ALBUM REVIEW: ASIA - OMEGA

Following on from 2008's celebrated comeback 'reunion' album 'Phoenix', legendary British Progressive Rock supergroup Asia have again served up another stunning collection of concise mature rock classics. From the rocky, strident opening entrées of 'Finger On The Trigger', 'Through My Veins' and 'Holy War', to the clever wistful John Wetton inspired Beatle-esque balladry of 'End Of The World' and 'Don't Wanna Lose You Now', 'Omega' is crammed with exquisitely performed, accessible, melodic, anthemic songs luxuriating in a bed of lush orchestration, with lyrics that strike a sympathetic chord in even the most cynical of hearts. Again spawning trademark cover art specifically designed by acclaimed artist Roger Dean 'Omega' marks a new renaissance and joie-de-vivre for the veteran Asia - in the year of the tiger too!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: ASIA - PHOENIX

When the four original members of rock supergroup Asia (Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton) reunited in 2006 (23 years after all four had last played together) the much publicised reunion resulted in two highly successful world tours in 2006 and 2007, an acclaimed double live LP and DVD, and an overwhelming response from fans. ‘Phoenix’, their eagerly anticipated first studio album since 1983 contains an eclectic selection of songs bound by the unique ‘original’ Asia trademark sound. Influenced by the same fusion of talent which so excited the world in 1982 the new record includes retro rockers such as ‘Never Again’ and ‘Nothing’s Forever’, poetic power ballads ‘Heroine’ and ‘I Will Remember You’ and the Wetton ‘inspired’ ‘An Extraordinary Life’. This is Asia.. reborn again from the ashes!

Mark Crampton

ROCK iKON Magazine