Geoff Downes revives Asia with new lineup; new studio album in November

Co-founding Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes has re-institured the classic rock band with a new lineup. The new studio album, 'Indigo,' will be released on November 6 through Frontiers Music Srl. The first single and official video is “The Traveller (Into The Light)," available now.

Geoff Downes commented:

“The first track off the album is a high-power energy piece, with a few elements of prog trickery but retaining the accessible chorus block, which was always a signature of ASIA’s music from the very beginning. Harry and I started working on this as one of the early ideas that seemed to come together very organically. Virgil’s dynamic and innovative drum parts drive the piece along, while John’s soaring guitars keep the momentum. Harry’s vocals are commanding, and my keyboard parts hold the wall of sound together. It’s a song of great optimism, mainly about looking forward to the future and travelling ‘into the light’. Play it loud!”

Watch the New Official Video for "The Traveller (Into The Light)" HERE

Asia now features Downes alongside Virgil Donati, John Mitchell, and Harry Whitley.

The latest single, “Echo Of You,” is out now along with an official video. 

Geoff Downes commented: 

“This song was part of the main writing sessions between Harry and I. It took on a whole different angle in the latter stages of development with more of a focus on electronica and a spacey production. It’s a happy uplifting tune, despite the nostalgic overtones of the lyrics, a love song with a twist. It all ends in a chaotic mix of counter themes, chord changes and features a good old-fashioned fadeout as a nod to nostalgia and I believe is a very fitting conclusion to the album – Indigo, hopefully leaving the listener on a high.”

Watch the official video for “Echo Of You” HERE

Downes described the genesis of the album:

“The initial writing period began in 2015, following the release of our previous album 'Gravitas' in 2014. John Wetton and I started putting our ideas together, aiming to get into the studio once more. It was with great sadness that John became seriously ill. During this time, we had put on hold our plans, and sadly, John passed away before we could continue and complete it. So, it was always in my mind that at some point it would be a shame not to finish off some of these songs and finally release them as part of an ASIA album.

“In 2023, when the tribute concert for John took place, I was so encouraged by the response to ASIA’s music that I viewed this as the perfect opportunity to re-establish not only the band, but also to reunite with our long-time supportive label, Frontiers, paving the way for us to get back in the studio”, he continued.

Downes also added:

“So, ASIA was back in the room, so to speak, and we were very fortunate to have recruited Virgil Donati and John Mitchell, both of whom had worked extensively with John before, as well as our new vocalist and bassist, Harry Whitley. The tours followed to great success throughout 2024 and 2025, and finally, we sat down towards the end of last year to record the album. Working with these fine musicians was a great privilege and the music just seemed to flow.”

“The album was really a joy to make. I forged a close writing relationship with Harry, and I felt how great it was to be working with someone who had very similar musical influences and taste once again, just as I did with John. I feel that this is one of our best albums to date. The songs are deep in musicality, with a powerful and original performance, dynamics and strong lyrical undertones – it’s an album that hopefully our fans will widely appreciate and support our cause to put ASIA back on the map. Enjoy the ride!” he concluded.

Recorded throughout 2025, the album was produced by Downes and the band, with mixing and mastering handled by John Mitchell.

'Indigo' includes some of the final compositions written by the late John Wetton: “Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3)” and “Chesapeake Bay.”

The album also features guest appearances by original Asia co-founder Steve Howe, who contributes acoustic guitar to “Chesapeake Bay,” while Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) is on the bonus track “Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)."

Pre-Order 'Indigo'HERE

Track List:

The Traveller (Into The Light)
Change Of Heart
Arcadia
Is This The Life?
Tattoo Indigo (Part 1)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 2)
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3)
Life In The Sun
Hymn For The Fallen
Night And Day
Valencia (The Ghost Ship)
An Elegy
Chesapeake Bay (Featuring Steve Howe)
On A Winters Night
Echo Of You
Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) (featuring Mike Portnoy) (Bonus Track)