The band ASIA has new album on tap

ASIA, the veteran British band, moves into the next phase of its career with Gravitas, a new album that explores different musical landscapes while embracing its familiar musical past. 

Produced and written by founding band members John Wetton and Geoff Downes, Gravitas introduces new guitarist, Sam Coulson, who came at the recommendation of Mr Big’s Paul Gilbert.

It is scheduled for release on Frontiers Records on March 5 (Japan); March 21 (Europe); and March 25 (North America).

The album will be available in two configurations: a standard CD and a Deluxe Edition, that will include two bonus tracks and a DVD containing the “Valkyrie” music video, a promotional film, and footage of classic live ASIA tracks such as “Heat of the Moment,” recorded with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra in Bulgaria.

Title track, "Gravitas" chronicles a man's struggle in the battlefield of life, while "The Closer I Get To You" is a tale of unrequited love. 

“Pure, unadulterated and stereotypical ASIA, with raw energy, enthusiasm and free from impurities,” describes John Wetton. “It conveys the spectrum of emotion and colour from real life agonies to ecstatic fantasy of escapism. Great songs, fabulous performance. 'Gravitas' is ASIA by ASIA. At last.”

"With the addition of Sam, it allowed us to take the band in a slightly different, and perhaps tougher, direction,” says Carl Palmer. “As a band we have been able to grow, while at the same time, remain true to the classic ASIA sound that our fans know and love."

Asia’s debut album arrived in 1982, and was among the best selling albums in the world of that year. Featuring Geoff Downes on keyboards; Steve Howe on guitar; Carl Palmer on drums; and John Wetton on lead vocal and bass; Asia was the logical successor to their collective bands of the 70s - Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK, and The Buggles. The original ASIA reformed in 2006 for the first time in 23 years.

“It always was a great live band, but this time the dragon has awakened with fresh energy, direction and purpose,” says Wetton. "As with any new Asia album, putting it all together presents something of a challenge,” says Geoff Downes. “ Everyone involved rose way above and beyond this challenge. There is a renewed energy when we step on stage now; we can feel it and I know the fans can feel it.”
 
For ASIA's long-devoted fans, the band’s return to the concert stage can not come soon enough. As Palmer says: "Performing on stage is where this band truly comes into its element. Seeing the fans reacting to our music is what makes it all worthwhile. It is the fuel that drives this train we call ASIA."

Track listing:
 
Valkyrie
Gravitas
The Closer I Get To You
Nyctophobia
Russian Dolls
Heaven Help Me Now
I Would Die For You: Joe Di Maggio’s Glove
Till We Meet Again
The Closer I Get To You (Acoustic)*
Joe Di Maggio’s Glove (Acoustic)*
 
DVD (*)
Valkyrie (videoclip)
“EPK” 
“Heat of the Moment” (Live in Plovdiv with Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra)
*Available only on the Deluxe Edition