Product Description
32 years after their wildly popular self-titled debut album's release, the legendary British rock band, ASIA returns with a brand new studio album entitled Gravitas. This album Introduces new guitarist Sam Coulson who was recommended to the band by none other than Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big. The new album is being hailed as their best album since its classic early '80s releases.

The collector's edition CD/DVD features two bonus tracks and a DVD with a videoclip for first single Valkyrie, behind the scenes footage and three Asia classics recorded live with a full symphonic orchestra in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

1. Valkyrie
2. Gravitas
3. The Closer I Get To You
4. Nyctophobia
5. Russian Dolls
6. Heaven Help Me Now
7. I Would Die For You
8. Joe Di Maggio's Glove
9. Till We Meet Again

Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
10. The Closer I Get To You (Acoustic)
11. Joe Di Maggio's Glove (Acoustic)

CD Standard Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZOBD3M/?tag=imwan-20

CD/DVD Deluxe Edition
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZOBBM0/?tag=imwan-20

From hennemusic.com:

1 day after announcing the departure of founding member Steve Howe, acclaimed rock supergroup Asia have announced his replacement.
The band have tapped newcomer Sam Coulson to take on guitar duties and he will be making his live debut with the band at Sweden Rock 2013.

The group, still featuring founding members John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer, also announced plans to recording their new album, 'Valkyrie', which they will release via Frontiers Records.

Wetton had this to say about the lineup change and new album plans, "ASIA is ready to take its next steps along this remarkable road. We cannot wait to perform again for the fans and also to unveil some of the new material, of which we are very proud".

Geoff Downes adds, "We look forward to writing another chapter in Asia's history".

Carl Palmer concludes, "We're all looking forward to the next decade of great ASIA music".

Wow; that is so fast my head is spinning. Like that title, though; and will of course look forward to its release.

The timing is interesting... kinda makes one wonder if Howe truly departed on his own or if he was being nudged out the door.

I wonder if this will affect Downes' time in Yes. I suspect Yes' plans to tour and record during 2013 and Asia's apparrent desire to do the same were in conflict.

I sure hope Downes stays with Yes and Trevor Horn is heavily involved as he was with the last album. Fly From Here was tremendous and exceeded all expectations.

Wetton is freakin amazing. Ever since he had his bypass (God Bless him) he is working feverously. Glad to see Carl Palmer has also recovered from being very ill. Go for it boys, I'll get whatever you release.

Rick A.

Wetton really sounds great still. One of my fave vocalists ever. I'm really curious about the new guitarist and it seems they had new material in mind already! XXX was very good although a bit too mellow.

OK:
I checked out who Sam Coulson is and my jaw hit the ground from the second I heard him play and watching his picking technique. This isn't even fair!

He also looks very young-also unfair! Holy crap. Even if you don't like Asia I'd suggest seeing them live on the next tour just to see this cat play. Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! Am I excited to hear him on the new album and playing the old stuff.



And his right-hand technique up close:

Holy cow!!! This kid is amazing!! Thanks, IP!

Per IP posted clips of Sam Coulson I can see why Asia is so pumped. I think the new album is going to kick some ass.

Rick A.

Yep that's some hot playing. Nice tone.

I sure hope that's the case, but Steve Howe is no slouch, either. If Wetton and Downes keep writing in the same vein, we'll continue to get more of the same.

This guy is very good, but he seems like a dime-a-dozen shredder. I'll be curious to see what he'll contribute to new music, and how he'll handle Howe's inimitable style on the old stuff. As someone who's also a fan of the John Payne era of Asia, I'll certainly keep an open mind, but it's no longer "Original Asia" (as they've been billing themselves since the reunion).

Speaking of the other Asia, their new single is pretty good, I think:

Yes, it is! I bought the single the day it was released. Looking forward to the entire "Americana" album later this year.

Rich:
I somewhat understand what you're saying but if this guy is a dime-a-dozen player then most guys aren't worth a penny. personally, I've found Steve's contributions to Asia's sound really weak the last few albums/tours and I don't know if he was able to balance Asia and Yes as well as he would've liked.

I say this as a huge fan of Steve Howe and I'm sad he left but the classic Asia core made one of their best albums without Steve in 1985 with Astra IMO and it can be done again.

Pete, I agree that Howe's contributions to their last few albums haven't been brilliant, but I think that has more to do with Asia being the Downes-Wetton project than Steve's lack of creativity. I will still be checking out the new lineup and hoping that the new guy shows some creativity within those chops.

From classicrockmagazine.com:

Sam Coulson on joining Asia

The 26-year-old guitarist, who was hired after Howe surprised fans by announcing his departure in January, has vowed to remain true to his predecessor’s approach – although he’ll apply his own character to the music.

In a recent web chat with fans Coulson says: “Steve has a great classical-style vibrato which sounds great. My own method has always been the sort of Eric Clapton approach, moving the string more horizontally. I feel technical changes like this will give the band perhaps a heavier edge.

He reveals he got the job after Asia had asked Paul Gilbert to consider taking it. “Paul put my name forward,” he explains. “When he told me, I was over the moon.”

Coulson is already at work on Asia’s next album, Valkyrie, and says it’s been a positive experience. “It’s been a challenge to learn some of Steve’s licks,” he admits. “However, the guys are very encouraging when it comes to stretching out with my own ideas in some solo secant, which I am very pleased about.

“Sure, there is always pressure being the new gig in an established band, but I feel pressure helps me bring my A-game, so to speak.”

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know the band on a personal level. It feels fantastic to be part of a world-renowned band and I’m grateful for that. Apart from that, my life hasn’t changed a huge amount, – I still go about life as usual.”

New album title announced the other day and recording is almost done.

Really looking forward to it!

Bump: Added pre-order details to the first post.

Linda:
I had an awful day (lots of those these days), but you made me smile with this update-thanks!