GPS-Window To The Soul (2006)

Sponsored by one of rock's most famous managers and executives, John Kalodner, the supergroup GPS was formed in 2006. Led by John Payne (Asia), they released a single album featuring Spock's Beard keyboardist Ryo Okumoto, guitarist Guthrie Govan, and drummer Jay Schellen, both of whom were also occasional members of Asia. Their only released work, ironically titled "Window to the Soul", is a prime example of the best modern progressive hard rock with 70s symphonic elements. Lengthy tracks like the progressive "New Jerusalem", "Heaven Can Wait", "I Believe In Yesterday", and "The Objector" bear the unmistakable mark of Asia, featuring sublime keyboard work from Okumoto, while other tracks such as the melodic "Gold" and "Since You've Been Gone", or the hard-rocking "Taken Dreams", showcase excellent guitar work and Payne's powerful vocals. Shortly after the album's release, an official statement from Asia's press office mentioned that some of the tracks included here were originally composed for a proposed Asia album titled "Architect of Time", which was scrapped months before the release of this album.