Asia XXX 2012

Supergroup and veteran melodic rock band, Asia is now joins us for the 80s band resurrection wave. Asia released an emotional commemorate album titled XXX. XXX is an album to marked their debut album, thirty years ago. Beating all the odds, its hard to believe we still having the same music from Asia as it is from the 80s.

To get more background story, this is a production from the original Asia line up, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton. This is their third reunion album. There is another band with a gimmick Asia Featuring John Payne with Guthrie Govan and then Bruce Bouillet as guitarist on board. Asia is one of the band that crossing road with so many musicians and guitarist, understandably that will need two bands to continue their legacy.

The album itself contents many original tunes from expected Asia. Tomorrow The World is enjoyable opening immediately raise the nostalgic Asia memories in its melancholy minor song. Bury Me in Willow demonstrated rock tune with very less distortion guitar, only galloping bass and drumming. No Religion is the classic V#-VI#-I riff. Then Faithful is best in progressive and groove, captured many memories 80s sounds. Face in the Bridge try to be that radio friendly AOR song. The catchy last tune is Judas followed by Reno (Silver and Gold).

Songs put in this album is very consistent in unity of sounds and styles. Singer John Wetton carried each songs in his most comfortable range of voice. Rarely went into too high pitches as in 80s sopranic voice, but stay strong mostly in middle and bass range. Guitarist Howe and keyboardist Downess play in parallel and performed dueling solos most of time without overdone the job. The bass and drums creatively create intrigue grooves and bass line. This is a very enjoyable rock with light progressive and melodious song line. Come get this album for all melodic rock fans.

Metalharem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

Asia XXX - 2012

buy it here

1. Tomorrow The World (6:47)
2. Bury Me In Willow (6:01)
3. No Religion (6:36)
4. Faithful (5:37)
5. I Know How You Feel (4:53)
6. Face On The Bridge (5:59)
7. Al Gatto Nero (4:36)
8. Judas (4:43)
9. Ghost Of A Chance (4:21)

Total Time 49:23

- John Wetton / vocals and bass
- Geoff Downes / keyboards
- Steve Howe / guitars
- Carl Palmer / drums

Release date: June 29th in Europe and July 3rd in North America
Label: Frontiers Records

The special edition have 2 bonus tracks:
- Reno (Silver And Gold)
- I Know How You Feel (Midnight Mix)

Asia's Cover Art that celebrate the debut album and year of dragon