ASIA, the legendary British band, moves into the next phase of its extraordinary career with "Gravitas", a brave new album that explores different musical landscapes while embracing its familiar musical past. Produced and written by band members John Wetton and Geoff Downes, "Gravitas" is deeply introspective within a clearly accessible sound. The album also introduces the world to ASIA's new guitarist, Sam Coulson, who came at the recommendation of MR. BIG's Paul Gilbert.

Scheduled for release on Frontiers Records on 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.

From the title track, "Gravitas", which chronicles a man's struggle in the battlefield of life, to the powerfully compelling tale of unrequited love, "The Closer I Get To You", the album is a tour de force for the band whose music has become a staple to rock fans.

"Pure, unadulterated and stereotypical ASIA, with raw energy, enthusiasm and free from impurities," says John Wetton. "It conveys the spectrum of emotion and color 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."