BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE

"Between Flesh And Divine" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Turkish/French progressive rock act Asia Minor. The album was released through W.A.M. (the band's own label) in 1980, but it has since seen a couple of reissues, among others through Musea Records. Asia Minor was a relatively short lived act who only released two full- length studio albums before calling it quits (this album and "Crossing The Line" from 1979).

Stylistically the music on "Between Flesh And Divine" is predominantly instrumental progressive rock with the occasional vocal part. They often sound very similar to early- to mid 70s Camel. Sedated dreamy vocals, light fusion oriented drumming, flute, guitars, bass, and keyboards. Asia Minor are generally very well playing, and it's one of their greatest strengths when their music occasionally enters a territory tread by others before them. In other words they are not the most original sounding act out there, but they compensate well by delivering their music with great skill and passion. The material is well composed too, and Asia Minor are clearly very skilled musicians and composers.

"Between Flesh And Divine" features a very well sounding production, which reeks organic warmth. Asia Minor definitely still lived in the 70s on this release without a thought or a care of the digital sounds of the 80s.

Upon conclusion "Between Flesh And Divine" is on most parameters a high quality progressive rock release featuring high level musicianship, a great organic sounding production, and well composed material. Asia Minor's downfall was most likely releasing progressive rock albums in the late 70s/early 80s, and the fact that they don't sound particularly original. The latter affects my rating slightly, but especially fans of Camel's early- to mid 70s releases are recommended to give "Between Flesh And Divine" a listen. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.