VELVET THUNDER

This is one of Asia’s best albums to date. The songs are deep in musicality, with a powerful and original performance, dynamics and strong lyrical undertones

More than four decades after redefining the sound of melodic progressive rock, Asia return in 2026 with Indigo – a studio album that bridges past, present, and future with remarkable grace and authenticity. Now featuring Geoffrey Downes alongside an inspired new lineup – Virgil Donati, John Mitchell, and Harry Whitley – Asia step confidently into a new era while honoring the legacy that made them perhaps one of the most iconic supergroups of all time. The band had actually started work on this album as far back as 2015, following the release of their previous album Gravitas in 2014. John Wetton and Geoff had started putting some ideas together, aiming to get into the studio once more before, sadly, John became seriously ill and passed away. Geoff relates how, the response to the 2023 tribute concert for John was so warm that he felt encouraged to revisit the part-written material and to re-establish not only the band, but also to reunite with their long-time supportive label, Frontiers, paving the way for the band to get back in the studio.

Geoff tells us: “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 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 concludes.

Musically, Indigo stands as a natural continuation of Asia’s 21st-century output, while subtly weaving in the sonic DNA of the band’s classic early albums. From soaring melodies to richly layered arrangements, the album delivers the signature blend of accessibility and musicianship that defined hits like Heat Of The Moment and Only Time Will Tell. The album also features special guest appearances that elevate its scope: Steve Howe contributes acoustic guitar to the evocative Chesapeake Bay, while Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) delivers a powerful performance on the bonus track Tattoo Indigo (Part 3).

Recorded throughout 2025 and produced by Downes and the band, with mixing and mastering handled by John Mitchell, Indigo captures the unmistakable spirit of Asia while injecting it with renewed vitality and purpose. At the heart of the album lies an emotional connection to the band’s history. Indigo includes some of the final compositions written by the late John Wetton -Tattoo Indigo (Parts 2 & 3) and Chesapeake Bay- imbuing the record with a profound sense of continuity and tribute. The presence of Wetton is further felt through the extraordinary vocal performance of Harry Whitley, whose tone and phrasing evoke a striking and deeply moving resemblance to the band’s original voice.

The album opens with The Traveller (Into The Light), the signature blend of keys and chords at once continuing from wher Asia last laid off. Multi-layered vocal harmonies are as tight as ever, this is a band still having fun, whilst being mindful and respectful of the past. Change Of Heart brings the tempo down, a poignant ballad written in a style that is simply timeless. Arcadia returns to the synth and keys-driven mid-Atlantic vibe the band are famous for, it builds smoothly as ever.

Is This The Life?was written by John Mitchell just after he’d finished mixing the live Asia album. It’s a beefy, positive song, a “Carpe Diem” anthem – seize the day and keep looking forward, we’re only here once, so make the most of it! You have to applaud these guys’ undoubted spirit!

Now we come to the heart of the album – the trilogy of Tattoo Indigo that was penned by John Wetton shortly before his demise, and it’s impossible to listen to these without picturing John and his though-process when writing them. The upbeat tempo of Part 1 provides quite a work-out for the band, perhaps cocking a snook at fate, and you feel that sense of catharcis for them. Part 2 is a short reflective ballad that is quite luscious, Harry’s vocals uncannily capturing the essence of JW. Part 3 is a largely instrumental, cinematic number that acts as a fitting elegy for the man, very emotional for them all.  

Life In The Sun is simply classic Asia, no dilution here. A meaty rock vibe gives the backbone to more multi-layered harmonies, these guys still know how to perform! Hymn For The Fallen is another emotional eulogy to their departed friend, while Night And Day is a more bouncy number in a classic 80’s mould. Valencia (The Ghost Ship) is a “heritage” Asia track, An Elegy is simpy that,and then we have another self-written elegy from John W in Chesapeake Bay. Remarkably philosphical lyrics performed performed by Harry and featuring some lovely guitar work from guest Steve Howe.

On A Winters Night features Asia in full ”symphonic” mode, while Echo Of You closes the substantive album as the longest track. Reflective whilst perhaps having the ‘fattest’ sound on the album. But we’re not quite done yet, we get a bonus track a reworking of Tattoo Indigo (Part 3) featuring Mike Portnoy, adding something extra in the percussion stakes as a fittingly upbeat ending to this songset.

With Indigo, Asia don’t just revisit their legacy – they expand it, proving once again that their music remains as vital, resonant, and timeless as ever. And as a reflection of this new energy, following a resurgence of live activity across the US, Japan, and Europe, Asia are looking forward to taking to the road again.