at the world. However, the situation in the band changes gradually at this time.

Part of secession from temporary band by John Wetton. The band tries to get over the activity at this time as a substitute by participation by Greg Lake though it was in the situation of the predicament. However, Greg Lake secedes the band at once after the concert held in Japan. Perhaps, it is told that there was details set up in the substitute in consideration of the character of the voice of John Wetton and Greg Lake. However, it is said that it was necessary to change the progress of Chord according to the tune. And, the problem by the memory of lyrics might not have been an advantageous a situation at all for Greg Lake.

John Wetton joins the band again in February, 1984, goodness or more leaves, and Steve Howe has left the band immediately after this. Work to look for the guitar player for the band by using the period more than about half a year from this time continues. It succeeds though the rumor of the dissolution of the band went around, too in the embrace of a new guitar player in the band by John Kalodoner to which it takes charge of the director with Geffen as a result. The person was Mandy Meyer.

When April, 1985 was thick as the rumor of the announcement at first, the work of men who had started recording in November, 1984 for the production of the album was whispered. However, the pursuit of an elaborate rehearsal and an advanced music character has spent the period more than half a year by the time it reaches the master tape of the album at last. The performance part of the guitar concerning the recording of this album spends time on the completion of this album by saying that the sound source recorded adding about three guitar players besides Steve Howe and Mandy Meyer exists according to a certain theory.

The part thought about as some respects when thinking about this album might be in the point that the guitar player has alternated from Steve Howe to Mandy Meyer. The sound of the band might have given the listener a fresh impression and a powerful impression by this alternation. A technical part of Steve Howe accompanied individuality. It might be a well- known fact among listeners. However, the performance of Mandy Meyer might be excellent to put out the flavor by making good use of various tones.

Next, there might be respect where the directionality of the band and the union of the sounds were established to some degree by this album, too. The album might be ruled in this album attended with shape being refined for a sense of pop arranged in the whole volume and a dramatic part. It is said that John Wetton that has temporarily left the band writes and there were 20 accumulated tunes or more. In addition, after it joins the band again, ten tunes or more are being offered to the band. John Wetton and Geoff Downs extract the tune that narrows the tune from among this material and collects to the album finally. One mental part might be reflected in the album as for the part where Interior Minister respect of the part and man who appointed the war at the Kon futurity included in lyrics of the tune to the theme is drawn. By the way, "Astra" of the album name agrees with the shade of meaning of space. At first, the name where this album name was called "Arcadia" was given. However, it is said that it changed in haste because Duran Duran used the same name as another project.

As for "Go", a powerful rhythm and a grand melody rule the whole. The sound of the guitar is also variegated. Part of symphonic that flows to the whole. As for an expression of feelings melody, the music character of the band is expressed enough. It might be a tune a variegated sound of the keyboard and to emphasize the music character of Asia exactly.

"Voice Of America" gives the impression to which the sound of the keyboard that flows gently is refined. The sensibility of a powerful ballade that overflows overall is expressed well as a flavor of this band. The melody that rises gradually as a refined chorus and a progressing composition is a feature.

"Hard On Me" might be Rock where a grand melody of the band was expressed enough. The sound and the sequence of the keyboard give the part of symphonic. Twining of the sound of the guitar and a variegated sound also give the band a new impression. The tune has a grand melody as much as possible. The band including the parts of a few POP is performing well.

"Wishing" reflects making the sound in which the age is exactly reflected in the tune. The progress of expression of feelings in close relation to a steady rhythm and complete Chord might indeed have the flavor as Asia. A bright melody and the composition might give a good sense of security for the listener. And, the keyboard and the chorus are having the impression of the tune decided.

"Rock And Roll Dream" might have the part of the ballade with a little heavy atmosphere. Progress of expression of feelings melody. Or, the atmosphere of the tune is decided in union the band. Sound of guitar to give expression to one's feelings. Or, it is continuous of a variegated sound of the piano and the keyboard to introduce into the tune. And, majors Chord twine and an intensely advanced composition shows off proof of which the tune is not simply composed. The orchestra has been effectively introduced in this album. Passage where they exactly also gave the arrangement to the respect will be able to be discovered.

The feature in "Countdown To Zero" is to introduce a sound Kon futuristic. A variegated sound in which it listens to different one after another for the impression of the tune respect as a result might be proof into which they develop further. It listens to respect of dramatic of the tune from solo of the guitar and the introduction of the narration.

The part of the piano and the song with expression of feelings pulls the tune from Intro of the fanfare to "Love Now Till Eternity". The introduction of a grand melody and Syncopation might be the compositions of the tune in which they are skillful. Part of processing of beautiful piano melody and chorus. The processing of the part where the atmosphere of a little parade is recollected and the refined sound is expressed well.

As for "Too Late", the charm that the band has is expressed. Part of minor Chord and majors Chord using properly. Sound of keyboard that gives parts of a few Pop. The construction of the part of the sound of Rock of the guitar to it and the melody has a good flow. The tune gives the listener the impression of Pop/Rock refined as much as possible.

"Suspicion" is a tune with a beautiful melody. Part of song to express melody that gives sound of strings and feelings. Or, the union of the rhythm and the guitar is expressed well. There might be an impression that the atmosphere of the ballade and Rock exists together. The keyboard has succeeded in changing the impression especially by the tune and the expression.

"After The War" is Rock with the flavor of a very progressive part and good symphonic in the content of this album. Aggressive..rhythm..expression of feelings..melody..progress.Or, it is partial where a variegated sound and the rhythm are developed. The music character that the band had might be exactly consolidated in this tune to some degree. The composition is very moving.

This album might play the role of the compilation at this time as their music characters in the studio album that they left in the 80's.

First of all I want to state that the only reason why I don´t give this album a 5 star rating is the fact that there is little prog on it. If PA was a hard rock or AOR site this would be halied as a classic, no doubt. Not that I approached this CD with reverence. Not at all. in fact I had much prejudice for it. To me, Asia was Steve Howe, John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Geoff Downes. The simple thought of an album carrying Asia´s name with only Downes as a original member sounded too much a sell out for my taste. That´s why it took it so long for me to even listen to it. Now I have to eat humble pie, as they say.

I was impressed from the moment I first heard the CD. And the more I listened the more I got the feeling that it was not only excellent, but also it could be par to any of the band´s best, except maybe the first (well, that one has a little more prog in it, hasn´t it?). I also found Bill Payne´s voice very similar to Wetton´s. The guy is a fine singer. But nothing would work so well if it was not for the fine songs included on this album. This is probably Asia´s best compositions since their debut: inspired, strong, darker than usual, very convincing. Also there is a kind of ´back to the basics` feeling on it: that might explains why Downes plays a lot more Hammond organ here than he was doing up to then. The guitar parts are also very well done and very 70´s sounding.

Production is also top notch. The arrangements are very well done, of course. There is not a single filler in the whole album, and the traklist is very balanced. There are even some novelties like the gregorian chants used on Darkness Day. It´s hard to point a highlight since there are too many good songs on it. Every time I hear it it I don´t skip one track.

Silent Nation stands as darker and edgier album than one would expect from a band like Asia. But it is also very melodic and tasteful. If you like good pop rock with prog influences, or is just an AOR fan, you should not miss this one. I heard this CD is the best from the Bill Payne era and I believe it, even thouhg I haven´t heard the others. And it is one of Asia´s best, with or without the classic line up we all love. As I said before, I can not give it the 5 star rating I was thinking of here on PA. For this site a 3,5 star is quite fitting though. A (very) nice surprise.

I find "Aura" to be a pleasing if not particularly "progressive" rock album. The thing I appreciate most about it is John Payne's voice. When "Aqua" debuted I found his singing over the top, representative of the heavy metal milieu. By the time of "Aura" Mr. Payne had learned restraint and many of the songs feature beautiful vocals and superb vocal harmonies. I thoroughly enjoy his singing on this album.

All the players are top notch and the guitar work varies between understated and pyrotechnical which suits the mood of the various sections of the songs. Steve Howe appears on some songs but is for the most part drowned out by the flashy pyrotechnics of the other guitarists (not that Mr. Howe can't play with fire; he just seems more restrained here when he does show up).

Geoff's keyboard orchestrations are lush and varied and intelligently conceived. The chord progressions are rather standard for the most part, however. Some jazz-tinged harmonic bits here and there do liven things up, but some songs are only a few chords that repeat for long stretches ("You're The Stranger" for example). But somehow the groove, playing and singing make them work.

"Free" is the "big epic" although again it is fairly simple in its harmonic and rhythmic approaches. Still powerfully performed, however.

My favorite track is one of the "bonus" tunes: "Come Make My Day" which has a very nice instrumental middle section that modulates a bit and takes you on a brief journey before bringing you back to the rather conventional chorus.

If you're in the mood for conservatively composed, expertly performed symphonic rock, "Aura" should fit the bill.

It drives me insane that Carl Palmer is given so little to do on this release. I've been a fan of Asia for a while, and while I realize that it certainly isn't their job to make grand, genre- spanning prog, this album plods along in a very stadium-rok vein. The persistent 4/4 time and the horrible re-hash lyrics (yes, I imagine the wind does cut like a knife. And yes, I'm sure that the stars in the sky do look like diamonds) make this an album I can enjoy and complain about simultaneously. Some great music - very few people can craft hooks as effectively as Asia - with a sad lack of virutosity.

Oh sorry, guys!! But once again (after "Phoenix")- also regarding of their worst album-cover ever (Roger Dean, where have you been recently?), They perform some normal and quite poppy songs here (whose length is about 5 minutes and each one having got the same mood tune by tune, as long as it's not concluded...), which is not so good after all!! I understand their business strategy, I know it's necessary for them to survive in the modern music market of nowadays, but the other songs (perhaps with the exception of "Holy War"), are useful within a John Wetton solo album (with all my respect for an album like "Arkangel" or "Battle lines", just to mention a couple among the other solo works), but it doesn't reflect the job of a superband...each member with his own important talent should be worth in producing something different (do you remember their remarkable return on stage? Well probably it's the unique album regarding their new era- entitled "Fantasia"- which is well worth checking out...) .

C. Palmer and Steve Howe instead would have been more involved in the instrumental passages, if the songs were more technical and a little bit "symphonic"; but of course, talking about the present work (even though "Omega" should be the antipode of "Alpha" and- unlike this latter anyway inferior than their debut album- it's often easy), it doesn't implicate automatically that it can't contain a few features of prog music inside!! Nevertheless I recognize their new attempt: that is They try to avoid some stupid compromises, like within a few commercial hit ballads in general, and moreover (even though G. Downes is fond of the analogical and old synthesizers, producing an old and "dated" sound) this latter keyboard- player is always able to play according to his own melodic liking...which is perfectly "coupled" with the mood of the leader J. Wetton, who unfortunately has almost ignored the skill regarding the other two veterans (once upon a time one of the best drummers within the prog scene along with one of the most talented guitarists, sharing the same scene for many years). If you are completely into the prog world you'll give this "Omega" one star in the evalution; otherwise, judged as a poppy album, the present work is quite good...I'm happy to see them live on stage anyway, but please don't let me judge their studio albums anymore!!

Parp, Parp...Here we go again, the latest release from the band for whom the word Spergroup was, or should have been, written. Wetton, Downes, Howe, and Palmer return for this, their fourth studio album as a four piece, and the follow up to Phoenix, an album I enjoyed very much.

Anyone expecting an album of Yes, King Crimson, or ELP will, of course, be bitterly disappointed. This album is very much along the lines of the pop-prog this band perfected with their first release, so will probably not appeal to absolute purists. Of course, for those of you, like me, who are somewhat more open minded, this is once again a hugely enjoyable collection of tracks, with stunning musicianship, especially from Steve Howe, who is becoming like a fine wine, becoming more proficient and excellent as the years roll by. His guitar work, so sadly neglected on the second release Alpha, is once again very much to the fore, and he is, of course, joined by three of the other finest musicians in music.

I cannot say that any track really stands out on this LP. All tracks are played to a very high standard, roll along to a fine intensity, and feel just as good as that stunning debut all those years ago. I will, though, make special mention of Holy War, which has a strong resemblance to Wildest Dreams from the debut, and End of the World, probably the track that would appeal most to purists, this features some some exceptional musicianship.

My least favourite track, and one I feel is awful, is Emily, which somehow reminds me of a Eurovision Song Contest entry (for those of you unfamiliar with this cultural "landmark", go to YouTube or, for the sake of your sanity, probably best you don't want to know!).

This is a difficult album to rate. The band play so well, and this is most clearly a great continuation of a strong reunion, one in which I am very grateful that new material is being produced, rather than simply playing on old glories.

It's not essential, it's better than good, so I suppose a four star rating in between is about right.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, because I think they are worth it.

We're still the same!

Omega is the second studio album from Asia since the reunion of the original line-up a few years ago (and the fourth one overall from this very line-up consisting of John Wetton, Geoff Downs, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe). While it is great to see that these four Rock giants have rekindled the flame and once again record together, the result is not particularly impressive in this case. This is especially so for those of us who know what these great men were capable of in bands like Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK, etc. Even compared to previous Asia albums, both by this line-up and otherwise, Omega falls far short of expectations. Phoenix (the first album by the reunited Asia from 2008), on the other hand, did live up to expectations very well and it was up to par with the first two Asia albums from the early 80's. But Omega is a rather disappointing release, in my opinion.

Since I don't have the physical CD I do not know who wrote the material, but these songs sound very much like Wetton/Downs compositions and Omega is actually very close in sound to the albums that Wetton and Downs released under the name Icon. Indeed, one of the songs here, Finger On The Trigger, was previously released on the second Icon album subtitled Rubicon. While this Icon album was pretty good and clearly better than Omega, Finger On The Trigger was one of its least good songs. And it is no better here! On the other hand, it fits in quite well with other disreputable Asia hits such as Heat Of The Moment, Don't Cry and Voice Of America (some of their worst songs if you ask me). I think it is a bit unimaginative to feature an already released song on a supposedly new studio album, but I suppose that the Icon albums did not reach many ears.

With Wetton and Downs dominating the proceedings of Omega, Howe and Palmer seem to take the back-seat for this one; vocals and keyboards are omnipresent while guitars are rather scarce. Bass and drums are utilized just as a rhythm section and play no leading roles. You almost get the feeling that the songs were prepared by Wetton and Downs in advance and that Howe and Palmer just came in to play on them. This might or might not be the case, but it sure sounds like it! Phoenix sounded more like a group effort and was all the better for it.

While listening to this album, I tend to tire of it half way through. The songs are almost all similar in sound, tempo and length. Holy War is the first good song and is very much in the style of the better songs from the above mentioned Icon album. If you are interested in what these four great men have been up to lately, don't start with Omega. Phoenix is a better place to start if you want new Asia-material sounding just like the old, but the very best release of their's is the live DVD and album Fantasia - Live In Tokyo which features improved versions of all the songs from the self-titled debut plus songs by Yes, King Crimson, ELP and even The Buggles!

Hearing Omega makes me hope for a return of the John Payne-era! Albums like Aqua, Aria, Arena and Silent Nation are much more interesting than this mostly boring effort.

Only for fans and collectors this one

Wow! This is a very different album indeed. But it's wonderful. I can see the band trying to experiment with different sounds on Omega. It really is a delight to listen to. The signature sound is mixed amidst a number of different elements. I can hear fragments of the Beatles, ELO, The Beach Boys, and Pink Floyd. There Was A Time is the most unique song that this band has ever done. The Celtic quality and Floyd overtones make it a real treat! Dare I say that Omega is "a Progression"? Phoenix was much more of the Traditional Asia sound with a more mature atmosphere. Omega is a very fresh approach for these 4 masters. It really is a blessing hearing this type of sonic mastery. Is there anything that this band cannot do musically? The playing is very tight and well thought out. John sounds better than ever. Steve soars on every track. Geoff weaves his cloak of sound. Carl plays with an immediacy like he is 30 years younger. I certainly hope that the quote by T.S. Eliot is not taken in its literal sense. There is no need for these 4 men to stop anytime soon. Asia is indeed a force to be reckoned with today...as much as they were back in 1982. And that my good people...is an undeniable fact! Don't miss Omega, and see this band live! You will really appreciate them when you see them play!

My review is based on the copy of the album that has been available for steaming through Spotify since its release on April 23rd. After listening to the album over the course of the last 48 hours I feel that the material has settled in enough for me to comment on it.

It hasn't been too long since the original Asia lineup announced their reunion which they then followed up by a studio release titled Phoenix. To me that was originally bad news since it meant that John Payne's Asia had to cancel their scheduled performance at Sweden Rock Festival 2006. But all was definitely forgiven once I heard Phoenix and realized that it sounded like a worthy successor to their '80s albums. To me that also was the pinnacle of Asia's career marking their best album to date. Two years later we get another album from the reunion lineup titled Omega which is a very Asia-sounding kind of album title. In a way, it can been considered a play of words considering that their second '80s album was called Alpha. John Wetton acknowledged this by saying that it no more means "final" than Alpha meant "the first" album, since it wasn't.

No matter how I try to approach this new material I always end up comparing it to Phoenix which is quite natural considering that both of these albums were released recently and feature the same four-piece lineup. Starting with the album opener Finger On The Trigger that kicks off the album with a strong stadium rock vibe. It might not be as memorable of an opener compared to Never Again or Heat Of The Moment but it does manage to break the ice with the listener transporting them to this specific Asia set of mind that we've learned to like so much.

Ever Yours is an almost shameless rehash of the previous album's track Heroine where Wetton even has almost identical vocal style towards the song's chorus section. This might have been expected since Arena Rock is generally very limited style and since Asia doesn't offer us a single longer instrumental performance, like Sleeping Giant - No Way Back - Reprise or Parallel Worlds - Vortex - Deya that threw a bone to the progressive rock fans, there are only so many types of songs that can be offered here. The final track titled Don't Wanna Lose You Now is another great power ballad that, just like An Extraordinary Life off Phoenix, ends the album on another high note.

I was surprised that Steve Howe didn't get any acoustic solo spots like the ones he had on Phoenix. Also, there aren't any distinct Howe compositions like Wish I'd Known All Along or Over And Over which could imply that his commitment to the band has diminished. Could this mean that Asia's history is about to repeat itself once again? All speculations aside, Omega is still much stronger of an album than Alpha.

Unlike Phoenix that felt like an excellent Asia album from the start, Omega took a few spins to grow on me. It wasn't until my third revisit that the album transitioned from a fans only release to a good, but non-essential one for me. Although I personally rank Phoenix and the band-titled debut album over this new release the fans should not be disappointed by the material offered here.

**** star songs: Finger On The Trigger (4:30) Holy War (5:59) Ever Yours (4:05) End Of The World (5:39) Emily (5:13) I'm Still The Same (4:44) I Believe (4:43) Don't Wanna Lose You Now (4:36)

*** star songs: Through My Veins (5:09) Listen Children (5:57) Light The Way (5:00) There Was A Time (5:57)

Back in the 80's, during the days when Prog was "dead" to many, this group seemed to me to bring a new breath of air into my music world. I listened to this countless times, saw them in concert, and even met 3 of them Downes, Palmer, and Howe. Back then I would have rated this at least a 4 1/2 stars. Think of it- guys who played with King Crimson, Uriah Heep, ELP, Yes, etc...how could it possibly be bad. Well it be. This was a product of it's times and also mine. But times have changed. My taste have become more "sophisticated", I suppose, and this album has lost it's luster and now seems very dated and "of it's time". Most of the album that I long ago considered Prog, now seems just arena-rock with bombast and cheesy lyrics. The musicians are great, the singing is typical Wetton, great but, alas, I can only give this effort 2 stars.